The curtain fell on Gaither Gym in grand fashion last night as the FAMU men & women basketball teams came together and did something they haven't been able to do in over a month, they both won (on the same night). Both Rattler teams will begin play in a new 9,000 seat facility later this year.
The Rattlers, the cardiac kids of the MEAC, were able to down Delaware State 63-61 in overtime. The Rattlers' fifth overtime of the season. The Lady Rattlers coasted to victory over the Lady Hornets, the number two seeded team in the MEAC,58-33.
Beyond the game the night was much more about symbolism. Fusing the old with the new as current and former Rattlers were on brought together in a final ceremony to say goodbye to Gaither. Then, row-by-row, the lights were turned off leaving the gym dark expect for the glow of glow sticks and cell phones.
While the 46 year-old gym may have seen it's last collegiate basketball game, the gym still has a lot of life left in it. FAMU will just have to figure out what that is.
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday was infectious last night. You couldn't help but join in the singing.
ReplyDeleteIt was a beautiful thing, and the win by both teams was nice too.
ReplyDeleteI hope the new arena gets a corporate sponsor. I don't care if its called the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Dome. FAMU needs that revenue!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if it is legal to sell the naming rights of a state funded project?
ReplyDeleteI've heard that the deal has to be struck early on, but I'm sure that money could change the tune.
ReplyDeleteLMAO @ the Cinnamon Toast Crunch arena. LOL.
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