UD fans cheer for Flyers while arena crews clear parking lots

UPDATE @ 10:30 p.m.

The snow and slick conditions didn’t keep Flyers fans away from UD Arena tonight for the men’s basketball game.

It did keep them from staying after the game. Weather conditions led the Flight Deck to close after the University of Dayton handily beat the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams.

Despite the wind and snow, UD fans had smiles on their faces as they came to their ice and snow-covered cars.

>> Dayton routs VCU with one of the best offensive performances in school history

That’s because UD Arena staff were prepared for the Flyers game to go on despite the winter storm.

It was a tedious night for crews tasked with keeping the parking lots clear and safe for fans.

“Been up and down the aisles many, probably 50 times in each aisle so far,” Thomas Oakley, owner of Oakley Blacktop, said.

Oakley Blacktop plowed and plowed the packed lots. But the snow just kept falling.

“It makes it very tough when you have all the cars you gotta work around. Just need to make sure you don’t hit anybody’s cars,” Oakley said.

The good news is all the expected ice accumulation didn’t happen.

Some fans headed for home at halftime.

“The score when I left was 61-42. We were kicking booty butts,” Veronica Morris of Dayton said.

It was worth coming out to see her favorite team win, said Morris, who did not shy away from questions about whether her choice of footwear was appropriate for the elements. “These are the warmest clogs I have ... these keep my feet warm and dry so I’m all right tonight.”

FIRST REPORT

It will be normal game-day procedure at UD Arena tonight, arena director Scott DeBolt told WHIO Radio's Larry Hansgen on Friday, despite the threat of a winter storm that could make travel to and from the arena hazardous for fans.

» RELATED: Winter Weather Advisory issued today as winter storm moves in

The Dayton Flyers men’s basketball game at 7 p.m. against Virginia Commonwealth will go on as scheduled. The Rams flew to Dayton on Thursday.

“We constantly monitor the weather, whether it’s sunny or raining or snowing,” DeBolt said. “We’re just taking extra precautions today and keeping our eye on it and encouraging people to take their time today. Arrive a little bit early. Come and enjoy a good Flyer victory tonight. We’ll monitor the lots and roadways, the off ramps. We’re working with (the Ohio Department of Transportation) and the City of Dayton, and we’ll keep the sidewalks and the driveways clear and safe.”

» PREVIEW: What you need to know about UD vs. VCUGrant goes against former team

Snow could accumulate in the parking lot during the game, and DeBolt said they will make sure the walkways and main driveways are free and clear.

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