Pinnacle Bank Arena: 300 Level

[PimpMario]

So I sat in the 300 level for the Michigan game, I wanted to give my thoughts and use that as a way to talk more about peoples experiences, expectations and predictions of the new arena.  

 

Background:  My father loves Nebrasketball and isn't afraid to donate.  So my usual seats are in the 14th row of the donor section (basically the entire side of the court that doesn't perceived the Nebraska outline as upside down.  During the big games no one in the donor section really cheers and having to stand up while the game is on would be sacrilege (people grumbled about having to stand during the end of the Miami game).

 

I think maybe if we broke up the donor section then one half of our lower bowl wouldn't be sitting on their hands.

 

My experience in the 300 Level, Michigan game: 300 level SUCKS!  I actually didn't find the seats to be terrible, our angle was decent and we were high but the vantage point was okay.  I had other issues.  We were physically removed from the rest of the arena.  It was dark.  I mean weirdly dark; almost like I was at a movie dark.  It was sleepy.  The fans weren't alive up there.  I don't know if they have figured no on can hear them, they didn't care, or they were just asleep from the darkness.   When I go to CU/NU games at Qwest I sit in the higher sections and there is some energy but maybe that is due to the visiting fans?

 

At least there were $2 hot dogs up high.  

[Red Rum]

I haven't sat up in the 300 section so I can't speak to that but judging from what you are saying it's a lot like the super cheat seats from the Bob. I sat up there the last few years. It was rather dead at times. Which is why I jumped at the chance to move down. 200 isn't a whole lot better but I'm closer so there's that.

[The_Vault]

I sat next to some lively people up in 306 at the Michigan game. Seats weren't bad at all either

[uneblinstu]

I really like my seats in the 200 level. It does feel a bit detached at times, but it's where I wanted to be and I'm happy where I ended up.

[Chad A]

I was doing my best to be lively in 318 - for Michigan game.. but yes I noticed same thing... not same lively I remember in the bench seating of Devaney Center row 30 C section (for big games).  It's weird up there in PBA, as you can't really get a feel for the fans below you in 200 or 100 level (you can just see the court), and you can't see the fans in front of you in the opposite 200 or 300 level you see the scaffolding and speakers and cell phone antennaes... you only get a feel for those at your level or at the ends - that affects the atmosphere.  At Devaney Center the whole crowd would rise up as one at times when you had the accordion effect.  I found myself standing up for key defensive stops only to look around and say hey... i know these are comfy seats, but come on

[PimpMario]

I was doing my best to be lively in 318 - for Michigan game.. but yes I noticed same thing... not same lively I remember in the bench seating of Devaney Center row 30 C section (for big games).  It's weird up there in PBA, as you can't really get a feel for the fans below you in 200 or 100 level (you can just see the court), and you can't see the fans in front of you in the opposite 200 or 300 level you see the scaffolding and speakers and cell phone antennaes... you only get a feel for those at your level or at the ends - that affects the atmosphere.  At Devaney Center the whole crowd would rise up as one at times when you had the accordion effect.  I found myself standing up for key defensive stops only to look around and say hey... i know these are comfy seats, but come on

 

That is true.  It almost feels like you and your section are the only ones at the game.  It is sometimes like watching the game on TV with mute on.

[NeeandMe]

I had the choice between 200 or 100 level season tickets.  I planned all along on going with the 200 as they were front row near midcourt, but once I sat up there I realized immediately I didn't want them.  The seats were fine, view was great, but I felt so detached from what was going on below.  I'm a person that likes to stand and yell... a lot... and where I was in 200 there were only about 5 rows.  I knew that would not work as I wouldn't feel comfortable being the jackass in a small area where everyone would know which guy was losing his mind.

[HuskerFever]

Any thoughts on ways to enhance the fan experience on the upper levels?

[Dean Smith]

I've got tickets to the Minnesota game. Maybe they could try free beer?

[Norm Peterson]

Hey, no complaints from my end about PBA.  It's new.  It's big.  It has a huge scoreboard with big screen TVs.  The seats in front of me have cup holders where I can put the bottles of Pepsi I've smuggled into the arena.  It was NOT built for hockey, The seating is right on top of the action so that you almost feel like you're right there.  At the game.   Watching it live.

 

It has a very nice premium level with luxury boxes that have copper sinks.  I mean, they spared no expense.

 

And it certainly wasn't built to accommodate hockey, so any of you hockey fans out there expecting us to field a hockey team now that we're in the B1G, think again.  There will be no hockey at PBA.  It wasn't designed to handle it.  That's settled fact.  I can show you pictures with lines.

 

Anyway, it's a great, great arena.  Love it.  Absolutely love it.

 

But, if there was one small thing ...

 

I wouldn't mind having a remote control.  With a pause button.  So, I can hit pause if I have to run to the can or something.

