PJS, Dave Reynolds on Carver Arena Crowd

[Big Mike]

Nice read...

http://pjstarpeoria.com/bradleyhoops/pressrow/2009/11/23/carver-arena-crowd-better-than-we-thought/

[amckillip]

These are the kind of articles I really like to see. I enjoy being a BU fan FAR more than my previous fandom (yes, I, at one time, was a U of I fan...), for the exact same reasons I enjoy being a Cardinals fan. The fan base is loyal, but more importantly knowledgeable about the game, and respectful to both teams on the court. IMO, you can't ask for anything more than that out of fans.

[thefish7]

Great article!

[Da Coach]

The Bradley crowd is great. As much as some find things to criticize with the BU fans, they are faithful, and supportive in more ways than just showing up for games. Many coaches from opposing teams have said similar things, and they are surprised to find this environment in Peoria.

Here is a clip from Dave Reynolds' column, and I agree with this-
But Wofford coach Mike Young had some complimentary remarks as well.
???What an unbelievable environment,??? he said following the game. ???What a class group of fans that cheers for their team. I had no idea. Jim (Les) has told me what a great place it is and how loyal the fan base is. But I was just blown away. Dayton is a lot like this.???
So his comments about the Carver throng was referencing good behavior and good sportsmanship more than size. Regardless of how lifeless some of us believed the crowd to be Sunday compared to past games ??” for the closeness of the contest ??” this outsider was impressed by how well he thought Peorians supported their team.
That??™s a great compliment and one Bradley fans should take to heart. Sometimes we take for granted the great support this basketball program receives from its community. So it??™s nice to hear a reminder from someone who can truly appreciate such support.

[tornado]

many smaller D-I teams play in old gyms that you can hear the echo and the guy in the lobby asking for a hot dog..
and of course very few mid-majors can match the size of corwd a Big Ten or Big 12 school gets..

But BU not only can patch those crowds but also they can be very loud and supportive, and "in to the game".