Vanderbilt’s basketball court is considered “weird” by some due to its unique design elements, particularly the way the court’s logo and color scheme stand out. Here are a few reasons why it’s seen as unusual:
1. Court Design and Colors: The court features a distinctive color palette, especially the black and gold theme, which is strongly associated with the university’s branding. While this is consistent with Vanderbilt’s school colors, it gives the court a more striking and non-traditional appearance compared to the standard wood-colored courts seen at most other college basketball arenas.
2. The “Commodore” Logo: The center court logo is a large, prominent “V” that represents Vanderbilt’s mascot, the Commodore. Some people find this logo to be larger or more intrusive than the traditional center court logos, which usually feature a smaller version of the school’s mascot or name.
3. Lack of Traditional Wood Finish: Unlike many traditional basketball courts that maintain a natural wood finish, Vanderbilt’s court has a darker, more polished wood tone. This, combined with the black and gold accents, gives it a more modern or even “non-traditional” look.
4. Quirky Elements of the Arena: Beyond just the court itself, Memorial Gymnasium, where Vanderbilt plays its home games, has a non-standard setup. For example, the court is elevated above the seating area, and the bench seating is located behind one of the goals rather than on the sidelines. This creates a more “quirky” atmosphere and adds to the overall unconventional feel of the venue.
All these elements combine to make Vanderbilt’s basketball court stand out and give it a reputation for being somewhat “weird” compared to the typical college basketball arena design.
