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Asmussen | Newly renovated Welsh-Ryan Arena is a sight to see

EVANSTON — I'm a sucker for old gyms.

My first game at Allen Fieldhouse was 35 years ago. I couldn't wait to go back.

I loved the seats at Oklahoma State's Gallagher Hall. The fans were so close they could touch the players ... while they were throwing the ball in.

I have never seen a game at Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse. But I did better than that: shooting hoops there for 30 minutes (always take a basketball with you on road trips). Jimmy Chitwood would have been proud.

So, with great joy, I woke up at the crack of dawn Sunday for the short drive to renovated Welsh-Ryan Arena.