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Indiana’s Assembly Hall to get quickie renovation before season

Howard v Indiana

BLOOMINGTON, IN - DECEMBER 19: Will Sheehey #10 of the Indiana Hoosiers looks to pass the ball while defended by Glen Andrews #0 of the Howard Bison during the game at Assembly Hall on December 19, 2011 in Bloomington, Indiana. Indiana won 107-50. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

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With many predicting a Final Four-type season for the Indiana Hoosiers in 2012-13, Assembly Hall might have lacked one very important feature for anyone coming along for the ride: handrails.

Count me among those who have not yet had the pleasure of attending an Indiana game in person. As such, I had no idea that Hoosier fans were freehanding it hither and yon up to this point. Given some of the wild rides the crimson and cream doled out last season, it’s no wonder the university is adding the long-overdue safety feature as soon as possible, thanks to a donation from Bloomington lawyer Ken Nunn.

According to a university press release, 350 hand rails will be installed between sections. The University’s Vice President for Financial Planning and Facilities Tom Morrison explained that the new addition would make the steep stairs safer, without fouling any sight lines: “We want everyone who comes into Assembly Hall to have a safe and enjoyable experience,” Morrison state in the release. “The addition of these handrails fulfill that mission, and we are pleased that the design will ensure IU guests can see all of the action on the floor.” The handrails are expected to be fully installed before next season begins.

Want to know what they’ll look like? The release was very specific on that point, as well:

The aluminum handrails will be mounted to the vertical face of the concrete risers/steps and will have rounded corners to maximize the line of sight. With a powder-coat finish, the railings will match the prominent IU red color throughout the stadium. The railings are being fabricated by Bloomington’s local fabricator, Jerico Metals.

Safety, entertainment, education, and local jobs. Tell your local politician that’s how it’s done, my friends.