$ MoneySmart / Entertainment
Big 4: What’s the big deal?
College basketball fans looking to stretch their entertainment dollar don’t have to jump through hoops
Looking for good sports entertainment value? Local college basketball has long had a reputation for being a high-quality night out for a reasonable price.
Generally speaking, that’s true.
But where is the best of the local values? Depends on what you’re looking for — price, parking, atmosphere or winning record.
Chances are you can find what you’re looking for around the Big 4 — Canisius, Niagara, University at Buffalo and St. Bonaventure— without much trouble. And this is a good week to find it because each of the men’s and women’s teams is at home at least once through Sunday. The schedule of home games is: The Bona men play Saint Joseph’s at 7 p. m. Wednesday and the women play UMass at 1 p. m. Saturday; the Niagara men play Iona at 7 p. m. Thursday and Rider at 4 p. m. Saturday and the women play Manhattan at 7 p. m. Friday and Fairfield at 1 p. m. Sunday; the UB men play Ohio at 4 p. m. Saturday and the women play Kent State at 7 p. m. Wednesday and Miami (Ohio) in the first game of a double-header Saturday at 2 p. m.; and the Canisius men play Rider at 7 p. m. Thursday and Iona at 2 p. m. Saturday and the women play Fairfield at 7 p. m. Friday and Manhattan at 2 p. m. Sunday.
Here is a look at the schools and what you get for your money.
Note that for women’s games, crowds are smaller and sideline entertainment is hit or miss, as will be the availability of concession stands.
And while all four schools have deals in which you can purchase tickets online, be aware that all online providers have service charges. If you want to save the cash, get to the game early (or earlier in the week) and purchase tickets at the box office.
Canisius
Venue: The Koessler Center (seats 2,176)
Ticket prices: Men’s games: $12 reserve (chair backs), $8 general admission (bleacher seats). Women’s games: $5 all seats. Group tickets and five-game packs available. The ticket office is open from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. Monday through Friday and opens at noon on game days. Tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster with a service fee of $3.90.
Concessions: Small stand with the basics that are reasonably priced but expect only to get some snacks and not make this your dinner. The “meal deal” of a hot dog and large soda is $3. Cost of a hot dog, soda and popcorn is $5.
Parking: Free on campus and in the Canisius parking deck. There is also a free shuttle that runs between the front of the Center and the parking deck before and after the game.
Atmosphere: The student section is called the C-Block and has grown in recent years. For most games, Canisius High School supplies the band though St. Joe’s is playing two games this year. Best interaction between the students and the band — the communal singing of Bon Jovi’s “Living on A Prayer.” Note that the song was released in 1986, the year many college seniors were born.
Scoreboard: A complete board that shows which players are in the game and their points and fouls is on the wall behind the players’ bench. If you’re sitting on that side of the gym, you are out of luck.
Season records: Men — 5-11 overall, 0-6 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference; Women — 12-4 overall, 4-1 in the MAAC.
UB
Venue: Alumni Arena (6,100).
Ticket prices: Men’s games: $18 for 100 level, $16 for 200 level and $14 for 300 level and general admission. Women’s games: $5 all seats. Doubleheaders: $20 for 100 level, $18 for 200 level and $16 for 300 level and general admission. The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. and one hour before each home basketball game. Tickets can be purchased online at Tickets.com but the combined convenience and order processing fee is $4.75.
Concessions: The best “arena” feel for concessions with stands that offer personal-sized pizza and barbecue sandwiches along with other stadium fare. There is also a Red Osier cart that sells roast beef sandwiches. But if you’re just in the mood for a drink, be sure to check out the vending machines. Cost of a hot dog, soda and popcorn: $8.75.
Parking: It’s free on campus but can be difficult when school is in session and you are battling for spaces with night school students. There are few spaces that are close to the arena, so plan on a bit of a walk.
Atmosphere: Because it’s the biggest school, with music and dance programs, the sideline shows are the area’s best. The UB pep band is entertaining and energetic and often drives the chants and cheers of the student section, along with playing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” at least once a game. You may find yourself singing “Go Bulls! Go Bulls! Go Bulls! Go UB!” in your sleep but if you’re looking for big-time college atmosphere, this is the place to get it as long as school is in session. For children, there also is a bounce house-type of slide available in the corner, sponsored by Tim Hortons.
Scoreboard: Old-school style that hangs from the ceiling. The scoreboard system needs an upgrade. It’s the only school in the Big 4 with a board that does not have the ability to list players with their fouls and points.
Season records: Men — 8-5 overall, 0-1 in the Mid-American Conference; Women — 4-11 overall, 0-2 in the MAC.
Niagara
Venue: Gallagher Center (2,400).
Ticket prices: Men’s games: $15 reserved, $10 general admission, $5 youth (12 and under). Women’s games: All seats $7, youth (12 and under) $3. Ticket office (at Dwyer Arena) is open from 11 a. m. to 5 p. m. Monday through Friday. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com with a convenience charge of $3.75.
Concessions: A popcorn and cotton candy stand is in the basement near the entrance selling both for $1. “Under the Taps” food court is usually open during home games when students are on campus serving a variety of snacks. It’s basically the student union of Niagara. Cost of a hot dog, soda and popcorn: $4.
Parking: Free on campus and a large main lot by the Gallagher Center usually has open spaces, but large crowds (or late classes) can push open spaces over to Dwyer Arena.
Atmosphere: The student section, the N-Zone, has increased in numbers, intensity and organization over the past few years. Contained in the far end bleachers (before the gym renovation that was the end with the theater stage), the students are loud and raucous and, at times, a bit rude, but it does make for an interesting game-day aura and a challenge for opposing coaches. The Niagara University Pep Band plays at all men’s games.
Scoreboard: There are scoreboards at both ends of the gym with one listing players, fouls and points.
Season records: Men — 13-4 overall, 4-1 in the MAAC; Women — 1-15 overall, 0-5 in the MAAC.
St. Bonaventure
Venue: Reilly Center (5,780).
Ticket prices: Men’s games — $14 for rows A-L in upper level (the “reds”), all seats in Sections 7 and 8 (center court “reds”) along with floor level bleachers; $9 for upper level rows M-T. Women’s games: $3 all seats, $2 for children 7-14. Ticket office is open 9 a. m. to 4 p. m., Monday through Friday and two hours before men’s home games. Online through Tickets.com with a combined $6 convenience fee and order processing fee.
Concessions: Stands on both sides of the gym include basics and Zweigle’s Italian sausage. The RC Cafe is often open during games, serving as the student union of Bona with snacks and a grill. The bookstore also has snack items and drinks. Cost of a hot dog, soda and popcorn: $3 for hot dog and soda. No popcorn at concession stands, but add nachos for $2.50 or a soft pretzel for $1.50.
Parking: Free on campus, but spots closest to the Reilly Center are reserved for season-ticket holders and donors. Fans should expect a short walk from the classroom/residence hall parking lots to the R. C.
Atmosphere: Historically one of the toughest places for opponents to play, the excitement among the student body has returned with 500 to 800 students (the WolfPack) packed in the bleachers across from the opposing team’s bench. Generally, the students feel a sense of ownership with this team. The Alumni Band plays most home games with local high school bands picking up a few games.
Scoreboard: Large scoreboard hangs from the rafters. A new scoreboard at one of the end zones lists players, points and fouls.
Season records: Men — 10-5 overall, 1-1 in the Atlantic 10; Women — 12-4, 1-0 in the A-10.
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