Students, not big-money sports, should be priority
If the University selects the Howe Field site as its choice for a new basketball arena, it will, according to the consultant’s report to the Athletic Department, displace not only the women’s softball field, but also one or both of the AstroTurf intramural fields, the Outdoor Program’s trip facility, the golf team’s putting green and possibly the new Student Tennis Center. Even the hammer-throwing area and practice track associated with Hayward Field is suggested as a site for a parking structure. Of course, an arena and associated parking structures will also eliminate or obscure one of the few remaining open spaces near the University. With this selection, the University would pay homage to big-money spectator sports at the expense of the hundreds of students who like to play, practice and develop their own bodies and physical skills.
I would hope that the University would value the health and skills of its students by leaving their participatory sports and recreational facilities in the heart of the campus. All of the other arena sites studied are better than Howe Field for these purposes.

Alvin Urquhart

emeritus professor of geography