A plan to “bring new intensity, energy and fun to the WVU Coliseum” was announced today (Nov. 9) by the executive director of West Virginia University’s largest student organization and athletic boosters club, the Mountaineer Maniacs.

Cassie Werner said a “New Student Experience for a New Era in Basketball” will kick off Sunday, Nov. 15, when the men’s basketball team plays Loyola in the home opener.

The student-initiated plan includes removing all of the padded seats in the lower concourse (riser area) of the student section, making this entire section standing-room-only. Werner says it will be called the “Maniac Madhouse.”

“Nearly 1,000 students right on top of the court—instead of spread throughout the entire lower bowl of seats—will make for some great intensity and, hopefully, have a positive impact on the game. No doubt, it will be high energy and a lot of fun,” Werner said.

Students will also retain overflow seating in the upper concourse, she added.

In addition, the plan includes student discounts at select concession stands and pre-game and Maniac events with Coach Bob Huggins and the team.

Werner says it’s the students’ way of showing support for the basketball programs.

“I’m very excited that the students have taken this initiative to improve the student experience at basketball,” said men’s basketball coach Bob Huggins. “I’ve said from the start that coming home to WVU is the honor of my life, and I’m grateful that so many students share my passion for making our basketball program the best in the nation.”

He added, “I support the students’ efforts totally and am confident the impact and energy the students will bring by being so engaged in the game will help lead us to some big wins.”

The idea to improve the student fan experience was conceived two years ago by former Student Body President Jason Parsons and former Maniacs Director Jeremy Hatcher. Since that time, the Maniacs, WVU Student Government and student Athletic Council members have worked to bring the plan to fruition, said WVU Student Government Administration President Jason Zuccari.

“We know with a rowdy, fun student section we can chase anyone out of the Coliseum,” Werner said. “We’re going to help make this the most intimidating place to play in all of college basketball.”

More specific details will be available this week on the Maniacs web site (http://maniacs.wvu.edu/) and in ads in The Daily Athenaeum.

-WVU-
11-09-09

CONTACT: Cassie Werner, Mountaineer Maniacs
304-293-8208; cassandra.werner@mail.wvu.edu