Bengal E
Active Member
First let me preface this statement by saying I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A SWAC TOURNAMENT GAME!!! So I can't compare B'ham, Biloxi, Baton Rouge, Bogalusa, or anybody else.
What it would take for me to come....
I think the tournament needs to be more of an event. That way you keep crowds and have some good basketball mixed in between. Like SU Jag 79, I am a product of the 80's when basketball crowds were no problem. The AAC was always packed in that day and even when I went to away games (Valley, Alcorn, SU, even Gram) they were packed and hype. But I am older now. I feel I need more for my dollar.
There was an excellent article in a past issue of Ebony on the CIAA tournament which described this as more than a postseason basketball tournament but as an event. This is what the SWAC needs. Look at what PF was saying, he was saying NO was a better place because it had more stuff to do after the game. You guys who went had a wonderful time at the game, but what did you do after the game? I know from reading this board in the weeks coming up to the tournament, there were no activities planned. Just find your own party. Well if my team isn't in it, that's just not enticing to me or other people, esp. students. If there were concerts, fashion shows, Greek shows, Battle of Pep Bands, Alumni mixers, SWACPAGE get togethers, etc. More people would be enticed to come, even if your team isn't in it.
PF, you're just gonna have to get over the scheduling, if they give you something to come to you're just gonna have to take off of work. I looked at these SEC people who were here from Thurs. morning until today and it was incredible. Friday night I couldn't leave work for people trying to get to the game and I went in CNN Center near the Dome and there were people everywhere. I still saw UK and Ole Miss people after they lost.
I'm sure you people who went had a wonderful time and I'm glad you did. But if you want to go from what I consider small time (5400) to what the SWAC is capable of, (7500-10K) and make some money in the process, this would be a step in the right direction at least to get some of my hard earned money.
SWAC PR Man call me, we can start planning next years event now.
What it would take for me to come....
I think the tournament needs to be more of an event. That way you keep crowds and have some good basketball mixed in between. Like SU Jag 79, I am a product of the 80's when basketball crowds were no problem. The AAC was always packed in that day and even when I went to away games (Valley, Alcorn, SU, even Gram) they were packed and hype. But I am older now. I feel I need more for my dollar.
There was an excellent article in a past issue of Ebony on the CIAA tournament which described this as more than a postseason basketball tournament but as an event. This is what the SWAC needs. Look at what PF was saying, he was saying NO was a better place because it had more stuff to do after the game. You guys who went had a wonderful time at the game, but what did you do after the game? I know from reading this board in the weeks coming up to the tournament, there were no activities planned. Just find your own party. Well if my team isn't in it, that's just not enticing to me or other people, esp. students. If there were concerts, fashion shows, Greek shows, Battle of Pep Bands, Alumni mixers, SWACPAGE get togethers, etc. More people would be enticed to come, even if your team isn't in it.
PF, you're just gonna have to get over the scheduling, if they give you something to come to you're just gonna have to take off of work. I looked at these SEC people who were here from Thurs. morning until today and it was incredible. Friday night I couldn't leave work for people trying to get to the game and I went in CNN Center near the Dome and there were people everywhere. I still saw UK and Ole Miss people after they lost.
I'm sure you people who went had a wonderful time and I'm glad you did. But if you want to go from what I consider small time (5400) to what the SWAC is capable of, (7500-10K) and make some money in the process, this would be a step in the right direction at least to get some of my hard earned money.
SWAC PR Man call me, we can start planning next years event now.
DAHILL
Well-Known Member
Originally posted by Bengal E
First let me preface this statement by saying I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A SWAC TOURNAMENT GAME!!! So I can't compare B'ham, Biloxi, Baton Rouge, Bogalusa, or anybody else.
What it would take for me to come....
I think the tournament needs to be more of an event. That way you keep crowds and have some good basketball mixed in between. Like SU Jag 79, I am a product of the 80's when basketball crowds were no problem. The AAC was always packed in that day and even when I went to away games (Valley, Alcorn, SU, even Gram) they were packed and hype. But I am older now. I feel I need more for my dollar.
