Sun Belt makes major basketball tourney decisions

[ulXrunner]

I had an interesting conversation with someone yesterday that mentioned he thought that Xavier University would be a better place to host the tournament.
I know they are trying to revitalize the area with Costco going in and it would be a quick cab ride from the quarter. It opened Nov. 3, 2012 so it is very new.

That's a nice Arena

[MelRock]

That's a nice Arena

I had no idea is was there before yesterday. I hope they give it serious consideration in the future.

[CajunRebel]

I'm pretty sure the cost of the Smoothie King Center wouldn't be feasible for the tournament. Lakefront has to be pretty cheap and there is not much going on there to schedule around.

Yeah, you're probably right. I just think it would be really good for the conference if we could make that happen.

I don't want to play at Xavier's arena for the same reason I really want to play at Smoothie King. We need to find a good place to showcase our conference and at least give the appearance that we're "big time." Hosting the tournament in the middle of Central City, NO is not a good place to showcase anything. It's a great arena though.

[BirdofParadise]

There are about $250,000 reasons why we arent at the Smoothie King center. And, if I remember correctly, that's per day.

[MelRock]

Yeah, you're probably right. I just think it would be really good for the conference if we could make that happen.

I don't want to play at Xavier's arena for the same reason I really want to play at Smoothie King. We need to find a good place to showcase our conference and at least give the appearance that we're "big time." Hosting the tournament in the middle of Central City, NO is not a good place to showcase anything. It's a great arena though.

This from a guy who thinks we shouldn't build additional seating at football. Besides the money it would cost the conference the Smoothie King Center would be overkill where as the arena on Xavier's campus would be the perfect size. It is new and is beautiful inside. The area has gone through some revitalization thanks to Costco.

[Boomer]

I had an interesting conversation with someone yesterday that mentioned he thought that Xavier University would be a better place to host the tournament.
I know they are trying to revitalize the area with Costco going in and it would be a quick cab ride from the quarter. It opened Nov. 3, 2012 so it is very new.

----M-Rock---My daughter played for Scottie Plaisance's mom at Loyola and twice we played in the "BARN" on MLK's birthday---Wrong place/wrong time---all were very nice to us but the place was really rockin"---that being said ---what a difference!!!

[CajunRebel]

There are about $250,000 reasons why we arent at the Smoothie King center. And, if I remember correctly, that's per day.

Good Lord. Had no idea it was anywhere close to that much.

I wonder how much the MAC pays to host the tournament in The Cavs' arena.

[Cajunsmike]

Good Lord. Had no idea it was anywhere close to that much.

I wonder how much the MAC pays to host the tournament in The Cavs' arena.

Cavs arena costs to the MAC is probably similar to SKC to the SBC. Difference is people where the MAC schools are located care about basketball. People in the Deep South have not done the same for years now, that is especially true for mid-majors. They draw well for that MAC tourney.

[cajundiehard]

I'd like to see the SBC tourney head back to Biloxi... Lil' Beau Rivage with basketball and wife on the outlets! Now we're talking!