A Season of Struggles
Marquette's men's basketball team posted a .375 winning percentage in the 2025‑26 campaign, the lowest mark since the 1987‑88 season, signaling a stark departure from past successes.
Head coach Shaka Smart, who took the reins with the explicit goal of restoring competitiveness, has publicly pledged to reshape the program for the upcoming 2026‑27 year.
Rethinking the Fan Experience
The article argues that the current game‑day atmosphere at Fiserv Forum is in need of a comprehensive refresh, suggesting modifications to in‑game hosts, promotional segments, music selections, and video displays.
Specific critiques include the overuse of "Thunderstruck" before tip‑off, a poorly rendered CGI eagle video, and LED lighting that fails to enhance the arena's energy, as well as a starting‑lineup video that feels disconnected from the live action.
The author proposes replacing the traditional "Star Spangled Banner" with "Lift Every Voice And Sing," reimagining how kills are shown on the video boards, and rethinking the student‑section hype that, despite being labeled the best in the country, often remains under‑filled.
Beyond aesthetic tweaks, the piece calls for a culture of constant evaluation, ensuring that each element of the event is continually assessed to maximize enjoyment for the fan base.
If the suggested overhaul is implemented, Marquette could transform Fiserv Forum from a venue plagued by mediocrity into a dynamic stage that reflects the university's ambition and restores its competitive spirit.