[49r]

Hey, no complaints from my end about PBA.  It's new.  It's big.  It has a huge scoreboard with big screen TVs.  The seats in front of me have cup holders where I can put the bottles of Pepsi I've smuggled into the arena.  It was NOT built for hockey, The seating is right on top of the action so that you almost feel like you're right there.  At the game.   Watching it live.

 

It has a very nice premium level with luxury boxes that have copper sinks.  I mean, they spared no expense.

 

And it certainly wasn't built to accommodate hockey, so any of you hockey fans out there expecting us to field a hockey team now that we're in the B1G, think again.  There will be no hockey at PBA.  It wasn't designed to handle it.  That's settled fact.  I can show you pictures with lines.

 

Anyway, it's a great, great arena.  Love it.  Absolutely love it.

 

But, if there was one small thing ...

 

I wouldn't mind having a remote control.  With a pause button.  So, I can hit pause if I have to run to the can or something.

 

...or change the channel if the game gets boring...

[Silverbacked1]

Hey, no complaints from my end about PBA.  It's new.  It's big.  It has a huge scoreboard with big screen TVs.  The seats in front of me have cup holders where I can put the bottles of Pepsi I've smuggled into the arena.  It was NOT built for hockey, The seating is right on top of the action so that you almost feel like you're right there.  At the game.   Watching it live.

 

It has a very nice premium level with luxury boxes that have copper sinks.  I mean, they spared no expense.

 

And it certainly wasn't built to accommodate hockey, so any of you hockey fans out there expecting us to field a hockey team now that we're in the B1G, think again.  There will be no hockey at PBA.  It wasn't designed to handle it.  That's settled fact.  I can show you pictures with lines.

 

Anyway, it's a great, great arena.  Love it.  Absolutely love it.

 

But, if there was one small thing ...

 

I wouldn't mind having a remote control.  With a pause button.  So, I can hit pause if I have to run to the can or something.

 

...or change the channel if the game gets boring...

Or check out the hockey games.

[Norm Peterson]

Yeah, exactly.

 

I do wish I had control over the replays.  Let me hit rewind and play on those.  We'd see how close some of those officiating calls weren't.

[bigred4]

Biggest complaint about the 300 level is the first few rows, you have a railing in your way, if you want to see the whole court.  I assume it is like that for the 200 level as well.  It gets a little annoying when you have to keep moving your head up and down trying to see through it.

 

Looks like at the new Devaney Center, they have plexiglass, wish they would have done that at PBA.

[Nighthawk]

So I sat in the 300 level for the Michigan game, I wanted to give my thoughts and use that as a way to talk more about peoples experiences, expectations and predictions of the new arena.  

 

Background:  My father loves Nebrasketball and isn't afraid to donate.  So my usual seats are in the 14th row of the donor section (basically the entire side of the court that doesn't perceived the Nebraska outline as upside down.  During the big games no one in the donor section really cheers and having to stand up while the game is on would be sacrilege (people grumbled about having to stand during the end of the Miami game).

 

I think maybe if we broke up the donor section then one half of our lower bowl wouldn't be sitting on their hands.

 

My experience in the 300 Level, Michigan game: 300 level SUCKS!  I actually didn't find the seats to be terrible, our angle was decent and we were high but the vantage point was okay.  I had other issues.  We were physically removed from the rest of the arena.  It was dark.  I mean weirdly dark; almost like I was at a movie dark.  It was sleepy.  The fans weren't alive up there.  I don't know if they have figured no on can hear them, they didn't care, or they were just asleep from the darkness.   When I go to CU/NU games at Qwest I sit in the higher sections and there is some energy but maybe that is due to the visiting fans?

 

At least there were $2 hot dogs up high.  

Exactly what is the "donor section"????  We donate and are in the 200 section...there are donors all over the arena...all the way from the first row all the way up to the top section.

 

I do agree with your comments otherwise.  It's probably why they invite 2 people from the 300 down to the floor level.  The U needs to do something to get the whole arena involved...not just the 100 level.  Don't know what it would be. Most of the stuff they shoot up into the seats doesn't make it past the 100 level.

[hal9000]

300s are sooo far away from the action, IMO.  We can't ever get our faces on the big screen, and we can't get any free t-shirts shot our way.  In no way do I feel that I can really have any affect on the game, other than to just add to the volume of the cheering or the "Awww C'MON!" -ing when we get hosed on a block call.  I'll stand with everyone else when the game is tight and there's a crucial possession, but I'm not going to try and hold a pep rally up there.  I imagine the sights and sounds and feel of the game are a lot different down low. 

 

I'm in the 2nd row of the 300's and yeah that railing sucks. 

[Norm Peterson]

I wonder if an intrepid reporter somewhere (chortle, snort) can do a little investigative journalism.

