Renovating Auditorium an ideal plan

All this hoopla about a new Bangor Auditorium was conveniently juxtaposed with the beginning of the start of regular-season high school basketball play.

For teams in Classes B, C and D in Eastern Maine, the Auditorium represents the final, ultimate goal of success.

Making the tournament has been the battle cry for teams across the state for decades, and the Auditorium has been the place that kids in this region dream of from grade school to high school.

I couldn’t help thinking about all this as I watched TV news clips recently of Bangor city fathers, discussing sites for a proposed new arena in the Queen City.

Then the thought occurred to me. Instead of building a new arena in Bangor, why not refurbish the old one?

Impossible, you’re saying. I don’t think so. Here’s why.

I hearken back to the days the John Henry ownership group came to Boston and took over the Boston Red Sox and immediately began plans to refurbish Fenway Park.

Granted, the two famous structures are a lot different in size and age, but in keeping tradition alive, Maine’s gem is the Bangor Auditorium, and it is worth saving. Name a sports arena north of Boston that’s more famous.

Thought so.

Yes, I am a traditionalist. And no, I am not against change.

I do have one reason why I think city fathers should consider such a proposal.

Talk of a new building to house events such as high school tournament basketball in Bangor may not be enough to alleviate concern that Maine Principals’ Association officials won’t wait for Bangor to break ground for a new arena before announcing the Auditorium’s loss of the Eastern Maine B, C and D high school basketball tournament.

The first move to Augusta was the Eastern Maine Class A tournament.

Don’t think that could happen again?

Don’t be too sure of yourself.

An immediate plan to refurbish the Auditorium would put some, if not all, of the Augusta worry to rest – at least temporarily.

Proposed improvements such as better restrooms, a new playing floor, and added parking and stadium seating, if announced tomorrow, would give an indication that Bangor is serious about its high school tournament.

Speculative thinking will only factor into worry.

Admittedly, I do have a soft spot in my heart for the old barn on Dutton Street. Be that as it may, the emotion and affection from those like me for such a project could only be surpassed by a serious interest in such an undertaking.

30-Second Time Out

It must be winter – well, almost – because the Bangor Rams boys basketball team is playing in my back yard at the Red Barry Gym. Radio station WZON AM 620, The Sports Zone, is covering the games with veteran announcers Dale Duff and Bruce Anderson on the call, and there’s snow on the ground.

The start of the regular season in high school hoops is as exciting as the first Eastern Maine tournament game at the Bangor Auditorium.

Bangor boys basketball coach Roger Reed is, arguably, the dean of high school coaching in Maine. Dale Duff has slowly, but surely, become one of the finest – if not the finest – radio broadcasters in the state. And Bruce Anderson, a longtime teacher, football coach, basketball official, baseball umpire, and football official – he worked his last game this fall – should be given serious consideration by hall of fame voters to be recognized for his work in athletics.

Ron Brown, a retired high school basketball coach, may be reached at bdnsports@bangordailynews.net