As an added blog feature this year, I'm planning on visiting messageboards of UMass' road opponents to ask fans to describe a game experience in their gym. Several posters at salukitalk.com participated here:

http://salukitalk.com/st/viewtopic.php?t=23996&sid=fc92b7604cedf00be1fbbd65a9cebdad

* "What makes it unique? 
Two words my UMass friend: goats and bubbles. That's all I'm saying." - I have no idea what that means and I'm a little frightened.

* The fans are right on top of the court in the
SIU Arena. We don't drawn the biggest crowds in our conference, but
it's debatable that we're the loudest. The upper concourse of the SIU
Arena is all bleacher seating. Any fans who plan to make the trip to
Carbondale can probably afford better tickets and should buy lower
level tickets with backed seats if they find bleachers uncomfortable.
We're mostly good fans so you don't have to worry about getting in fist
fights with our fans. " - I don't get in fisfights with anyone anymore, certainly not over basketball. But passionate fans that are also classy is always a plus.

* "The Dawg Pound: ESPN has said, "they are some
of the most knowledgeable fans around." they will research your history
and bring it out during the game." - History eh? We'll see if they can bring better than tired Marcus Camby cracks. I'm curious to hear what they've got.

* "It's a party under the goals for 40 minutes. Its ugly and old. Its hot, and the fans are within inches of the opponent." - I'm hoping the building not the fans are ugly and old.

* "as for the atmosphere, our fans cheer louder for
defense and hustle than they do a made basket, which is because most of
them actually understand the game of basketball. we don't lose at home.
and our pep band will beat your pep band into a thousand musical notes." - Pep band trask talk. Blog reader Tom Hannum has been called out.

* "What to expect- SIU is known for their
defense, and the fans have adapted to such. Expect to hear just as loud
of cheers for forcing shot clock violations, bad shots, charges, and
turnovers as you will hear for our baskets on the other end. Also,
expect the always-studious Dawgpound to calmly read the newspaper as
your players are introduced." - I'm always happy when people are reading newspapers in any scenario.

* "Last year was the hottest I have felt the arena.
Most of the time it wasnt that bad. I remember a few games in the past
that were pretty warm, but they were few and far between. Last year it
seemed like just about every game. The only explanation I have is when
the temp outside is mild, the arena staff never adjusts the temp
inside, therefore it makes it hotter than normal inside.

On the subject at hand, yes the fans are right on top of you. The
arena is small enough to magnify the crowd as well. There have been
times that I could barely hear the arena announcer. The fans appreciate
hustle and are very knowledgeable." 

The Saluki folks also made restaurant recommendations. I'm looking forward to the legendary 17th Street Bar and Grill.

...one night til hoop season...