New Mexico's famous The Pit now named WisePies Arena

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BleedGopher

BleedGopher

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per GoLobos:

The University of New Mexico is pleased to announce that WisePies Pizza & Salad, a locally owned business, has agreed to give $5 million over 10 years to support the UNM Athletics Department through the newly established WisePies Fund. This is the largest cash gift ever to Athletics and the sixth largest cash gift overall to the university. The WisePies Fund will be used to support The Pit debt service incurred from the 2009-2010 renovations.

As part of the recognition for their generous support, beginning December 1, 2014 University Arena will be named WisePies Arena (aka The Pit) for the duration of the gift. The company logo will appear on exterior signage of the arena as well as on Bob King Court and tickets. The recognition will also include an arena suite.

http://www.golobos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=26000&ATCLID=209788728

Go Gophers!!
 

Not sure what to make of this...I've never been completely comfortable with the stadium naming rights concept. I mean, I understand that it's a great source of funding and all. But to rename a place like The Pit to "WisePies Arena", just sucks.
 

Nothing is sacred anymore, unfortunately. Money talks, tradition walks.
 


It will always be called The Barn. we don't call it William's Arena and neither does the media
 


This is depressing.

I remember when The Pit hosted the Final Four when I was in college if I recall. When visiting the in-laws in ABQ over the holidays, I always try to take in a Lobo game if they're playing at home. Probably going to see them host Fresno St on NY Eve.

Still a great venue, hopefully "The Pit" will still be visible all over the arena.
 

Ogee Oglethorpe said:
This is depressing. I remember when The Pit hosted the Final Four when I was in college if I recall. When visiting the in-laws in ABQ over the holidays, I always try to take in a Lobo game if they're playing at home. Probably going to see them host Fresno St on NY Eve. Still a great venue, hopefully "The Pit" will still be visible all over the arena.
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The Pit is what folks will call it today, tomorrow and in ten years. A corporate deal for signage is just that and nothing more.

When the average joe talks about the place they will call it The Pit. Yeah, it sucks but corporate money can't force us to call it something else.

I've been there once many many years ago back in the Big West (PCAA) days. Great place.
 

Rouser said:
The Pit is what folks will call it today, tomorrow and in ten years. A corporate deal for signage is just that and nothing more. When the average joe talks about the place they will call it The Pit. Yeah, it sucks but corporate money can't force us to call it something else. I've been there once many many years ago back in the Big West (PCAA) days. Great place.
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To clarify, I saw UNLV play there when UNLV was in the Big West years ago.

The Pit was always loud and intimidating. Hopefully it's still like that?
 

The venue only officially became The Pit in 2009 after being called University Arena from its opening until then.
 



tradition

SelectionSunday said:
Nothing is sacred anymore, unfortunately. Money talks, tradition walks.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately you can't fund recruiting budgets or pay coaches multimillion dollar salaries with "tradition".

I'd trade the name of Williams Arena for a new practice facility in a heartbeat.
 


BleedGopher said:
per GoLobos:

The University of New Mexico is pleased to announce that WisePies Pizza & Salad, a locally owned business, has agreed to give $5 million over 10 years to support the UNM Athletics Department through the newly established WisePies Fund. This is the largest cash gift ever to Athletics and the sixth largest cash gift overall to the university. The WisePies Fund will be used to support The Pit debt service incurred from the 2009-2010 renovations.

As part of the recognition for their generous support, beginning December 1, 2014 University Arena will be named WisePies Arena (aka The Pit) for the duration of the gift. The company logo will appear on exterior signage of the arena as well as on Bob King Court and tickets. The recognition will also include an arena suite.

http://www.golobos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=26000&ATCLID=209788728

Go Gophers!!
Click to expand...

Hard to believe $5 million over ten years is that substantial. Says a lot about the disparity between Power 5 schools and mid-majors.
 

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