Each year, I eagerly await attending five sporting events, of which the
Beanpot remains one (a selected New Year's Day Bowl Game, NC$$ Phinal Phour
and Army v. Navy make up the others).  Unfortunately, the Beanpot's luster
shines a little duller, albeit still brighter than the majority of
"tainted" college sporting events.  The blame falls squarely on the
FleeceCenter building.
 
The Beanpot remains a great attraction because of the fierce loyalties of
students, alumni and an ever growing number of "sidewalk" alumni.  From the
"Catholics v. Pagans", "Brahmins v. Brown Baggers" and "BMW's v. Bleached
ball caps", the overtones of the event create a historical ambiance
representing (maybe stereotypically) the fans.
 
The FleetCenter simply kills this ambiance.
 
While the old barn lacked the amenities and easy concourse access, the
Garden possessed something the new building lacks -- a soul.  Yes, the
wooden seats of the Garden balcony often left you squished and packed in
like a People's Express flight, but people overcame it and focused squarely
on watching, no, actually "impacting" the game.
 
The building appears stale and corporate, encouraging people to sit
complacently.  Moreover, the second tier of luxury boxes between the lower
and upper decks really detaches the upper attendees from the action.
 
For five years, I've tried to always bring different hockey-l people to the
game who otherwise wouldn't be able to attend.  Each time my guests walk
away with a greater joy and passion for the game -- although the
Northeastern squad I support always seems to end up on the shorter end of
the stick.
 
This year, I turned to my guests last night and apologized.  Not for the
play, that reflected tight defensive hockey and an overmatched Northeastern
team that refused to die passively, but for the amiance.
 
The passion I saw at Walter Brown Arena, Conte Forum, the Bright Center and
even Matthews Arena this year evaporated before my eyes.
 
Boston University's domination of this tournament also concerns me.   BC's
two overtime victories in 1994 and Harvard's 1993 (I think) wins sandwich
the 1990's version of the "Hoosier Invitational" or "Lapchick Memorial
Tournament."  A Northeastern victory during the 90's might help create more
parody and excitement between the four schools.
 
In short, yes, I still look forward to the Beanpot with the hope someone
will re-write the story so Casey hits the winning home run. At the risk of
sounding alarming, however, I hope someone wakes up the fans slumbering
comfortably to witness it.
 
Thanks for your time.
 
        --John.
 
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