Lehigh/Lafayette games at the PPL Center

[CHIP72Participant]

I wonder if there have been any talks to move occasional Lehigh/Lafayette men’s basketball games to the PPL Center in Allentown. Part of the reason why I bring this up is because when I made a family visit to the Lehigh Valley in late September and attended the Lehigh/Monmouth game, multiple people were inquiring about the 11/14/14 Villanova game at the PPL Center when I stopped by the Lehigh basketball table on the Goodman Stadium concourse; it seems like there may be interest in future Lehigh basketball games in Allentown. I don’t think this would (or should) be an every year thing, but it’s something that might be pretty cool when both teams are good/projected to be good and there are no schedule conflicts. Maybe such a game could be made part of a basketball doubleheader, perhaps with a Lehigh/Lafayette women’s basketball game, a Moravian/Muhlenberg basketball game, a Lehigh Valley high school basketball game (probably featuring Allen, Dieruff, or Central Catholic), or something similar.

I realize most Lehigh/Lafayette basketball games don’t sell out as is (at least at the larger Stabler Arena), but in the right context, I think the idea has merit. I can’t help but remember that 2004 Lehigh/Lafayette regular season game at Stabler that drew 5,206 (essentially a sellout and I’m pretty sure the all-time record for attendance at a Lehigh basketball game), probably had 1500-2000 Lafayette fans in attendance by my estimate, and had by far the best atmosphere of any basketball game I’ve attended at Lehigh or Lafayette (though the Lehigh/Lafayette 2000 Patriot League Tournament semifinal at Kirby Sports Center and the 2010 Patriot League Championship Game at Stabler were good atmosphere-wise too).

One other thought – if any Lehigh/Lafayette men’s basketball games are moved to the new arena in Allentown, objectively-speaking it probably should be a Lehigh home game that is moved first, because 1) Lehigh is closer to Allentown and 2) it doesn’t appear Lafayette is getting a home football game for Lehigh/Lafayette 151 in 2015 after 150 was moved to New York this year.

Thoughts?

[toddcuddParticipant]

i’m eager to see how the turnout for the ‘nova game goes. If it’s good, I’m right with ya. Seems like a great way to build local community fanbase. But if the reports I saw on here are accurate, price might be a problem. I’m really hopeful for good turnout; to me, it’s the right kind of game.

[ngineerParticipant]

I don’t see it. Stabler is very adequate and should be used for our home game. LU isn’t going to give up the revenue for holding it at Stabler. Crowd won’t be any bigger in center city Allentown. Longer to drive, parking issues. Just don’t see it.

[jimk72Participant]

Went to the Phantoms’ home opener last night at PPL Center. Incredible venue for watching an event for our area. Parking was not an issue, if you pay $6 in the decks (or $3 two blocks away). Got in and out relatively easily. Large, plush spacious seats and you are right on top of things for an 8,000 seat arena. I would love to see us play a game every year or every other year there against the polka dot pussies or a big name regional program with local alumni support (Nova, Penn State, Temple?). The Villanova game as well as Penn State v. Drexel (12/20/14) will be the litmus tests to see if this type of event gets support at PPL Center. For those non-hockey fans outside the area, the Phantoms are the Flyers top level minor league team in the American Hockey League.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 3 months ago by  jimk72.

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