Atmosphere at the Palumbo Center

Now that Duquesne is 10-3 and looking like a legit Division I basketball program it is time to evaluate the A.J. Palumbo Center on game day. In my opinion the atmosphere needs to be improved.

My suggestions:

• The pep band needs an overhaul. The band needs to be in a more prominent position in the Palumbo Center, not tucked way up high where it is now. The band needs to be bigger, wear uniforms or have a uniform dress code, and to play set music every game that fans can come to know and cheer for.



• I'll admit the cheerleaders have improved the last few years, but there are still improvements that need to be made. The size of the cheerleading squad is inconsistent, some games there too many cheerleaders, and other games there are too few. There are not enough cheerleaders who can do actual gymnastics and/or tumbling. In my mind there are three necessities for being a cheerleader 1. gymnastic skills, 2. attractiveness and 3. a fit body. I know it sounds bad, but part of being a cheerleader is being attractive and in great shape. We seem to have only a handful of cheerleaders who can do any tumbling. We actually have a good percentage of attractive cheerleaders who are in great shape this year, but in my mind all of our cheerleaders should fit this description, not just some.



• There should be more concession stands, and the concession stands need to have better food. I don't expect gourmet food, but the nacho cheese comes in a little plastic thing with a seal on the top. This is something that likely won't change until the Dukes get a new gym and I understand that. Last year there were a few extra concession tables to offset the full concession stands and those need to be brought back until a new gym is built.



• I was very happy that the Dukes added the extra location for sale of Duquesne paraphernalia near the 2nd level of the general admission section. Many people have complained that they do not have enough of a selection or that they run out of certain items, sweatshirts in particular. The location also creates a traffic jam for people sitting in the general admission section as well. This is the type of problem that can't really be solved until a new arena is built but the stand should at least have an ample supply of the few items they do sell.



• Our ushers need to act more professionally. The ushers now are sub par, it seems like most of the ushers are grubby college kids who have not taken any time to look remotely professional, at the very least I expect an usher to have clean combed hair. Most of the time the ushers don't greet you when you enter the Palumbo Center or ask if you need help finding your seat.



• The pictures in the front section of the Palumbo Center need to be updated, (I actually think there is a picture of Ron Dokes.) Duquesne should put up pictures of some noteworthy recent players: Bryant McAllister, Mike James, Beth Friday, and Korie Hlede would be my top choices. Underneath each picture should be an update on what each of these former Dukes are not doing, James plays in the NBA, McAllister is playing professional basketball in Germany, Hlede spent several successful seasons in the WNBA, etc. Duquesne should be proud of its former star athletes and that should show in their gym. A group of pictures of players who have had their numbers retired would be nice addition as well, in addition to information about each of those players accomplishments at Duquesne and the remainder of their basketball careers.
  


• The students have been doing a decent job of attending Duquesne games this season and I hope this continues. Duquesne needs some way of filling those seats during the winter break however. In years past the Dukes have given away blocks of tickets to groups to help fill up the Palumbo Center. Something has to be done to fill the arena during winter break when Ron Everhart is putting such a strong team on the floor. When the team was bad I didn't mind that the gym was empty, but now that the the team is good the athletic department needs to do whatever is necessary to get people to the games, especially during winter break.

It may seem like I am nitpicking, but if we want to a be a top calibre basketball program these are the things that need to be improved until we can build a new arena.