“That’s a good-lookin’ 50:’ What’s next for Utah’s Huntsman Center, after a half-century of highlights?

In the summer of 1969, Utah basketball player Mike Newlin persuaded construction workers to let him hammer a wooden plank into place on the free-throw line in front of the home team’s bench. When the Utes staged their first game in the Special Events Center in December, Newlin practically lived at that spot.

Stanford coach Howie Dallmar simmered after Newlin made 23 of 25 free throws in Utah’s 96-94 victory. Ute assistant coach Jerry Pimm kidded him, “You didn’t think we were going to lose the first game in this building, did you?”

Regardless of what forces conspired in the Utes’ favor, the win launched a 50-year era that will be celebrated this season, with members of the ’69-70 team appearing at a game (possibly Dec.