Nov. 29, 2007
With an anticipated crowd of more than 2,000 spectators showing up to the Frericks Center this weekend for the first and second rounds of the 2007 NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Tournament, preparations are underway to improve the safety and overall game-day experience for those in attendance.
That's because the 15th ranked Dayton Flyers will make their fourth-ever trip to NCAA Tournament play in a familiar setting. UD was selected to host first and second Round matches for the first time in school history as well as being awarded the No. 15 seed in the tourney.
The 2007 Atlantic 10 Champion Flyers (32-1) will take on the Lipscomb Lady Bisons (20-11), which is making its first ever NCAA appearance after taking home the Atlantic Sun Conference title. The Flyers and Bisons will square off at Frericks Center on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
The opening match of the first round pits the Michigan State Spartans (19-13) of the Big Ten and the Kentucky Wildcats (22-9) of the Southeastern Conference. The Spartans will take on the Wildcats at 5 p.m. ET.
Saturday's Second Round match is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Frericks Center.
Over the previous five years the seating location has been reconfigured to seat up to 2,400 spectators. Locker rooms and media space have been given a facelift as well to meet game production needs.
However, due to the massive crowds expected for the three matches in two days, the facility needed a quick makeover.
Construction of additional seating, temporary improvements to the sound system, additional signage, the relocation of ceiling banners and the conversion of meeting rooms into team hospitality areas are only a few of the tasks for the University of Dayton facilities team.
The swift renovation addresses the necessary infrastructure upgrades related to running a successful NCAA event. Fans also will benefit with an increase in the number of entry and exit points for improved crowd circulation and safety, and additional dedicated seating.
The Frericks Center opened in 1949 and had been used for basketball until the 1969-70 season. Over the years the facility has been transformed into volleyball only venue. UD has reaped the benefits of the home court advantage going 10-0 in 2007 and seeing a volleyball school-record 1,838 in attendance for a Nov. 8 match against the Xavier Musketeers.
Fans will still be able to follow the action on Gametracker and with a free live video streamed broadcast through DaytonFlyers.com.