There was an excellent article in a past issue of Ebony on the CIAA tournament which described this as more than a postseason basketball tournament but as an event. This is what the SWAC needs. Look at what PF was saying, he was saying NO was a better place because it had more stuff to do after the game. You guys who went had a wonderful time at the game, but what did you do after the game? I know from reading this board in the weeks coming up to the tournament, there were no activities planned. Just find your own party. Well if my team isn't in it, that's just not enticing to me or other people, esp. students. If there were concerts, fashion shows, Greek shows, Battle of Pep Bands, Alumni mixers, SWACPAGE get togethers, etc. More people would be enticed to come, even if your team isn't in it.
PF, you're just gonna have to get over the scheduling, if they give you something to come to you're just gonna have to take off of work. I looked at these SEC people who were here from Thurs. morning until today and it was incredible. Friday night I couldn't leave work for people trying to get to the game and I went in CNN Center near the Dome and there were people everywhere. I still saw UK and Ole Miss people after they lost.
I'm sure you people who went had a wonderful time and I'm glad you did. But if you want to go from what I consider small time (5400) to what the SWAC is capable of, (7500-10K) and make some money in the process, this would be a step in the right direction at least to get some of my hard earned money.
SWAC PR Man call me, we can start planning next years event now.
Maybe we need to change the attitudes of some of posters before we change where the tournament is... We need to stop trying to compare the tournament to the CIAA. The SWAC tournament will NEVER get to where the CIAA tournament is. The CIAA tournament is the second largest tournament in America behind either the Big East or ACC. Swac people were complaining about paying 7 dollers for a home game, when CIAA tickets run from 150-to over 200 dollers. The CIAA tournament last a whole week. PantherFan complains about taking off ONE DAY. You talk about a battle of the bands... Texas SO band wasnt even in Birmingham and it was FREE. They didnt have any cheerleaders either.
Normal1875
A&M #1
if you werent there
please dont complain!
please dont complain!
Bengal E
Active Member
Ahhh excuse me. I'm not complaining. The title of the thread is How to improve the SWAC tournament and I gave my opinion on some things that could possibly be done.
DaHill, I feel what you're saying about some of the attitudes of SWAC people, but honestly that's people in general. Some people will complain about paying a dime. Those are not the people you are trying to reach. You are trying to get the marginal SWAC fan who may have a slight interest in attending but needs a little push. And you're trying to keep the people who came to support the SWAC, not just their school. I was not comparing the SWAC to the CIAA. I was saying that as way tio improve, use them as a model. I disagree with your opinion that the SWAC tournament could never be better than the CIAA. Perhaps it's because I have more SWAC experience than you and see where it's been as opposed to where you are now looking at where it's at.
Improvements do need to be made and it starts at the SWAC office and the schools.
On the subject of 1st round home games vs. a one site tournament: I'm divided. I think the 1st round games are a good idea because it gives the top schools an extra game and revenue, but it does cut into overall fan base for the tournament. For instance, perhaps more than 3 TSU fans would have come to the game in B'ham if they had played Valley there on Thurs. I don't know, I could be wrong.
But I do know one thing, we need to decide which direction we are headed, if we're going to be smalltime that's okay and it seems some of ya'll are okay with that. But smalltime is as smalltime does. And we will only get out what we put in, so if we're not doing much, nothing should be expected.
DaHill, I feel what you're saying about some of the attitudes of SWAC people, but honestly that's people in general. Some people will complain about paying a dime. Those are not the people you are trying to reach. You are trying to get the marginal SWAC fan who may have a slight interest in attending but needs a little push. And you're trying to keep the people who came to support the SWAC, not just their school. I was not comparing the SWAC to the CIAA. I was saying that as way tio improve, use them as a model. I disagree with your opinion that the SWAC tournament could never be better than the CIAA. Perhaps it's because I have more SWAC experience than you and see where it's been as opposed to where you are now looking at where it's at.
