The architects for this arena have traveled around the country and looked at arenas from many similar size/bigger mid-major schools, learned from their mistakes (EG Furman), and are adapting accordingly.
As for the seating, Benjo sits the same amount, the problem is that there isn't that "surround sound" feel because there are only 2 sides to the seating. Moving the students to behind the goals is a very common thing. whenever you watch a team play on TV and they are throwing free throws, who do you see making a lot of noise, with fat heads, etc?
The Students.
Also the students are always behind the goals in Asheville when we've won Socon tourney titles.