DePaul Announces Changes at Wintrust, New Student SectionAfter the team's first conference game, DePaul's Athletic Department came out with a major announcement regarding its home basketball games. Wintrust Arena, the new home to the Blue Demons will see changes that include a new student section.
Following changes to Illinois' indoor dining and entertainment restrictions, DePaul followed suit with announced changes that will go into effect when attendance restrictions are lifted after January 1st.
The changes will be unveiled on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 when DePaul hosts Creighton. That is also the date that Wintrust arena will return to 100% allowed capacity.
The major change is the location of the student section. Formerly, students took over the lower, second-level concourse and seating behind a basket. Known as the "Demon Deck:" this allowed for some students to congregate in a standing room only section and the University to offer food and special events to lure students to games.
Those sections will remain, but now the student section is moving courtside. Previously, student sat courtside when DePaul played its' home games at Allstate Arena. Now, students will take over the 1,200 seats in Sections 122-124 of Wintrust.
While the 'Demon Deck' remains, it will now be the host location for alumni, season ticket holders, employees and an overflow area for students. Food will be made available in these areas along with special promotions like the return of $2 beer nights.
The new student section has been branded the "Demon Den." This change also comes as the University announced an $11 increase to students tuition that allows students to attend all home athletic events for free.
Free attendance is included for home basketball games, but students must reserve a spot in the Demon Den. Otherwise, students will be given free access to the deck seating. Reserving a season-long spot in the Demon Den does come at a cost to students, but there are additional perks to entice students to return to DePaul home games.
The 'Den' and the 'Deck' also adjusted the spaces for Club and Premium seating options. While the student section is now across from the team and opponent benches; Club and Premium seating takes up the entirety of seats behind the benches.
Sections 106-112 are now reserved for Club seats, select season ticket holders and Premium seating. The University also reserves spots in those sections for player's family and 'guests of the University.'
These changes come at a time when many people are returning to concerts and sporting events for the first time in almost 2 years. Changes to the home arena seating are definitely an attempt to improve attendance and the home atmosphere.
The home game experience and attendance at Wintrust have been issues top of mind for Athletic Director DeWayne Peevy. He is hoping that an improved product on the floor, along with free student tickets and new seating options will bring the energy the Blue Demons have been seeking.