The past conference tournament host locations have benefited the southern schools (Birmingham), and the Texas schools (El Paso). I think it's time to have a host school that is within easy travel distance to the more Northern schools since now, we do have a presence in the Atlantic​ region. Not saying to have it in Huntington, but somewhere like Norfolk or closer to the Carolinas would benefit more schools than just a select few. Huntington is not the farthest school, but it is still a 24 hr drive, or a 7 hour connecting flight to El Paso. I know the C-USA HQ is in Texas, but having tournaments in Texas regularly does not help any other schools. I actually like the idea of having a tournament that spans a week with different host schools, somewhat like the NIT does now. The final 4 could be in one location. Any thoughts?

Virginia Beach sounds good

I think Dallas is worth trying for a year.

I'd also like an Atlanta tournament... You could have it McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech if the Phillips arena isn't available. C-USA already hosts our swimming championship there.

Driving distance to MTSU, UAB, Charlotte, and even USM (and I'm sure they have a decent amount of alums there).

Marshall also has a good base there (739 based on a quick LinkedIn search which likely undervalues it).

Rice also has a fairly significant alumni base there.

(03-12-2017 12:17 PM)ExcitedOwl18 Wrote:  I think Dallas is worth trying for a year.

I'd also like an Atlanta tournament... You could have it McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech if the Phillips arena isn't available. C-USA already hosts our swimming championship there.

Driving distance to MTSU, UAB, Charlotte, and even USM (and I'm sure they have a decent amount of alums there).

Marshall also has a good base there (739 based on a quick LinkedIn search which likely undervalues it).

Rice also has a fairly significant alumni base there.

Atlanta would be AWESOME!!! Great destination city and somewhat drivable for many C-USA teams.

Huntington could certainly handle it though. Hold it in the Big Sandy arena, so technically a neutral site. Capacity is 4-6000 depending on configuration, so it will look more full.

We have more than enough hotel space....and Huntingtons restaurant culture is wonderful...

Everyone speaking of Nashville being occupied. I heard recently that the OVC is moving to Evansville, Indiana starting next season. Also the SEC will be in St Louis next season as well. Meaning both Bridgestone Arena and Municipal Auditorium are both available for 2018.

Cut it down to 6 teams and have it at the highest seeds home gym with top 2 teams getting byes. Each game would be heavily attended and the teams with the best regular seasons will be greatly rewarded. or just take the top 4 teams and put them at a neautral site for 2 days. Friday and Saturday. Maybe that would entice more fans to attend since they would have a good chance at making the finals. Either way less teams.

(03-12-2017 11:49 AM)ESE84 Wrote:  

(03-12-2017 09:30 AM)WKUYG Wrote:  Those number are the actual butt of Rice fans that made the drive across town to watch Rice play at home. Rice listed attendance (basketball) as 2176. I think it would be very save to say actual butts were 40% less if not higher.

Yet you think Rice fans will drive 4 hours in large numbers to watch your team. Guess we will see if that's the case if the tourney is moved to Dallas

Didn't play WKU at home this year but Louisiana Tech attendance was 3,302. I am estimating Houston fans, those alumni in Dallas, and others within driving distance willing to watch a good team in a post-season event. The proof I have offered is the 2012 turnout for a bowl game between two 6-6 teams in the same city. We'll see in 2018 what happens.

Those are the actual BUTT out of the 22,000 listed for those football games. I was at the Western game and saw pictures of the Tech crowd and about the same as Western's. As you said you listed a football game so I did the same vs CUSA schools.