Under Further Review: DAC Improvements To Come

As we are all struck by the quickness and grace of the sport of squash in the US Open of Squash currently underway at the Daskalaskis Athletic Center here on campus, there is some exciting news.  Improvements are coming to the DAC!

We have all sat through the cramped, 100+ degree, 90% humidity men’s basketball games in the DAC.  I specifically remember the weather in the DAC during Drexel’s NIT quarterfinal game versus UMass.  If you were not there, then I honestly cannot put into words what type of weather pattern that was.

On the Kimmel Bogrette Architecture website last week, there was a release of the plans and also some renderings.  The plan calls for an expansion to 3500 seats and improves in areas such as concourse, entrance, and suites.  Also included in the renovation plan are LED ribbons and an updated scoreboard.  Dramatic improvements will be made to the men’s and women’s team areas (locker rooms, offices, film room, etc.) which will be a strong recruiting point in the coming years.

Digital rendering of the exterior via Kimmel Bogrette's website.

Perhaps the best news with the coming renovations is that they plan to keep the tight, cramped field-house style of the current DAC.  Although this environment is conducive to boiling blood, sweating profusely, sticking to seats, and possible indoor thunderstorm clouds, it is part of the beauty of the DAC.  Teams do not want to come to play Drexel at the DAC (see Drexel's recent non-conference basketball schedules at the DAC).  The environment of the building combined with the frenzy of the DAC Pack is unparalleled at almost every other college. 

Stay tuned in the coming months for more news and timelines on the DAC improvements.

For full details and more renderings, check out the original release on the Kimmel Bogrette website.

2011 US Open Squash Championships to be Hosted at the DAC

When Drexel's new Recreation Center opened up a little more than one year ago, the new squash courts were a big hit. Since then, they've led to the popularization of the sport at Drexel. If you're looking for proof, just last week, I went to play on a Thursday night at 10 PM and all the courts were full.

Now the sport will be given even more of an opportunity to blossom within our community as the 2011 US Open Squash Championships will be hosted at the DAC. The tournament will be held from October 1-6 and is sure to feature some of the best squash this country has seen, with $175,000 in prize money at stake. 

Per Drexel's press release: “Drexel University is delighted to host the 2011 U.S. Open Squash Championships in Philadelphia, the cradle of liberty and the home of many of the game's most storied players and historic squash venues,” said Drexel President John Fry. “Drexel University is founded on equality and competitive opportunity in venues that extend beyond academics, including the frontiers of entrepreneurship, technological innovation and athletics. The championships will be hosted in an urban collegiate athletic facility that will attract a diverse fan-base. We are truly honored to be the host of this remarkable championship.”

Drexel itself has both a Men's and Women's Club Squash team. Interested? Head here to see how you can get involved.

Expect our coverage of the Squash Championships to heat up come next fall, with ways you can help with the staging of the event to coverage of the results themselves.