The Name Game
Unless you are a total flat liner, or you've been under a rock, you should have heard the hot news of the week by now here in the Duke City. The University of New Mexico has announced that WisePies Pizza & Salad, a locally owned business, has agreed to give $5 million over 10 years to support the UNM Athletics Department through the newly established WisePies Fund. As part of the recognition for their support, beginning Dec. 1st, 2014 University Arena will be named WisePies Arena (aka The Pit) for the duration of the gift. Since this news broke over the last couple of days, some of the response has led me and my co-host Michael scratching our heads a bit. The response has been less than stellar on some of our calls, social media, message boards etc. I was raised in Albuquerque, I understand that this hits to the core for some "traditionalists", blah blah blah. I just don't really get the angry response that this news has created over a subtle name change. The Pit will always be The Pit. It will not be changed and UNM or WisePies is not asking anyone of that. It simply amounts to business, good business at that, it was bound to happen. It's 2014, and it could have been a lot worse. They are not asking for a limb, or asking that the colors change from cherry and silver to midnight green, or even worse, you won't be seeing Cullen Neal with a headband that say WisePies on it. The name of The Pit simply gets modified a bit mainly for media and business purposes, a few bills get paid and a local business gets some good national run; what's wrong with that? Can you give me a sane and valid reason why this is no good? Didn't think so. In a few weeks we'll all be used to it, we'll still call it The Pit, and our thoughts and concerns will be back to the young men on the court and UNM's injury issues and chemistry of this young squad. Relax enjoy The Pit as it will always be The Pit!
Mike in Albuquerque