We Must Protect This House

The Triangle -- Drexel's student newspaper -- ran a column last Friday about the Penn-Drexel men's basketball game that will be televised on ESPN at 10 a.m. Nov.18 and will take place at Drexel's Daskalakis Athletic Center. (See here for my original reaction.)

However instead of celebrating this game -- it'll be the first-ever time Penn plays at the DAC -- the columnist comes across as whining that this isn't good enough. He wants Penn to play at Drexel every other year. While I agree it is a little unfair that Penn has never played the Dragons north of Market Street, I don't think it's simply because Penn wants to maintain home court advantage.

While that plays a part, at the same time, the DAC is not that impressive of a facility. It holds only 2,300 people (roughly a quarter of the Palestra), and is the smallest of any City Six venue. Frankly, any game in the Palestra will have a better atmosphere, as well as allow more fans (of both teams) to attend. Why should the two teams sacrifice that?

If it's the money factor, then why not let Drexel call it a "home game" every other year and let them keep some of the proceeds?

Also, It's not like the rivalry has been that one-sided in recent years. Penn's only 5-3 in the last eight years against the Dragons.

What do you think about the DAC hosting Penn every other year? Would this significantly decrease your chances of attending (ignoring the 10 a.m. start this year)?