Ay-Ziggy-Zoomba.com

I suppose this is obvious but perhaps it deserves emphasizing.

The first impression people have of BGSU traveling along I-75 or actually exiting into BG is Doyt Perry Stadium. This is one reason why the dramatic architecture of the Sebo Center and any future makeover of the Doyt is so important. It is also an important reason why we should have a new convocation center in that same area rather than a renovation of Anderson Arena.

An impressive football complex plus a coordinated and impressive convocation center can create a major architectural statement introducing the University. Fortunately, BGSU has at its disposal what is required to achieve this (space, etc.), something many universities would love to have.

BGSU has an envious architectural and landscaping opportunity for introducing the University to people who are driving by or actually visiting. I hope we take advantage of this opportunity and I'm betting we will.

By the way, the study concerning whether to renovate Anderson Arena or build a new convocation center is scheduled to be completed in August. I can't wait to see its recommendations.

I am strongly hoping BGSU takes advantage of the marvelous opportunities I've mentioned.

I'll look at what the study has to say.

I'd like to see Anderson improved, but I have to admit this may not be a cost effective choice.

What I *don't* want is what every other school in the MAC (save Central Michigan) seems to have: A cavernous tomb that is all-but-impossible to fill and where the cheers of the crowd die a quick death because they can't even reach the distant rafters.

If an architect can show us how to retain that which makes Anderson great in a new building, then I'm perfectly happy to see us build new and I don't much care where they locate it (except I'd like to see us leave room for seating in south end zone).

Problem is, this may be a mission impossible for the architect.