Anna Azallion – Syracuse, N.Y. (Citrus TV) – The Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center, or the Melo Center, is now offering open basketball to students two nights a week.
With Archbold Gymnasium closed for renovation, students have limited options for pick-up basketball. Matthew Hackett, Director of Recreation Services, wanted to give students another option during the construction.
“We knew during the construction renovation time that there were gonna be some inconveniences for students and we wanted to work towards making some new opportunities available,” he said.
The new opportunity became open basketball at the Melo Center every Tuesday and Thursday night from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Students jumped at the opportunity to play basketball on the same court as the players they see in the Dome. In the three weeks of open basketball, over 300 students have made the trip to South Campus for the opportunity, according to Hackett.
Freshman Greg Marlo used to play basketball on the courts in Archbold, but now comes to the Melo Center twice a week.
“It’s a great experience because it’s rare that you get to play on a court like this,” he said. “This kind of feel and atmosphere. I try to use up the chance i have to come here two days.”
Hackett said the open basketball hours will continue through the end of this semester. Over the summer, campus officials will assess whether they will keep open basketball at the Melo Center.
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