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We were lucky enough to go to Durham for the Duke game. Had a great time seeing the place and socializing with a few friends. Just a few impressions:
1. Cameron is everything you would think it is and more. It is smaller than it looks and older than it looks. The wooden chairback seats, basket standards, troughs in the bathrooms, almost everything is really old (1940/50's), yet perfectly maintained. The concourse, ticket office (useless because of the 311 straight sellouts), concession stands are all "amazingly" small. The atmosphere is great. We sat right next to the band and students. The songs the band plays are older and traditional pep band songs and the students have actions for each of them during time outs, etc. They do have some modern additions that are done tastefully, modern score/video board, and even an advertising plug here or there, and occasionally some piped in music.
2. The environment is very laid back and informal. The ushers are very friendly, one took our picture. They shake hands with the season ticket holders they know, etc. We even walked down by the court after the game. Duke players and families were milling around and fans were taking photos. It was very much like a high school environment. I was very surprised by this, I assumed with all the noteriety and exposure things would be very strict, not so at all.
3. With the loss of DSE for the game we were fearing a "blood bath." I felt like the team competed very hard. Thank goodness for Dodie...38 minutes 0 turnovers, WOW. He saved us and made the game reasonably competative. He may be the key to saving our season along with WE.
4. Several of us had a few pre/post game cocktails as the Washington/Duke Inn. What a nice place. If I am ever lucky enough to make it back to Duke for a game I would recommend saving your money and springing for a room there. Sat next to Len Elmore post game who was enjoying bourbon and chicken wings with friends. Walking distance to Cameron too!
5. I know many of you like me are getting back home, post other impressions here:
DD
1. Cameron is everything you would think it is and more. It is smaller than it looks and older than it looks. The wooden chairback seats, basket standards, troughs in the bathrooms, almost everything is really old (1940/50's), yet perfectly maintained. The concourse, ticket office (useless because of the 311 straight sellouts), concession stands are all "amazingly" small. The atmosphere is great. We sat right next to the band and students. The songs the band plays are older and traditional pep band songs and the students have actions for each of them during time outs, etc. They do have some modern additions that are done tastefully, modern score/video board, and even an advertising plug here or there, and occasionally some piped in music.
2. The environment is very laid back and informal. The ushers are very friendly, one took our picture. They shake hands with the season ticket holders they know, etc. We even walked down by the court after the game. Duke players and families were milling around and fans were taking photos. It was very much like a high school environment. I was very surprised by this, I assumed with all the noteriety and exposure things would be very strict, not so at all.
3. With the loss of DSE for the game we were fearing a "blood bath." I felt like the team competed very hard. Thank goodness for Dodie...38 minutes 0 turnovers, WOW. He saved us and made the game reasonably competative. He may be the key to saving our season along with WE.
4. Several of us had a few pre/post game cocktails as the Washington/Duke Inn. What a nice place. If I am ever lucky enough to make it back to Duke for a game I would recommend saving your money and springing for a room there. Sat next to Len Elmore post game who was enjoying bourbon and chicken wings with friends. Walking distance to Cameron too!
5. I know many of you like me are getting back home, post other impressions here:
DD
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