 

Who is paying for this arena?  Is it taxpayers?  Business groups?  Donations from boosters?  What?

 

What's the business model?  I mean, how much profit is this thing going to turn and who gets it?

 

Those premium seats -- luxury boxes and loge suites.  Do they generate enough revenue to pay for the real estate they take up?  And who is getting the money those things generate?  Because it wasn't the University selling those seats, I know that much.

 

Bottom line, who is making money off this place?, how much are they making?, and where is the money coming from?

 

Is the average Joe Taxpayer sitting up in the 300 section getting jobbed?

[Section_316]

2nd row in section_316 & I am with you.. the dead moments seem REALLY dead. I am usually on meet after almost every made basket & going bonkers in critical situations… Of course I wish there were more fans like me in my section, hell in the arena, but I know thats just not gonna happen. My biggest issue is with the fans sitting behind me that want to yell 'sit down' to fans that are standing. I think that is a joke if fans feel that way, they should stay home and watch on their couch… 

[Silverbacked1]

I really like my seats in 322. The railing disappears as the game goes on. Wish the others behind me would stand when we do but that is on them.

I also like to pretend that I am a king and everybody wishes they were up with me.

Also you don't want to see my fat ugly face on the big screen, would scare children and make pregent women go into labor.

[PimpMario]

Any thoughts on ways to enhance the fan experience on the upper levels?

 

I thought about responding to some of the other comments in a joking fashion but then I saw your comment...  I still might make some sarcastic comments..

 

BUT I don't know.  I truthfully think it being dark up there is a problem, it is like you are watching a performance instead of interacting with a sporting event.  They have light up there.  The energy problem seems to be an issue with the fans.  Maybe winning could help?

 

As far as the feeling like you are on an island I just don't know.  I hate the scoreboard in the middle of the stadium and you can't see anyone under you.

[PimpMario]

 

So I sat in the 300 level for the Michigan game, I wanted to give my thoughts and use that as a way to talk more about peoples experiences, expectations and predictions of the new arena.  

 

Background:  My father loves Nebrasketball and isn't afraid to donate.  So my usual seats are in the 14th row of the donor section (basically the entire side of the court that doesn't perceived the Nebraska outline as upside down.  During the big games no one in the donor section really cheers and having to stand up while the game is on would be sacrilege (people grumbled about having to stand during the end of the Miami game).

 

I think maybe if we broke up the donor section then one half of our lower bowl wouldn't be sitting on their hands.

 

My experience in the 300 Level, Michigan game: 300 level SUCKS!  I actually didn't find the seats to be terrible, our angle was decent and we were high but the vantage point was okay.  I had other issues.  We were physically removed from the rest of the arena.  It was dark.  I mean weirdly dark; almost like I was at a movie dark.  It was sleepy.  The fans weren't alive up there.  I don't know if they have figured no on can hear them, they didn't care, or they were just asleep from the darkness.   When I go to CU/NU games at Qwest I sit in the higher sections and there is some energy but maybe that is due to the visiting fans?

 

At least there were $2 hot dogs up high.  

Exactly what is the "donor section"????  We donate and are in the 200 section...there are donors all over the arena...all the way from the first row all the way up to the top section.

 

 

I meant the club seats not the donor section, I misspoke.  

 

The only 2 advantages I think the club seats have are you get to face the benches so you can see Miles expressions. And you get access to the club lobby or whatever it is called where you can buy the $26 buffet and use the club only rest rooms.

[Norm Peterson]

I really like my seats in 322. The railing disappears as the game goes on. Wish the others behind me would stand when we do but that is on them.

I also like to pretend that I am a king and everybody wishes they were up with me.

Also you don't want to see my fat ugly face on the big screen, would scare children and make pregent women go into labor.

Remember, if they call the ushers on you, tell them "Coach Miles told me I didn't have to sit down."

[Silverbacked1]

I really like my seats in 322. The railing disappears as the game goes on. Wish the others behind me would stand when we do but that is on them.I also like to pretend that I am a king and everybody wishes they were up with me.

Also you don't want to see my fat ugly face on the big screen, would scare children and make pregent women go into labor.

Remember, if they call the ushers on you, tell them "Coach Miles told me I didn't have to sit down."

That's right! Thanks Norm

[jimmykc]

Reading this thread does not make me want to visit the arena soon. It will be interesting to see how long some of the season ticket holders decide to continue their donations and how many try to change their locations next year.

[hhcmatt]

Reading this thread does not make me want to visit the arena soon. It will be interesting to see how long some of the season ticket holders decide to continue their donations and how many try to change their locations next year.

 

I really like the new arena.  I wonder if the 200 and 300 level sections seem dead most times that if there are times when they're pumping out noise that it makes any sort of difference on the floor.