From the sidelines
Marty Gordon
Ghosts from the past were literally haunting Radford University’s Dedmon Center Wednesday night as the Lady Highlanders took to the floor against Ferrum.
Trick-or-treaters dressed in their best costume took part in an event before the game.
But it was a look around the arena that has many people thinking back to the early years. Renovations are currently underway to change the interior look. All of this helps the university take another step in its historic chapter.
I have so many fine memories inside the arena.
I was there in the early years as the Dedmon Center opened with its iconic “bubble roof.” The athletic teams were still Division II but then came the big jump—a move to Division I. The progression has been slow as Radford has joined the ranks of so many “mid-majors.”
I remembered looking up in the past at the white roof and wondering what was holding it up. A heavy snowstorm in my senior year at RU got me up close with the structure as I volunteered to help move snow off the edge of the building so it wouldn’t collapse.
The insides have undergone some major changes from my time there, even painting the surrounding walls to black from its familiar white color.
This week’s announcement on the next Phase of the building has me waiting in anticipation. A much larger video screen and maybe better “fan experience” areas. The projected completion date for these enhancements is November 1. The updates include new, larger video boards, scoreboards, shot clocks, a state-of-the-art sound system, LED color-changing lights, an upgraded competition court, and a revamped volleyball practice floor.
The school has had hard times in filling the arena for games in the past. I do remember games against the University of District of Columbia having fans hanging from the rafters. As the move to Division I took place, so have the fan numbers.
Hopefully, this will change with the new enhancements as fans need to support Radford and also Virginia Tech women’s basketball. The men have game, but the women are an excellent game to watch too.
Squeezed in the midst of this conversation was this week’s exhibition opponent in Ferrum College who too is moving slowly from the Division III ranks to Division II.
Radford pulled out an 88-23 win. Again, the margin of victory was something Radford had become accustomed to as it rose up the latter to where it is today. Ferrum will see its lumps along the way.
The Highlanders looked excellent in the 88-23 finish as final preparations are ongoing for the start of the regular season next week.
Radford will visit #11 Duke on Monday, Nov. 4 with an 11 a.m. tip on ESPN+.
