Appendix
Approximating a model was not easy (and I am far from an architect), but I am confident that this version is accurate enough to be reasonably used. First off, a kind soul on HoyaTalk informed me that an old media guide from the 1950s reported that the playing floor of McDonough is 162’ by 125’. My approximations using Google Maps yielded about 163’ by 115’ so this seems very reasonable.
The next step was figuring out the rest of the three-dimensional layout of the space. Using photos of the gymnasium comparing the walls to known proportions, I estimate that the height of the entire arena is 40’ and that the east and west sides of the building rise up to 23’. For the purposes of this model, the side width of the second level parts of the arena on the east and west sides of the building is estimated to be 10’.
Once this model was achieved, I began playing around with different ways of filling the space of the NCAA standard-sized basketball court (and necessary sidelines) of about 104’ x 62’ as well as bleachers. I then compared the surface areas of the bleachers in each model to the model of McDonough as it currently looks. I eventually came to the conclusion that each seat requires about 2.5 square feet of space. Again, this certainly also depends on how steep the bleachers are and other factors, but this approximation seemed to be the best that I could come up with.
These are awesome ideas. I’m not a G’Town alum. But as a DC native, I’ve been a huge fan my entire life. This is something that’s been on my mind for a while as well. I started doing some sketches a few months ago, and my idea was almost identical to your “Arena A”. But I did not think to turn the court 90 degrees. That’s definitely the best idea I’ve heard thus far. This is definitely needed to create a better home court environment.
Graduated in 1972, just as Big John was coming in. For 4 years I’d walk from my dorm to McDonough to watch my Hoyas. Also to see Traffic, the Who, Ike and Tina and the Dead and others. A representative on campus McDonough is every bit as important as the Library
I applaud the thinking and strategizing you have invested in this — very nicely done! Your plan accomplishes much, if not all, of what a vision for a home court facility should: allows purists and nostalgia buffs to see games at McDonough; stays within the footprint of the present day building and employs a smart floor and seating plan that will increase capacity and is significantly more economical than the major projects other colleges and universities are planning and building; and brings events back on campus and gives our teams and fans a true identity in line with other Georgetown… Read more »