Improvements do need to be made and it starts at the SWAC office and the schools.
On the subject of 1st round home games vs. a one site tournament: I'm divided. I think the 1st round games are a good idea because it gives the top schools an extra game and revenue, but it does cut into overall fan base for the tournament. For instance, perhaps more than 3 TSU fans would have come to the game in B'ham if they had played Valley there on Thurs. I don't know, I could be wrong.
But I do know one thing, we need to decide which direction we are headed, if we're going to be smalltime that's okay and it seems some of ya'll are okay with that. But smalltime is as smalltime does. And we will only get out what we put in, so if we're not doing much, nothing should be expected.
SU Jag 79
Jaguar ALUM
Bengal E, AMEN!
They don't want to understand anyone else's point of view because we weren't there. I didn't see a lot of AAMU there the last year it was in Biloxi. Of course, you weren't eligible, but you should have been there to support the SWAC, right?
My point is this, again. Move the tournament or leave it. It won't matter unless you do MORE than just a series of basketball games. That may work in Alabama where basketball has been on the rise, but the SWAC is more than Alabama and as soon as the office realizes that, the better off they will be.
(a) Central Location : I don't mind driving three hours and seeing my team lose. I can come home afterwords if I want, but seven to eight hours? The center of the SWAC is actually between Mississippi and Louisiana. That's why the location of Biloxi was good. The only thing that ruined that was the hotels.
(b) Comparing with the CIAA: Maybe he doesn't realize, but the SWAC Tournament used to be something major. Before the Dogs got here, this tourney was something special. But, then it was ALL about basketball and no one minded that. Times have changed and the SWAC needs to change also. While we may never get to the CIAA status, I am certain we will never approach that going the way we are now.
(c) At the Tournament: Basketball and People selling stuff. That's it? Birmingham is a great town, no doubt, but you have to do a lot more there than in some of the cities mentioned in this thread. For some reason, the SWAC has fallen off here. What about a SWAC Fanfest somewhere in B'Ham. Talent shows, band competitions, events at the SWAC Office to get people to see what the hell they are doing, concerts, anything?
They don't want to understand anyone else's point of view because we weren't there. I didn't see a lot of AAMU there the last year it was in Biloxi. Of course, you weren't eligible, but you should have been there to support the SWAC, right?
My point is this, again. Move the tournament or leave it. It won't matter unless you do MORE than just a series of basketball games. That may work in Alabama where basketball has been on the rise, but the SWAC is more than Alabama and as soon as the office realizes that, the better off they will be.
(a) Central Location : I don't mind driving three hours and seeing my team lose. I can come home afterwords if I want, but seven to eight hours? The center of the SWAC is actually between Mississippi and Louisiana. That's why the location of Biloxi was good. The only thing that ruined that was the hotels.
(b) Comparing with the CIAA: Maybe he doesn't realize, but the SWAC Tournament used to be something major. Before the Dogs got here, this tourney was something special. But, then it was ALL about basketball and no one minded that. Times have changed and the SWAC needs to change also. While we may never get to the CIAA status, I am certain we will never approach that going the way we are now.
(c) At the Tournament: Basketball and People selling stuff. That's it? Birmingham is a great town, no doubt, but you have to do a lot more there than in some of the cities mentioned in this thread. For some reason, the SWAC has fallen off here. What about a SWAC Fanfest somewhere in B'Ham. Talent shows, band competitions, events at the SWAC Office to get people to see what the hell they are doing, concerts, anything?
DAHILL
Well-Known Member
I dont think some of yall realize how large the CIAA tournament is. The championship game had over 20,000 people there. Way more than the SEC championship game had. The womens game had 13,000.
Like I said before... the only people that are complaining are people that didnt go. Everybody from every school that went had nothing but positives to say.
Like I said before... the only people that are complaining are people that didnt go. Everybody from every school that went had nothing but positives to say.
