The tip-off is set Tuesday morning (March 15th) for the first game of this year’s NJCAA Division Two Men’s National Basketball Tournament at Danville Area Community College. And the college has been preparing to host the tournament for the 29th time.
Tournament chairman Brian Hensgen says that includes a new paint scheme on the floor and fresh paint on the walls of the Mary Miller Gym….
{AUDIO: ”Then ultimately, now that that’s all done, we were able to then move forward with a 9 and a half by 17 and a half video board. That is going to be integrated into our fan engagement and team introductions – and all those things, bells and whistles. It’s going to be a fantastic addition to that venue.”}
(A new giant message board will add excitement in the Mary Miller Gymnasium during the games of the NJCAA Division II Men’s National Basketball Tournament in Danville next week. It measures 9 and a half by 17 feet and is capable of projecting images from 8 cameras. It was manufactured by Danville-based Watchfire Signs.)
Last year, because of the pandemic, there were limitations on attendance and where players and coaches could go. For example the players could not sit in the gymnasium to watch other games, and families and teams could not mingle. But this year, Hensgen says things are much different…
{AUDIO: ”This year we’re wide open. We’re not going to have any limitations when it comes to attendance. Masks are optional. And we’re going to allow the teams to then make the decision on what’s best for them, based on their protocal from their administration at their respective school. When they come here they can elect to join everyone in the gym and watch some action, or they can just stay at the hotel and practice facility (and come to) the gymnasium for their games.”}
Hensgen noted that although the limitations last year made for a weird experience, at least it was better than two years ago when the games were cancelled because of the pandemic.
[In the top photo DACC maintenance workers prepare to install a platform for a pep band to perform at games.]
