Was to allow the students to sit together and facilitate creation of the ROC. It's now one of the best atmospheres in college bball.
Prior to that, they used to spread students out. The energy and noise level were rarely great. Average at best. I went to a lot of games there over the years. There is clearly a difference since the students sit together.
I know that's irrelevant this year, but I'm still really glad BYU figured that out.