Bengal E
Active Member
79, that's all I'm saying.... Yes there are some diehards out there who will watch a SWAC cockroach roundup if there's something to brag about later on, but some folks need more.. True you have some who will complain about the cost, but they won't be there anyway. But some people like entertainment with their sports and some people like to go to just be seen. Heck I don't care where they have it, all I'm saying is if you want a majority of people to come you're gonna have to give them more than 6 basketball games.
When will we try to move forward???
When will we try to move forward???
bluphiiijsu
Creative Director
You are RIGHT DAHILL...change some of the attitudes of the posters...starting with yourself. I have learned that if you always say what you CAN'T DO then you will never accomplish what you are set to do. WHY would you say that the SWAC will NEVER get to where the CIAA is currently??? Maybe not tomorrow or the next few years but if one sits down, plan, make a move, and think with a POSITIVE MINDSET then you never KNOW what will happen but if you keep saying NEVER then NEVER/NOTHING is what you will get. A lot of people felt that AAMU would not bring competition when you first joined the SWAC, but did that stop AAMU? Many thought that PVAMU would never win a football game but did that stop their team from giving their all?
I have read all reviews. Everyone has his or her say about the tourney. The location can be dealt with but most seem to want more activities. Is that a problem? Not everyone is still in college nor does everyone attend clubs. (Just an example) You have some crowds both younger and older that would like a greater selection of things to do while attending these games whether it is SWAC related or not. Most want to see the games but how many want to attend and do the same thing they could have done at home in any given weekend. Add more excitement to the event other than both teams being #1 and #2.
Look at the Bayou Classic. Yes GSU vs SU is a big rivalry, but do you honestly think the BC kept all those fans in attendance b/c of the game competition? Remember GSU fell off for some years. Even when I was at CAU, they chartered buses for students to attend the BC and other than being an HBCU, these school are not affiliated...WHY?? It?s about Hype and excitement other than that why would people travel so far for a game rather a weekend??
There is a formula we just haven't completely figured it out. I do not see the SWAC really going backwards b/c honestly it could be a lot worst. Things can't happen overnight, and I am willing to give the SWAC time just to see where they are taking us in the future.
Hey, I am not in the Bham office so I can't make decisions and until everyone gets what they want then no one will be completely happy.
I have read all reviews. Everyone has his or her say about the tourney. The location can be dealt with but most seem to want more activities. Is that a problem? Not everyone is still in college nor does everyone attend clubs. (Just an example) You have some crowds both younger and older that would like a greater selection of things to do while attending these games whether it is SWAC related or not. Most want to see the games but how many want to attend and do the same thing they could have done at home in any given weekend. Add more excitement to the event other than both teams being #1 and #2.
Look at the Bayou Classic. Yes GSU vs SU is a big rivalry, but do you honestly think the BC kept all those fans in attendance b/c of the game competition? Remember GSU fell off for some years. Even when I was at CAU, they chartered buses for students to attend the BC and other than being an HBCU, these school are not affiliated...WHY?? It?s about Hype and excitement other than that why would people travel so far for a game rather a weekend??
There is a formula we just haven't completely figured it out. I do not see the SWAC really going backwards b/c honestly it could be a lot worst. Things can't happen overnight, and I am willing to give the SWAC time just to see where they are taking us in the future.
Hey, I am not in the Bham office so I can't make decisions and until everyone gets what they want then no one will be completely happy.
East Tex Tiger
Well-Known Member
The first tournament I missed in 1O years was on last year. I waited to late to purchase an airline ticket and it was simply too far to drive from Houston. There were other TSU fans in Birmingham, because I was one of them. If the tournament is held in Birmingham, I feel the swac should negotiate with Southwest airlines for lower price airline tickets. A twelve hour drive is simply unrealistic in my mind. Bossier City has promise, we already play the Spring Sport Championsip there and it is centrally located. I must say I had a good time in Birmingham and I will be back next year. A concert or Dance would be nice after the games. A golf tournament would be good also.
R
RobT-17
Guest
Biloxi was the perfect choice in my opinion. All the teams were there, on the beach and the Beau Rivage among others were there to take your money. New Orleans would be nice but they will raise the prices on the hotels the minute they find out the SWAC Tourney dates.
