why is the floor raised for the NCAA final four?
April 4, 2009 8:07 PM Subscribe
why is the basketball floor raised at the NCAA tourney?
isn't it dangerous? I'd think someone could get hurt chasing a ball....
isn't it dangerous? I'd think someone could get hurt chasing a ball....
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, 2009
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, 2009
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, 2009
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, 2009
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, 2009
Floor to be used in Final Four constructed in Michigan and tours the state.
posted by netbros at 8:56 PM on April 4, 2009
Best answer: 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, 2009
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, 2009
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, 2009
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, 2009
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posted by JuiceBoxHero at 8:18 PM on April 4, 2009