Making the Spectrum magic

The Dee Glen Smith Spectrum is notorious for having one of the most electrifying and hostile crowds in collegiate basketball.

“The student section pours out an incredible amount of energy and spirit during basketball games,” said junior Blake Lyman. “The Spectrum is a smaller arena with gorgeously tacky seats, but it’s an intimidating environment that rattles opposing teams.”

Under Stew Morrill, the men’s basketball team won 248 out of 281 home games.

“USU always has a chance to win when the students show up and support,” said senior Jeff Thompson. “I expect the Aggies to win every home game.”

Student attendance in the Spectrum has declined in recent years as USU has struggled to become a powerhouse in the Mountain West Conference.

“In the glory days of the Spectrum, every student showed up to games no matter what because we all felt like we added something to the game.” said former front-row fan, Matt Sonnenberg. “The fans wanted to be something that opposing teams couldn’t overcome.”

The Spectrum holds a special place in the hearts of those who eat, drink and sleep Aggie basketball.

“We played Brandon Davies and BYU in 2011, and it was a fun experience,” Lyman said. “We hate BYU and love making fun of people so those two variables combined for a rockstar night.”

The golden era of Aggie dominance in the Western Athletic Conference from 2007 to 2011 provided special memories for many USU students.

“In 2009 we played Nevada and their coach called us out in the media before the game by saying crowd noise doesn’t affect basketball games,” Sonnenberg said. “The crowd was unreal that night. Ask anyone about that game and they’ll get goosebumps just thinking about it.”

I urge every student to make Aggie basketball a priority this season.

— benfordhamsix@gmail.com
Twitter: @benfordham6