T
The Panther Fan
Guest
I noticed also, the folks who went were only there because their team was there or it was in driving distance. I didn't see an influx of people who were not affiliated attend.
I live in Texas and my team lost in the first round. Plus we defeated 2 out 4 schools who are in B-ham, so what does the tournament offer for someone like me who does not want to watch teams they've beaten before? (hint - side activities)
Why I was not there?
A) PV is not in it
B) A little too far for me
C) my situation at work calls for me to stay there until the weekend
If I cannot come until Saturday at the earliest, I am not going to waste $200 to watch only 2 measly 1.5 hour championship games. Only way I splurge that amount of cash for 1 game is in football season.
What's so odd, the SWAC goes all out for the football game. There were Friday night extravaganzas, golf events, step shows, etc. Looks like they don't care for hoops either.
Until t moves out of a city with less fan appeal, expect threads like this
I live in Texas and my team lost in the first round. Plus we defeated 2 out 4 schools who are in B-ham, so what does the tournament offer for someone like me who does not want to watch teams they've beaten before? (hint - side activities)
Why I was not there?
A) PV is not in it
B) A little too far for me
C) my situation at work calls for me to stay there until the weekend
If I cannot come until Saturday at the earliest, I am not going to waste $200 to watch only 2 measly 1.5 hour championship games. Only way I splurge that amount of cash for 1 game is in football season.
What's so odd, the SWAC goes all out for the football game. There were Friday night extravaganzas, golf events, step shows, etc. Looks like they don't care for hoops either.
Until t moves out of a city with less fan appeal, expect threads like this
Bengal E
Active Member
OK DaHill you happy?
This came from a person who was there. And he's saying the type of things that I'm talking about. There should be airline packages in place for the fans that want to fly. Concerts, etc. that what I mean.
BTW if you think there were 20,000 people just to see a CIAA bball game...well okay. Besides the ESA doesn't quite seat 20K. But you and the SWAC office keep it the way it is, besides blue chip athletes would never come to a SWAC school anyway, ...right
MACHIAVELLI
Chairman/C.E.O.
IT IS PAINFULLY OBVIOUS THAT YOU HAVEN'T SPOKEN TO ANYONE WITH THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUBJECT MATTER IN WHICH YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO PASS OF AS FACT. SO I WILL ENLIGHTEN YOU:
THE REASON THAT THE BAND EXTRAVAGANZA HAS NOT BEEN REPEATED IS BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT IT TAKES TO BRING 5 TO 8 ADDITIONAL BANDS WITH OVER 125 MEMBERS EACH. (FOOD, HOTELS, BUSES). THE SWAC FAILED TO SECURE SPONSORS FOR THE EVENT EXCLUSIVELY. PLUS WITH ALL THE OTHER EVENTS GOING ON AT THE OFFICE THAT WAS NOT A PRIORITY. NO DOUBT THAT SU AND JSU ARE DRAWS, BUT YOU TAKE AWAY THE 11 TO 13K THAT CAME FOR THE BANDS AND YOU HAVE ABOUT THE SAME ATTENDANCE AS SCG III.
Olde Hornet
Well-Known Member
I think DAHILL is right on the money with his statements. I would say that for the semi-finals and finals, this was probably the largest crowd that the SWAC has seen in years. This is the right size facility until we can sell it out every year. Once that happens and people don?t want to be left out because it?s the place to be, then you can move it to another facility. There are other options in Birmingham once we start selling out, but it?s not the time to move it to another city or facility. A packed house looks good on TV (IF WE EVER GET BACK ON ESPN). Seeing a packed house creates interest!!!
It?s nice to have big dreams, but it takes time!
Does anyone have the attendance figures for the finals and semi-final through the 90s? If so, please post.
I watched the finals on TV through the 90s and this appeared to be the largest crowd yet.
