This is the first time in a long time (ever?) where both schools in the finals are a long drive from Cleveland. or in other words, no Kent State.
Especially curious how many UB folks will drive to Cleveland.
Hate to use the expression, "once in a lifetime" but that might be appropiate for UB fans.
Looked lke they already had a craplod of fans there. They had good turn out last year, too. I think Bufalo is going to be hanging around for quite a while on the basketball scene. Maybe not finals every year but gonna contend for it.
Buffalo fans have turned out for the Bulls home first-round MACC games the past two years- both SELL-OUTS. No other MAC team can say that. I would be very surprised if that sports crazy town doesn't show up in droves tonight. Buffalo loves a winner and always supports a winner.
Ohio U. is also known for loving its hoops. They just haven't been able to demonstrate it due to their failing to make it far in the MACC. I would also be disappointed if they don't show up in force.
I'm hoping for over 10,000 at tonight's game. That would make a statement, considering neither finalist is a local school.
Anyone still wish the tourney were back in Toledo?
The Columbus Dispatch writer coverng the tournament was of the opinion that Buffalo had brought more fans to the semis than any other school, which is impressive considering they are two states away.
Schadenfreude Wrote:The Columbus Dispatch writer coverng the tournament was of the opinion that Buffalo had brought more fans to the semis than any other school, which is impressive considering they are two states away.
Credit UB's athletic department for providing low-cost transportation to and from games. I hope that UB set the standard that other schools (like Toledo) will follow.
It helps when the school charters buses to take students to the games. Other MAC schools should consider this. I have always been very disappointed in the number of students who go to the games. Some schools unfortunately seem to always be on spring break during the tournament, and that cuts in to the crowd because many of them have prearranged trips to warmer climes. Too bad, because they miss out on a great time. Kudos to Buffalo for showing the way in getting students to the games.
Okie Chippewa Wrote:Anyone still wish the tourney were back in Toledo?
Yep.
marchmadness Wrote:Schadenfreude Wrote:The Columbus Dispatch writer coverng the tournament was of the opinion that Buffalo had brought more fans to the semis than any other school, which is impressive considering they are two states away.
Credit UB's athletic department for providing low-cost transportation to and from games. I hope that UB set the standard that other schools (like Toledo) will follow.
Nice pot shot... again. If you would like to compare attendance numbers on the season, we'll do that.
Not our fault that we are on Spring Break. Hard to take students to the game when none of them are on campus.
If you think Buffalo is going to set any sort of example, then I sure as hell hope that we don't follow. Finishing last in football every year is not very appealing to me.
Okie Chippewa Wrote:I'm hoping for over 10,000 at tonight's game. That would make a statement, considering neither finalist is a local school.
Anyone still wish the tourney were back in Toledo?
Tonight's game will be the loudest of any of the MAC Championship games since it's been held in Cleveland (It might be hard to top 2002 with BG v Kent though.) Two crazy and excited fan bases going at each other. I look for about 10K as well for tonight. This one should be a classic.
As far as wishing the tourney was in Toledo...
MAC officials are hoping for attendance around 10-12k tonight. Both the Ohio and Buffalo contingents have been two of the most raucous I have seen at the MAC Tourney. Should be a lot of fun tonight and a good show for ESPN2.
As far as UT students not going to games because they're on break...... I guess their break lasts all basketball season, because outside of BGSU, their attendance sucks ace! They have a large arena that never seems to even be half full. I think it's great that OU and UB are getting their fans out in force. I wish I co uld have been there to see the classic that was played tonight! It would have been better than probably making my sinus infection worse, sitting in the cold watching BGSU lost to UAF tonight in Hockey......
You asked for 10k you got it MAC 10,907 I think was the official attendence almost 11 grand... UB and OU are great programs for the MAC. Hope we can carry this over to the gridiron.
At the end of the game when they played a replay of the winning shot by OU, I couldn't help but notice how full even the endzones were........a great crowd again for the MAC finals, even without local favorite Kent in the game. Kudos to both OU and Buffalo for bringing tons of fans!
