Imagine this: You’re a Georgetown student, exhausted after a long day of classes. Instead of heading back to your dorm, you’re crammed on a bus, battling traffic and rowdy classmates, just to reach a basketball game. This isn’t a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s the reality for Hoyas fans trekking to Capital One Arena. But here’s where it gets controversial: Why do the Hoyas play in a massive, off-campus arena when the energy and convenience of on-campus games are so undeniable? And this is the part most people miss: the history, the logistics, and the passionate debate surrounding the team’s home court advantage.
The Hoyas’ journey to find a home court has been anything but straightforward. From humble beginnings in Ryan Gymnasium (now the Davis Center for Performing Arts) to the iconic McDonough Arena, the team has bounced around 17 different venues. Only two of those were actually on the Hilltop. They’ve even played in a car barn and Odd Fellows Hall! The move to the Capital Centre in the 80s was a game-changer, accommodating a surging fanbase. Attendance skyrocketed, proving the need for a larger space. But the current situation at Capital One Arena, with its declining attendance and logistical hurdles, raises questions.
Let’s face it, getting to Capital One Arena is a commitment. A three-hour round trip, relying on university buses, can be a deterrent for students juggling academics and social lives. On-campus games, like the legendary 1982 matchup against Missouri in McDonough, showcase the electric atmosphere that comes with a packed student section. As former Hoya guard Gene Smith recalls, “The crowd was overflowing...it was just an incredible experience.” But McDonough’s current capacity, a mere 2,200 seats, simply can’t accommodate the demand.
Here’s the million-dollar question: Is it time to revisit the idea of more on-campus games? A $22 million renovation proposal in 2000 aimed to expand McDonough’s capacity, but it never materialized. While major renovations seem unlikely in the near future, a more feasible solution could be scheduling more non-conference games, which typically draw smaller crowds, on campus. Last year’s game against Wagner College in McDonough proved successful, with a packed house and a decisive Hoya victory.
Current players like Malik Mack echo the sentiment, “Those McDonough games are definitely a bit more fun...the crowd is right there on the floor.” The energy is palpable, the connection to the team undeniable. So, while a complete return to McDonough might not be realistic, a hybrid model, utilizing both arenas, could reignite the passion of the past and secure a brighter future for Hoya basketball.
What do you think? Should the Hoyas prioritize the convenience and spirit of on-campus games, even with limited seating, or stick with the larger, albeit less intimate, Capital One Arena? Let’s spark a debate in the comments!