I have gone to the A10 tourney in Philadelphia for the past 8 years, the tourney is moving to Dayton next year. The reason being, that they cannot sellout the First Union Spectrum. When the game was held at the Palestra, it was always sold out. The Spectrum holds 17,000 ? the Palestra holds 8,700. For those of you that have not attended a college game at the Palestra ? it?s a must attend event! Especially if it?s a rivalry game among the city schools (Big 5) or Penn vs. Princeton. It?s an old gym that is alive and jumping. I would not be quick to move to a bigger facility, lets sell out this one first. Don?t make the same mistake that the A10 made.
Is there concern from the older conference school members that the power in the conference for Football and Basketball might be moving east? I have seen these attacks on Birmingham and I have stayed on the sidelines, but I feel that is the heart of the attacks on Birmingham. I am not going to enter a discussion about that topic, but you should ask yourself is that your real concern. If not it?s cool, if so it?s cool.I think DAHILL is right on the money with his statements. I would say that for the semi-finals and finals, this was probably the largest crowd that the SWAC has seen in years. This is the right size facility until we can sell it out every year. Once that happens and people don?t want to be left out because it?s the place to be, then you can move it to another facility. There are other options in Birmingham once we start selling out, but it?s not the time to move it to another city or facility. A packed house looks good on TV (IF WE EVER GET BACK ON ESPN). Seeing a packed house creates interest!!!
It?s nice to have big dreams, but it takes time!
Does anyone have the attendance figures for the finals and semi-final through the 90s? If so, please post.
I watched the finals on TV through the 90s and this appeared to be the largest crowd yet.
I have gone to the A10 tourney in Philadelphia for the past 8 years, the tourney is moving to Dayton next year. The reason being, that they cannot sellout the First Union Spectrum. When the game was held at the Palestra, it was always sold out. The Spectrum holds 17,000 ? the Palestra holds 8,700. For those of you that have not attended a college game at the Palestra ? it?s a must attend event! Especially if it?s a rivalry game among the city schools (Big 5) or Penn vs. Princeton. It?s an old gym that is alive and jumping. I would not be quick to move to a bigger facility, lets sell out this one first. Don?t make the same mistake that the A10 made.
Is there concern from the older conference school members that the power in the conference for Football and Basketball might be moving east? I have seen these attacks on Birmingham and I have stayed on the sidelines, but I feel that is the heart of the attacks on Birmingham. I am not going to enter a discussion about that topic, but you should ask yourself is that your real concern. If not it?s cool, if so it?s cool.I think DAHILL is right on the money with his statements. I would say that for the semi-finals and finals, this was probably the largest crowd that the SWAC has seen in years. This is the right size facility until we can sell it out every year. Once that happens and people don?t want to be left out because it?s the place to be, then you can move it to another facility. There are other options in Birmingham once we start selling out, but it?s not the time to move it to another city or facility. A packed house looks good on TV (IF WE EVER GET BACK ON ESPN). Seeing a packed house creates interest!!!
It?s nice to have big dreams, but it takes time!
Does anyone have the attendance figures for the finals and semi-final through the 90s? If so, please post.
I watched the finals on TV through the 90s and this appeared to be the largest crowd yet.
I have gone to the A10 tourney in Philadelphia for the past 8 years, the tourney is moving to Dayton next year. The reason being, that they cannot sellout the First Union Spectrum. When the game was held at the Palestra, it was always sold out. The Spectrum holds 17,000 ? the Palestra holds 8,700. For those of you that have not attended a college game at the Palestra ? it?s a must attend event! Especially if it?s a rivalry game among the city schools (Big 5) or Penn vs. Princeton. It?s an old gym that is alive and jumping. I would not be quick to move to a bigger facility, lets sell out this one first. Don?t make the same mistake that the A10 made.
Is there concern from the older conference school members that the power in the conference for Football and Basketball might be moving east? I have seen these attacks on Birmingham and I have stayed on the sidelines, but I feel that is the heart of the attacks on Birmingham. I am not going to enter a discussion about that topic, but you should ask yourself is that your real concern. If not it?s cool, if so it?s cool.
