In reality, it was badly outdated a decade before that. In construction quality, the Civic Center is a much better structure than the fieldhouse. But it's aging, and Carver Arena is undeniably better suited for hockey than basketball. If window closes without a major basketball arena, it likely will be 20-25 years before another opportunity arises. And that's not good.
Nobody disputes that men's basketball games belong on campus.
The campus is severely landlocked on the West Bluff. BU is a major Civic Center tenant, and some university administrators are concerned that leaving Carver might strain a good relationship with the city. It is hard to justify major spending on athletics if academic needs are not being met. I didn't mention money. If Bradley announced plans to return men's basketball games to campus, money would rain from the sky.