With Pauley closing for awhile, UCLA looks far afield

Pauley Pavilion is shutting down after Saturday's Bruin basketball finale for a year or so of construction. To get ready, UCLA has been quietly surveying fans on possible alternate venues for next season. Based on the survey forwarded to LA Observed, there could be a lot of driving involved. Staples Center only has two dates available, and Loyola Marymount's gym was deemed too small. Anaheim's Honda Center is being considered for as many as nine games. On the table for at least some games are Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario (57 miles from campus), RaboBank Arena in Bakersfield (109 miles) and Valley View Casino Center in San Diego (130 miles.) Sounds as if the L.A. Sports Arena — where UCLA played from 1965 to 1965 — is being looked at for a block of 18 games. Why not the formerly fabulous Forum in Inglewood, you might ask? From the survey:

We have expended a considerable amount of time looking at the LA Forum (Inglewood) as a preferred alternative. During this process, Madison Square Garden (MSG) announced their intent to purchase the facility with the desire of turning the building into a concert hall. Although MSG was excited about the opportunity to host the Bruins, their future renovation plans will now preclude that from being able to occur.

The photo is of basketball being played at the old Pan-Pacific Auditorium. Year and teams unknown. L.A. Public Library

Also: The L.A. Sports Awards last night named the Lakers' NBA champioship as the top local sports moment of last year. That was followed by the John Wooden memorial at UCLA, Jerry Buss' election to the NBA Hall of Fame, Landon Donovan's World Cup goal, Zenyatta’s win streak, Evan Lysacek's Olympics gold medal, the Kings' return to the NHL playoffs, UCLA's softball championship, Team USA's gold medal at the FIBA Basketball World Championships in Turkey and the baseball all-star game in Anaheim.