why is the floor raised for the NCAA final four?

April 4, 2009 8:07 PM

why is the basketball floor raised at the NCAA tourney?

isn't it dangerous? I'd think someone could get hurt chasing a ball....

posted by comah to sports, hobbies, & recreation (7 comments total)

My assumption was that by raising the court, they can cram more seats in around it. There's a lot of "floor space" in Ford Field because it's a football stadium. By raising the court, a larger amount of the floor seats can get a decent view instead of just the back of people's heads.
posted by JuiceBoxHero at 8:18 PM on April 4

In a lot of arenas, the floor of the basketball court isn't permanent. They put it in place by assembling pieces) before the game, and remove it afterwards.

That's why the same arena can be used both for basketball and for hockey.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 8:33 PM on April 4

Ford Field to start new trend for the Final Four.
posted by SeizeTheDay at 8:42 PM on April 4

From when Detroit was giving their pitch for the Final Four: "For the December game, the floor will be put in the middle of the field, with center court at the 50-yard line. The floor also will be elevated about 2 to 2 1/2 feet off the football field to improve sight lines."

It's weird, but not unprecedented - the University of Minnesota and one or two other schools have elevated courts.
posted by milkrate at 8:47 PM on April 4

New Configuration Opens Camera Angles For CBS

Floor to be used in Final Four constructed in Michigan and tours the state.
posted by netbros at 8:56 PM on April 4

I think the sight lines and additional camera angles is the main reason for the extra high risers on the court (although since the underlying field has a crown to it to facilitate draining the court would have to be raised up anyway to make it level.

As to the safety angle, the out of bounds area is exceptionally larger than any normal court so the chances of someone running off the end or side of the court is very unlikely. Also in a normal court there are many obstacles (team benches, official's and media tables plus courtside seats) that are very close to the court. Players can and do come in contact with these items which can cause injury.
posted by mmascolino at 10:18 PM on April 4

Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse (where Hoosier's was filmed) has a raised floor. I've played on it before; you don't really notice when you're up there. You wouldn't really chase after balls where the floor drops down anyway because it's where the fans/players are.

There is some background on raised floor courts in this fact sheet for William's Arena.
posted by xorry at 12:44 PM on April 5