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Neutral Tournament
- Thread starter 360Eag
- Start date
marceagfan5
Active member
360Eag said:
Reno would be a big mistake IMO. Who in the world would go? Attendance would be down at a neutral site considering this is the Big Sky Conference.
I get that travel is a nightmare, especially last minute flights to these remote locations, so why not have it at a place near a couple conference schools with a large airport. Spokane makes perfect sense, close to EWU, Idaho, and Montana. Easy flight from Portland.
At least you would be able to draw fans from Griz, Eastern, Vandals, and whatever other top school is playing in the tourney should it be in Spokane. Missoula works too, but Spokane has a much bigger airport which would make more sense.
marceagfan5 said:
I hate the concept of a neutral site tourney for the Big Sky. It would make sense if the Big Sky were a multi-bid conference, but we're not and likely won't ever be one. Therefore, moving to a neutral site just diminishes the advantage for the conference champion. That would render the regular season to be useless.
If this happens, I can't see any of the bidding sites to be a legit option except Reno and Spokane. If Ogden got subbed out for Salt Lake City, that would be a good option too. In fact, Salt Lake City might be the best choice given their airport's status as a Delta hub... transportation to the tournament would be cheap and easy for travelling fans.
EWUEagleEye
Active member
I think going to a neutral tournament location could actually be a step towards being a multi-bid conference, but we are so far from that its silly to think about really.
As for the location, Reno is ok, but Vegas would be better. I'd say SLC or Sacramento as options but then it'd be hometown for the Wildcats or Hornets and at least the Wildcats don't need anymore advantages given their history.
It would be awesome if they went to a rotating location based on bid, so Reno one year, Seattle one year, Salt Lake etc... That could be pretty fun and would give the Conference a chance to bring in a little more media attention and even money.
As for becoming a multi-bid league, anyone want to discuss what needs to happen for that to occur?
I'd start by saying:
1) Big Sky team needs to win a fricking NCAA tourney game or two
2) Big Sky teams need to start playing tougher non-con schedules and winning games
3) We need to have more than one team play really well for multiple seasons in a row
4) We need a non-NCAA tournament team to make a run in the NIT and/or CIT and get some attention
5) We probably need to start selling out our gyms. The NCAA isn't excited about having multiple teams in the tourney that can't sell out 5,000 or less seat stadiums with any consistency
As for the location, Reno is ok, but Vegas would be better. I'd say SLC or Sacramento as options but then it'd be hometown for the Wildcats or Hornets and at least the Wildcats don't need anymore advantages given their history.
It would be awesome if they went to a rotating location based on bid, so Reno one year, Seattle one year, Salt Lake etc... That could be pretty fun and would give the Conference a chance to bring in a little more media attention and even money.
As for becoming a multi-bid league, anyone want to discuss what needs to happen for that to occur?
I'd start by saying:
1) Big Sky team needs to win a fricking NCAA tourney game or two
2) Big Sky teams need to start playing tougher non-con schedules and winning games
3) We need to have more than one team play really well for multiple seasons in a row
4) We need a non-NCAA tournament team to make a run in the NIT and/or CIT and get some attention
5) We probably need to start selling out our gyms. The NCAA isn't excited about having multiple teams in the tourney that can't sell out 5,000 or less seat stadiums with any consistency
marceagfan5
Active member
EWUEagleEye said:
Good Points.
If the Big Sky improves and becomes a better conference, then the neutral site location should be brought to the table, we just aren't at that stage right now.
The Big Sky needs to put its best team in the tourney and you help do that by giving the regular season champ a chance to host.
EWUEagleEye
Active member
Totally agree re: best team in the tourney, that's why I put winning some games in the NCAA's as point #1.
Like I said we are a long way away from that. I think this year's squad has a legit shot to pull an upset, but we need to nearly win out to get a 12-14 seed so we can play someone within reach. If we go in as a 16 seed it will be nearly impossible... the 4 #1 seeds are usually pretty dominant.
Like I said we are a long way away from that. I think this year's squad has a legit shot to pull an upset, but we need to nearly win out to get a 12-14 seed so we can play someone within reach. If we go in as a 16 seed it will be nearly impossible... the 4 #1 seeds are usually pretty dominant.
EWUEagleEye
Active member
EWURanger said:
Spokone would be fantastic as a location, it just feels like too much to ask to get nearly home court advantage for the Eags, but man that would be fun! The only thing better to me, would be hosting it in Austin, TX so I could go to all the games :lol:
EdubU10
Active member
I know it's been mentioned on here but a neutral site would suck. Who would go? The BSC isn't a basketball power and wont draw like the bigger conferences. Shoot, the WCC tournament in Vegas doesn't even fill up and that's with a Gonzaga team that has a big following. Having it at the winner of the conference makes the most sense. It gives teams something to play for in the regular season and creates a better atmosphere. I was still in high school when EWU hosted in 2004 but from photos of the championship game, Reese was packed and that is something that shouldn't be stripped from Big Sky teams. Plus I'm also bias cause I would love to attend the BSC tournament in Cheney someday.
Selfishly I like Reno as the neutral location (closest to Sac State), but I think Spokane has the logistical upper hand. 5 BSC members are within 6 hours of Spokane (rounded times, source: the Google):
- • 0.5 hrs to Cheney (EWU)
• 1.5 hrs to Moscow (Idaho)
• 3.25 hrs to Missoula (UM)
• 5.5 hrs to Portland (PSU)
• 6 hrs to Bozeman (MSU)
• 8.5 hrs to Pocatello (ISU, hobo cheap so they would probably bus it)
• 10 hrs to Ogden (WSU, would probably fly)
