A new floor was installed at Williams Arena, and University of Minnesota officials decided to keep the distinctive raised design.
Williams Arena, built in 1928, is one of the most distinct venues in college basketball and one of the hardest places for opposing teams to play.
One big reason why: the Gophers play on a raised floor two feet high. It's great for fans, but not so great for players; it doesn't take much to end up off the playing area.
This offseason the Gophers athletic program replaced the floor, original to Williams Arena when it opened. (Yes, the floor was 80 years old.) The new floor is maple and presumably with fewer dead spots than the old floor. And yes, it's still raised.
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