Sebo Center Reflection

October 17th, 2010

After visiting BGSU’s Sebo Center that is located on the north side of the Doyt Perry Stadium, I left with a lot different conceptions.  This visit with my class was the first time I have ever been inside of the Sebo Center.  The outside of the facility is very modern and up-to-date.  I was very interested in what the inside had to offer. 

When I walked up to the facility, I was pleased with the glass front.  When I think of glass buildings, I do not think of the never-ending up keep that is entailed.  Of course, the glass is beautiful and looks very modern; however, the cleaning is very extensive in order to keep it looking the way it should.

The inside of the facility is very open with high ceilings. Personally, I love high ceilings because it makes the area look bigger than it really is.   The front lobby is quite small.  It is enough space to walk through, but there is no welcome desk or anything that directs people.  If I would have designed the lobby, I would have had a welcome desk that is there right as people walk in to answer questions about where to go and so forth. 

Another thing that I would changed about the design of the facility is that fact that the offices are on two different wings.  The coaches offices are on one wing, and the Athletic Director’s offices are on the complete opposite wing.  If they want to communicate in person, they have to walk throughout the entire building to get to the others’ office.  It I were to change the facility, I would put all of the offices in one wing, making communication easier. 

The turf is versatile, meaning it can be easily altered and repaired.  Yes, this was an expensive project (cost over $1 million), however, the benefits outweigh the costs.  It can rain all night the night before a game, and the field will be ready to play on the next day.  If the field was regular grass, the weather would play a great role in the ability to play on it or not.

In comparison to another MAC school’s facility, Miami University’s training center seems to be somewhat out of date. Their website does not state exactly what all is included in the facility, but it shows pictures of the facility. The following link shows pictures of the facility (http://www.muredhawks.com/genrel/081106aaa.html).

Overall, I think the Sebo Center is designed to outlast the stadium.  The stadium will need renovations before the Sebo Center will.  It is a very sheek and modern facility that serves a good purpose to the student-athletes and members of the BGSU athletics.