There are few places in collegiate basketball like Hinkle Fieldhouse. Built in 1928, the now 10,000-seat venue was once the largest basketball arena in the United States. In 2006, ESPN named it “Indiana’s Basketball Cathedral.”

Being inside Hinkle is like stepping back in time. The court that the Bulldogs and Billikens squared off on is the original floor; the towering windows must be spectacular during the afternoon. Butler fans still sit in ringside bleachers that stretch up to the rafters. You can almost still see Gene Hackman measuring the height of the rim.

But the impression doesn’t stop with the venue.

Before the game, the American flag is rolled out across the court. It is a splendid sight to see our country’s colors unfurled and cheered for by 10,000 people. Blue the Bulldog makes an appearance as lineups are announced and during media timeouts. The emcee is lively and fired up. The fans, too, are on their feet.

I was in awe. Hinkle Fieldhouse is college basketball.

I was also dismayed at how uninspiring Chaifetz Arena is in comparison. That’s not to fault the venue or anyone associated with it. SLU fans are forever indebted to Dr. Richard Chaifetz for his generosity. And it is quite true that the arena is a splendid modern facility, with bright lights and LED screens.

But answer me this: When you walk into Chaifetz Arena, do you feel like you are at the home of the SLU Billikens?

I have always believed that Chaifetz is nothing more than a facility owned and operated by SLU that just so happens to host all of the men’s and women’s basketball games. Where is the tradition? Where are the regalia? Where is the Billiken? Yes, these things can be found in the Billiken Hall of Fame, which is located in a hallway adjacent to the arena. And yes, there are some lovely photos of the university plastered above the concourse.

But that’s it.

As we saw this last week, our men’s basketball has taken legitimate strides to becoming a nationally-recognized and appreciated program. Now is the time to embrace both the past and the future and make Chaifetz a true college basketball facility.

First, the arena needs some character.

Sure, the Billikens don’t have the most illustrious history in the game. Coach Crews is working on that. But there are some simple changes that could be made to highlight SLU’s place in college basketball. Someone tell me why the floor the Billikens play on isn’t named after Ed Macauley? How difficult can it be to change the name to “The ‘Easy Ed’ Macauley Centene Court?” I’m sure, as a proud sponsor of SLU athletics, the executives at Centene wouldn’t mind.

Oh, and one more. I think Chaifetz Pavilion should be renamed the Richard R. Majerus Practice Court at Chaifetz Arena. No one has done more for SLU basketball than Majerus.

And can we please get some pictures of SLU athletics on the concourse? I love our university, but the arena is for the athletic department, not the arts department.

Next, I want to address the SLU fan base.

It is time for you to learn how to support a major college basketball program. Here are a few tips:

Come before the game begins. Hinkle was packed with more than 10 minutes left before pre-game ceremonies.

Wear blue, for crying out loud. This isn’t the Cardinals, people.

Sitting should be optional and only used in case of emergency.

Use your mouth. God gave us the ability to scream for a reason.

I have heard for years that SLU wants to be big time. Well, the program is well on its way. This basketball program has done its on-court duty to get the attention of the college basketball world. If SLU really wants to be taken seriously, it’s time for its administration and fan base to act seriously.

The country is watching.