(05-06-2013 12:19 PM)Knights_of_UCF Wrote:  Those in this thread who are championing the Palestra idea either:

1. Have never seen a game there
2. Haven't seen a game there in many, many years
3. Have no intentions of going to see a game there

If you had any of the three, you would realize what a bad idea hosting a conference tournament there is. While there is history related to the gym, it has nothing to do with the AAC.

Watching one game there was brutal, I could not imagine watching a day full of games. I seriously doubt there would be many who would, and even in an 8,000 seat arena most games would be empty outside of those being played by the traditional powers (uconn, cinci, UL, and Memphis). Wouldn't that be the case at any arena?

What are the Palestra lovers going to say when all games are empty outside of the mentioned teams above? Would you disagree that those teams could fill up an even larger arena during their games? If the other games will be empty either way, what does it matter to play in such a small time arena?

Temple wouldn't draw a crowd?

(05-06-2013 09:58 PM)HP-TBDPITL Wrote:  

(05-06-2013 12:19 PM)Knights_of_UCF Wrote:  Those in this thread who are championing the Palestra idea either:

1. Have never seen a game there
2. Haven't seen a game there in many, many years
3. Have no intentions of going to see a game there

If you had any of the three, you would realize what a bad idea hosting a conference tournament there is. While there is history related to the gym, it has nothing to do with the AAC.

Watching one game there was brutal, I could not imagine watching a day full of games. I seriously doubt there would be many who would, and even in an 8,000 seat arena most games would be empty outside of those being played by the traditional powers (uconn, cinci, UL, and Memphis). Wouldn't that be the case at any arena?

What are the Palestra lovers going to say when all games are empty outside of the mentioned teams above? Would you disagree that those teams could fill up an even larger arena during their games? If the other games will be empty either way, what does it matter to play in such a small time arena?

Temple wouldn't draw a crowd?

Yes Temple probably would. The rest of the leageu though would not and it would be no different than putting it in Memphis who has Cinci and Louisville nearby.

(05-06-2013 12:50 PM)KnightLight Wrote:  

(05-06-2013 12:19 PM)Knights_of_UCF Wrote:  ....I seriously doubt there would be many who would, and even in an 8,000 seat arena most games would be empty outside of those being played by the traditional powers (uconn, cinci, UL, and Memphis). Wouldn't that be the case at any arena?

What are the Palestra lovers going to say when all games are empty outside of the mentioned teams above?

Sounds like the above UCF fan has never attended the CUSA Tourn in Memphis...because if he/she had...then they would know how so few fans bother to show up in a BEAUTIFUL ARENA to see teams NOT named Memphis (i.e. teams like Houston, SMU, UCF, Tulsa, ECU, etc...).

Believe the AAC might have a great chance at selling tix to some LOCALS, regardless which teams are playing...as locals in other cities (like Memphis) never bother to watch most other teams play.

Thats my point. No one outside of the top few teams are going to show up, so the non-marquee games will be empty no matter where the games are played... and sorry, "locals" are not buying tickets to see UCF vs Tulane or any of the other games.

On top of that, given how crappy this place is to watch more than one game (terrible bleacher seats, 4 restrooms, minimal concessions, no alcohol) the days of spending all day watching basketball are over for most. Thats what the BE Tournament had going for it in MSG. You get there early and watch for the whole day. No one is going to do that in uncomfortable bleacher seats with no comforts.

But hey, it'll look good on tv right? Thats all you seem to care about. Clearly you have never been to a conference tournament if all you care about is how it'll look on TV.....and thats debatable since when I see this gym on tv all I can think about is what High School is playing.

(05-06-2013 10:15 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(05-06-2013 10:12 AM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(05-06-2013 10:03 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(05-06-2013 08:32 AM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(05-06-2013 07:56 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Agree. My question is, if the A-10 stopped using it years ago, why is the Palestra such a great choice for us? Bad seats, few restrooms and concessions, no suites, no alcohol. The only things going for it are it's old, small, nd in a big city where our conference plays.

