great conversation until you came along farce poobah, what a stupid comment.
No Mariucci is not as plush, that is obvious, no arena is, especially one built with public monies. However the atmosphere there will never be matched by REA. The band marching around the concourse pregame, students actually know the fight song, and participating in cheers, a band that plays all game long... that is college athletics. The weekend of the regional was unbelievable in that place, far from cold.
Don't get me wrong, the new Ralph is great...we are still undefeated in the palace. Thank you Ralph. Teams don't dread the trip to GF like they used to, the old place was tough on opposing teams.