Anyone who has attended a St. Bonaventure basketball game knows that the student section has a large part to do with the atmosphere of the Reilly Center. Throughout the country, the Reilly Center is know for its hostile environment and fan support.
In mid-July, St. Bonaventure announced that there would be new seating across from both team benches. This will push the students back and not allow them to be on the sideline.
Growing up in Syracuse, I had been to several college basketball game before I stood in the student section at Bonas, but nothing compares to a game in the Reilly Center. The students' location in the gym allows for an atmosphere that is indescribable. The gym is loud and the students are always on their feet.
Over the past two years, I have seen how the student section gives energy to the Bonnies when it's needed. The players feed off the fans' passion. The addition of the new seats may change the spirit that fans try to bring to games.
When opposing teams come to the Reilly Center, they have to prepare for the energy that the fans bring to the games. The chants start 20 minutes before the game and don't stop until the final buzzer.
The passion the students have for the game of basketball runs deep and gets them through the long winters. The change in seating is difficult for us because it was what made the Reilly Center unique from any other basketball arena in the country. I know Bona's fans will always be loud and lift the teams up, I just wish it would always be from the sideline.