Well just calling it old really diminishes the history of the building, but yes it's history, the fact that it's probably around the size this league actually needs for a tournament, and it's location are the reasons it should be considered. This league will not consistently come close to filling an NBA arena unless the host team is playing, and with every game being on an ESPN network if you start having semi final and final games with a few thousand people in an NBA arena it's going to look really really bad.

Fine, then put it at the Mohegan Sun.

I think that's a fine option. I'm sure there are several other arena's in the areas we'd look that are in the 8-10k range size wise. I think there is some level of charm and nostalgia that would come from putting it at the Palestra occasionally, and it would give it a good atmosphere for TV which is what this really needs to be about. It needs to be put places it will look and sound good on TV. I don't care where that is but that's the #1 priority. Bells and whistles for those that go should be a secondary concern.

Not if you have a choice. That's why the Mohegan Sun makes more sense to me than the Palestra.

DING!

(05-06-2013 03:42 PM)bearcatfan Wrote:  OK - it has history. But... really? Cincinnati Gardens has history too - the NBA and Oscar Robertson played there. But I wouldn't want the tournament there, either.



http://stadiumandarenavisits.com/visitsr...-palestra/

DING!

There are dozens of historical old gyms that are small. Doesn't mean we should be holding our conference tournament there.

If where Duke played was so great, why doesn't the ACC have their tournament there? End of discussion.

(05-06-2013 12:19 PM)Knights_of_UCF Wrote:  Those in this thread who are championing the Palestra idea either:

1. Have never seen a game there
2. Haven't seen a game there in many, many years
3. Have no intentions of going to see a game there

If you had any of the three, you would realize what a bad idea hosting a conference tournament there is. While there is history related to the gym, it has nothing to do with the AAC.

Watching one game there was brutal, I could not imagine watching a day full of games. I seriously doubt there would be many who would, and even in an 8,000 seat arena most games would be empty outside of those being played by the traditional powers (uconn, cinci, UL, and Memphis). Wouldn't that be the case at any arena?

What are the Palestra lovers going to say when all games are empty outside of the mentioned teams above? Would you disagree that those teams could fill up an even larger arena during their games? If the other games will be empty either way, what does it matter to play in such a small time arena?

I have been to probably 100 games over the years at the Palestra. If you are looking for comfort, good food, plenty of parking, and other creature comforts, this is the worst choice in the country. However, if you want sellouts, good pub from nastaglia stories, and kick ass noise and atomosphere, it makes perfect sense.

Question: How easy is it to get to Mohegan Sun ?

(05-06-2013 03:42 PM)bearcatfan Wrote:  OK - it has history. But... really? Cincinnati Gardens has history too - the NBA and Oscar Robertson played there. But I wouldn't want the tournament there, either.



http://stadiumandarenavisits.com/visitsr...-palestra/

I was going to make that point, but you beat me to it. I watched many games (Royals, Slammers and Bearcats) there, but I don't long to go back anytime soon.

I still think the best location the first year would be Memphis.

(05-07-2013 07:58 AM)RedRocker Wrote:  

(05-06-2013 03:42 PM)bearcatfan Wrote:  OK - it has history. But... really? Cincinnati Gardens has history too - the NBA and Oscar Robertson played there. But I wouldn't want the tournament there, either.



http://stadiumandarenavisits.com/visitsr...-palestra/

I was going to make that point, but you beat me to it. I watched many games (Royals, Slammers and Bearcats) there, but I don't long to go back anytime soon.

I still think the best location the first year would be Memphis.

Agree 100%. I grew up in Philly, taking the #11 trolley to the Palestra when I was 10, and I would vote for Memphis.

BTW, those 5 rows of red seats in picture, are the only ones in the building with seat backs. Bench seating with space for about a 90 lb. woman in each space.

(05-07-2013 08:06 AM)taximan1 Wrote:  

(05-07-2013 07:58 AM)RedRocker Wrote:  

(05-06-2013 03:42 PM)bearcatfan Wrote:  OK - it has history. But... really? Cincinnati Gardens has history too - the NBA and Oscar Robertson played there. But I wouldn't want the tournament there, either.



http://stadiumandarenavisits.com/visitsr...-palestra/

I was going to make that point, but you beat me to it. I watched many games (Royals, Slammers and Bearcats) there, but I don't long to go back anytime soon.

