Memorial Gym coach box to be extended

The unique baseline coaching boxes at Vanderbilt's Memorial Gym will be extended up the sideline for the 2015-16 season, the university confirmed Tuesday.

The bench will remain on the baseline.

Mandated by the NCAA, both coaching boxes will be extended down the north sideline beyond the 3-point line and toward the scorer's table. Head coaches, not assistants, will be allowed to walk throughout the box during games. Per the current rules, players will remain in the bench area on the baseline except when going to the scorer's table to check into the game.

"The NCAA has asked us to make these changes to our coaching boxes at Memorial Gym, and we have accommodated their request," Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings said in a statement. "However, these alterations are very marginal and I believe these changes will have minimal impact on the overall fan experience and the Memorial Magic that our building has created and will continue to create for many years to come."

The NCAA did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

In September, CatsIllustrated.com, the Rivals and Yahoo site that covers Kentucky basketball, reported that the NCAA approved a waiver, as requested by the Southeastern Conference, that would extend the coaching boxes of Memorial Gym.

Since its construction in 1952, Memorial Gym has served as one of college basketball's unique venues, with benches situated on the baseline and a playing court situated above portions of the crowd.

A Vanderbilt statement said the university does not anticipate the change creating significant issues related to fans' sightlines. For questions, call the National Commodore Club at 615-322-4114.

Reach Adam Sparks at 615-259-8010 and on Twitter @AdamSparks.