Some rumors have leaked out about REDUCED seating capacity in the Marriot Center. Here is one historical reason why this might be the case.

In the 1920s, the NY Yankees erected "The House That Ruth Built". It had an "advertised seating capacity" of 70,000 which was unheard of in those days. On opening day in 1923, more than 74,000 fans attended. By the mid 1920s, capacity had increased to over 80,000.

In the 1970s, Yankee stadium was renovated. Seating capacity in the 1970's version of yankee stadium was REDUCED by 34%!

One reason why? It is a historically verifiable anthropometric fact that the average American bum had increased from the 1920s to the 1970s by about 4.5 inches. The bad news is that since the 70s, bums have gotten even bigger with obesity rates over double what they were in the 1970s. I mean no disrespect to my girthy friends but it is what it is.

Fast forward to the marriott center which was once the largest "on campus" facility in America. What is the largest reason why seating will be decreased by about 5000 seats (22%)? To make things "more comfortable" for fewer people who occupy more space.

I know this is likely to step on the nerves of many people but please don't shoot the messenger.