I still think the best location the first year would be Memphis.

Agree 100%. I grew up in Philly, taking the #11 trolley to the Palestra when I was 10, and I would vote for Memphis.

BTW, those 5 rows of red seats in picture, are the only ones in the building with seat backs. Bench seating with space for about a 90 lb. woman in each space.

Exactly. I am sure Palestra is nice for a one off game, but having an entire conference tournament is awful. No one is going to stay for more than one game for the reasons already mentioned. That means the only games that would be sold out would have been sold out no matter where the tournament is held.

Those who are promoting the Palestra idea likely havent been in a while or aren't seeing the big picture.

Keep mulling this over. I want to like this... I really do, but every time I look at these Palestra pictures I see a big gymnasium. If we had it there I might travel up if I could... but it looks a bit small time.

(05-07-2013 08:06 AM)taximan1 Wrote:  BTW, those 5 rows of red seats in picture, are the only ones in the building with seat backs. Bench seating with space for about a 90 lb. woman in each space.

I'm getting more and more enticed to sit through 4 games in a day!

1. I have been to the Palestra recently.
2. I would go to the tournament if it's held there.
3. I still support the idea.

(05-07-2013 02:55 PM)CollegeCard Wrote:  

(05-07-2013 08:06 AM)taximan1 Wrote:  BTW, those 5 rows of red seats in picture, are the only ones in the building with seat backs. Bench seating with space for about a 90 lb. woman in each space.

I'm getting more and more enticed to sit through 4 games in a day!

Hold the thing in a nice venue. That casino or at the FedExForum. But please, not in a gym with high school seating.

Are there any relatively modern 8-10K arenas in any major AAC cities? Why not Temples normal playing facility, the Liacouras Center? Thats a modern facility that holds 10,200. I believe its all pro-style individual backed seats. Dont know if they serve alcohol or not. But at least the place is comfortable. Do the powers that be think we can sell 8K seats in the Palestra, but 8K wont go to the the Liacouras Center? Aren't they both in Philly? The one thing we know for sure is that there always the possibility we might get 10K in the Liacoruras Center--thats impossible at the Palestra.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Liacou...ection.jpg

(05-07-2013 08:22 AM)Knights_of_UCF Wrote:  Exactly. I am sure Palestra is nice for a one off game, but having an entire conference tournament is awful. No one is going to stay for more than one game for the reasons already mentioned. That means the only games that would be sold out would have been sold out no matter where the tournament is held.

This is exactly how I feel. If the tourney is at the Palestra, I only watch the games involving my team. Once my team is done for the day, I am leaving and not coming back until my team hits the floor again. If my team played the afternoon session, there is nothing to get me back to the arena to watch the night games.

If it is held at Mohegan, I am going to sit through both games during a session because I have my own seat, can drink beer, and I am comfortable. Then during the break between the day and night sessions I am going to grab a bite to eat, get a few drinks, and maybe hit the blackjack table for a bit. Then I am going to head back into the arena for the night session, just because it is convenient since I had plenty to do without ever leaving the property. Maybe the next morning I play some golf before the games start, and again I never had to leave the property.

(05-07-2013 03:42 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  Are there any relatively modern 8-10K arenas in any major AAC cities? Why not Temples normal playing facility, the Liacouras Center? Thats a modern facility that holds 10,200. I believe its all pro-style individual backed seats. Dont know if they serve alcohol or not. But at least the place is comfortable. Do the powers that be think we can sell 8K seats in the Palestra, but 8K wont go to the the Liacouras Center? Aren't they both in Philly? The one thing we know for sure is that there always the possibility we might get 10K in the Liacoruras Center--thats impossible at the Palestra.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Liacou...ection.jpg

Liacouras Center is one of the nicest 10k seat facilities anywhere.

yes, they do serve beer

(05-08-2013 06:57 AM)taximan1 Wrote:  Liacouras Center is one of the nicest 10k seat facilities anywhere.

yes, they do serve beer

That looks like a nice arena but it just seems kind of odd having the league tournament on the court of a school from another league. Of course that's the same issue with the Palestra.