The NEW Official Thread of the Augustana Vikings

[MrAugustana]

How are the Augie faithful feeling about the upcoming remodel of the Elmen Center? It sounds like this is the end of the Pentagon run.

Augustana University Receives Transformational Gift From Elmen Family to Begin Elmen Center Revitalization Project - Augustana University Athletics

The rendering looks kinda cool - though I wish you guys had the space for a center hung videoboard. Totally understand why it's going on the back wall.

Looooong overdue. I’ve been a fan of the Pentagon, but that was only because the Elmen was so bad. If the administration is willing to put the money into making it a top-of-the-line experience on all levels (players, fans, boosters, etc.), then I think it makes sense to move it back.

Hopefully they follow all the way through on this effort and don’t go the route they went with the supposed-to-be-indoor track and leave it half-unfinished. 🤣

[Stanger86]

Looooong overdue. I’ve been a fan of the Pentagon, but that was only because the Elmen was so bad. If the administration is willing to put the money into making it a top-of-the-line experience on all levels (players, fans, boosters, etc.), then I think it makes sense to move it back.

Hopefully they follow all the way through on this effort and don’t go the route they went with the supposed-to-be-indoor track and leave it half-unfinished. 🤣

Interestingly, I liked the Elmen when I went to a game roughly 15 years ago....was one of my favorite environments in the NSIC.

With the departure of Upper Iowa last year, I've been to games at 12 of the 15 basketball arenas. Wish I had the means to finish out the list.....only missing UMary, Minot, and Sioux Falls (and soon Jamestown).

[MrAugustana]

Interestingly, I liked the Elmen when I went to a game roughly 15 years ago....was one of my favorite environments in the NSIC.

With the departure of Upper Iowa last year, I've been to games at 12 of the 15 basketball arenas. Wish I had the means to finish out the list.....only missing UMary, Minot, and Sioux Falls (and soon Jamestown).

Do you own an old shoebox? Is so, look inside it and you've been to USF's "arena."

[Blue Ridge Viking]

I agree with Mr. Augustana, as usual. As long as the work is a full and proper upgrade, it makes sense to move back on campus for a variety of reasons.

What I hope this doesn't mean is that the school can't afford the rent at the Pentagon, now that it has gone all in financially on hockey. I'm a basketball-first guy and would hate to see the sport short-changed.

Now if we could only do something about that fence on the baseball field ...

[SW_Mustang]

Looooong overdue. I’ve been a fan of the Pentagon, but that was only because the Elmen was so bad. If the administration is willing to put the money into making it a top-of-the-line experience on all levels (players, fans, boosters, etc.), then I think it makes sense to move it back.

Hopefully they follow all the way through on this effort and don’t go the route they went with the supposed-to-be-indoor track and leave it half-unfinished. 🤣

IMO - the Elmen kinda sticks out like a sore thumb given it shares a block with Bowden, Midco, and KO. It's not a bad gym by any means, but it needs a fair amount of TLC. Glad you guys got the initial donation to move the project along.

Hopefully there's money in the budget for that videoboard that can drive some revenue for you guys. It makes a difference. Even the Stew has one! XD

[SW_Mustang]

I agree with Mr. Augustana, as usual. As long as the work is a full and proper upgrade, it makes sense to move back on campus for a variety of reasons.

What I hope this doesn't mean is that the school can't afford the rent at the Pentagon, now that it has gone all in financially on hockey. I'm a basketball-first guy and would hate to see the sport short-changed.

Now if we could only do something about that fence on the baseball field ...

Yeah, hopefully it's not a sign of something bad bubbling - the travel expenses alone you guys have for hockey have to be insane. Basically flying to Michigan every other weekend during the conference stretch.

If y'all get a fundraiser going to fix that Ronken fence I might toss a few pesos at it lol. Thing's an eyesore on an otherwise gorgeous field.

[vikingfaithful]

I've always liked the intimacy of the Elmen center. Never liked the bleacher seats and set back end of court seats. Always wished an update would happen. If finished like mock-up I believe more students and fans will attend ganes and fans with love chairback seats and central location in city. A south end of Elmen center entrance would be sweet on those cold Jan/Feb nights. With attendance not what it used to be this would help and add bling for recruits and players.

[laker]

With the departure of Upper Iowa last year, I've been to games at 12 of the 15 basketball arenas. Wish I had the means to finish out the list.....only missing UMary, Minot, and Sioux Falls (and soon Jamestown).

I've been to every NSIC football field and gym- Minot was the last one about a decade ago. Hope to add Jamestown to the list this fall.

I used to buy the ice cream at the Elmen. I agree totally with the hard seats with no backs. On campus is preferable as long as there is enough parking.

[Otis Day]

Do you own an old shoebox? Is so, look inside it and you've been to USF's "arena."

Congrats on the future chairbacks to now match the shoebox!