New Facilities at Loyola

by **ahunte1** » August 27th, 2019, 8:49 am

Thought folks might be interested in learning that Loyola's new practice facility officially opened on Sunday with a ribbon-cutting and public tours.

Some pics here and here. Two gyms and a video room. Quite nice. I like the openness and field house style windows.

And a renovated locker room (video).

**Sponsor**

by **Sir Sci** » August 27th, 2019, 8:52 am

Good to see this investment. Glad to see Loyola doing what they can to capitalize on their successes in the Valley and develop their program's facilities. Now if only Gentile could be expanded and Valpo could play in something other than a bigger version of a high school gymnasium...

by **ahunte1** » August 27th, 2019, 8:59 am

Sir Sci wrote:Good to see this investment. Glad to see Loyola doing what they can to capitalize on their successes in the Valley and develop their program's facilities. Now if only Gentile could be expanded and Valpo could play in something other than a bigger version of a high school gymnasium...

Maybe some day

Have you been to Gentile? I actually think it's a fine size. I get the appeal of a 10,000 seat arena, but what's the point if you don't fill it? I'd rather have Gentile sold out on a regular basis. Hopefully that happens again this year!

by **RacerJoeD** » August 27th, 2019, 10:00 am

Looks like a beautiful facility. When Murray State built their basketball practice facility a few years ago, we were very proud to have it, as I know you all will be too. It will help ease some of the burden off the staff and players going forward and is a good investment for the Loyola basketball program.

Some pics of Murray St.'s Gene Ray Center
https://goracers.com/sports/2014/1/27/G ... spx?id=436

by **musiccitybulldog** » August 27th, 2019, 11:03 am

Looks really nice, I like the windows. Thanks for sharing.

by **Mikovio** » August 29th, 2019, 6:34 am

ahunte1 wrote:
Sir Sci wrote:Good to see this investment. Glad to see Loyola doing what they can to capitalize on their successes in the Valley and develop their program's facilities. Now if only Gentile could be expanded and Valpo could play in something other than a bigger version of a high school gymnasium...

Maybe some day

Have you been to Gentile? I actually think it's a fine size. I get the appeal of a 10,000 seat arena, but what's the point if you don't fill it? I'd rather have Gentile sold out on a regular basis. Hopefully that happens again this year!

Well obviously the goal would be to have a bigger arena and fill that. The question is if Loyola could fill it.

A decade ago Bradley averaged 9k but that's slowly dwindled down to 5k and a half empty arena after years of losing until recently. A lot of people were asking what's the point of an 11k arena and talked of moving more games to the women's arena which we could fill easily (4,200 capacity) but AD Reynolds has resisted and even stopped playing exhibitions there. Hopefully we can put that talk to bed now with the NCAA bid and an expected contender because Carver can be a great environment when filled.

by **Sir Sci** » August 30th, 2019, 8:00 am

ahunte1 wrote:
Sir Sci wrote:Good to see this investment. Glad to see Loyola doing what they can to capitalize on their successes in the Valley and develop their program's facilities. Now if only Gentile could be expanded and Valpo could play in something other than a bigger version of a high school gymnasium...

Maybe some day

Have you been to Gentile? I actually think it's a fine size. I get the appeal of a 10,000 seat arena, but what's the point if you don't fill it? I'd rather have Gentile sold out on a regular basis. Hopefully that happens again this year!

I mean, there are plenty of Missouri State fans who lament that we have an 11,000 seat arena that we can't fill, so I hear ya. I don't so much mean that Loyola needs a behemoth of an arena - but it is the smallest arena in the MVC, even though it's nicer than some of the other ones. I don't think you'd need 11k capacity (which is why I'm not saying build a whole new one and sink money into something like that), but if it'd be plausible to add some more space to Gentile that would be worthwhile, I think.

by **Kyle@MOState** » August 30th, 2019, 11:59 am

Sir Sci wrote:
ahunte1 wrote:
Sir Sci wrote:Good to see this investment. Glad to see Loyola doing what they can to capitalize on their successes in the Valley and develop their program's facilities. Now if only Gentile could be expanded and Valpo could play in something other than a bigger version of a high school gymnasium...

Maybe some day

Have you been to Gentile? I actually think it's a fine size. I get the appeal of a 10,000 seat arena, but what's the point if you don't fill it? I'd rather have Gentile sold out on a regular basis. Hopefully that happens again this year!

I mean, there are plenty of Missouri State fans who lament that we have an 11,000 seat arena that we can't fill, so I hear ya. I don't so much mean that Loyola needs a behemoth of an arena - but it is the smallest arena in the MVC, even though it's nicer than some of the other ones. I don't think you'd need 11k capacity (which is why I'm not saying build a whole new one and sink money into something like that), but if it'd be plausible to add some more space to Gentile that would be worthwhile, I think.

I certainly don't lament the large arena. The one positive that large arena brings to Springfield is that it's a venue for larger acts to come through... Obviously Chicago doesn't need another arena to attract those. I think we all wish that all our teams could fill 10-15 thousand seat arenas night in and night out, but I am afraid those days are gone, not only for the Valley, but for the vast majority of college basketball. That being said, it does bode well for the entire conference to have great facilities, and I do wish the ARC and Gentile were packing out enough to necessitate a new arena. I also wish that Missouri State did a better job of filling our place.