It?s nice to have big dreams, but it takes time!
Does anyone have the attendance figures for the finals and semi-final through the 90s? If so, please post.
I watched the finals on TV through the 90s and this appeared to be the largest crowd yet.
I have gone to the A10 tourney in Philadelphia for the past 8 years, the tourney is moving to Dayton next year. The reason being, that they cannot sellout the First Union Spectrum. When the game was held at the Palestra, it was always sold out. The Spectrum holds 17,000 ? the Palestra holds 8,700. For those of you that have not attended a college game at the Palestra ? it?s a must attend event! Especially if it?s a rivalry game among the city schools (Big 5) or Penn vs. Princeton. It?s an old gym that is alive and jumping. I would not be quick to move to a bigger facility, lets sell out this one first. Don?t make the same mistake that the A10 made.
Is there concern from the older conference school members that the power in the conference for Football and Basketball might be moving east? I have seen these attacks on Birmingham and I have stayed on the sidelines, but I feel that is the heart of the attacks on Birmingham. I am not going to enter a discussion about that topic, but you should ask yourself is that your real concern. If not it?s cool, if so it?s cool.I think DAHILL is right on the money with his statements. I would say that for the semi-finals and finals, this was probably the largest crowd that the SWAC has seen in years. This is the right size facility until we can sell it out every year. Once that happens and people don?t want to be left out because it?s the place to be, then you can move it to another facility. There are other options in Birmingham once we start selling out, but it?s not the time to move it to another city or facility. A packed house looks good on TV (IF WE EVER GET BACK ON ESPN). Seeing a packed house creates interest!!!
It?s nice to have big dreams, but it takes time!
Does anyone have the attendance figures for the finals and semi-final through the 90s? If so, please post.
I watched the finals on TV through the 90s and this appeared to be the largest crowd yet.
I have gone to the A10 tourney in Philadelphia for the past 8 years, the tourney is moving to Dayton next year. The reason being, that they cannot sellout the First Union Spectrum. When the game was held at the Palestra, it was always sold out. The Spectrum holds 17,000 ? the Palestra holds 8,700. For those of you that have not attended a college game at the Palestra ? it?s a must attend event! Especially if it?s a rivalry game among the city schools (Big 5) or Penn vs. Princeton. It?s an old gym that is alive and jumping. I would not be quick to move to a bigger facility, lets sell out this one first. Don?t make the same mistake that the A10 made.
Is there concern from the older conference school members that the power in the conference for Football and Basketball might be moving east? I have seen these attacks on Birmingham and I have stayed on the sidelines, but I feel that is the heart of the attacks on Birmingham. I am not going to enter a discussion about that topic, but you should ask yourself is that your real concern. If not it?s cool, if so it?s cool.I think DAHILL is right on the money with his statements. I would say that for the semi-finals and finals, this was probably the largest crowd that the SWAC has seen in years. This is the right size facility until we can sell it out every year. Once that happens and people don?t want to be left out because it?s the place to be, then you can move it to another facility. There are other options in Birmingham once we start selling out, but it?s not the time to move it to another city or facility. A packed house looks good on TV (IF WE EVER GET BACK ON ESPN). Seeing a packed house creates interest!!!
It?s nice to have big dreams, but it takes time!
Does anyone have the attendance figures for the finals and semi-final through the 90s? If so, please post.
I watched the finals on TV through the 90s and this appeared to be the largest crowd yet.
I have gone to the A10 tourney in Philadelphia for the past 8 years, the tourney is moving to Dayton next year. The reason being, that they cannot sellout the First Union Spectrum. When the game was held at the Palestra, it was always sold out. The Spectrum holds 17,000 ? the Palestra holds 8,700. For those of you that have not attended a college game at the Palestra ? it?s a must attend event! Especially if it?s a rivalry game among the city schools (Big 5) or Penn vs. Princeton. It?s an old gym that is alive and jumping. I would not be quick to move to a bigger facility, lets sell out this one first. Don?t make the same mistake that the A10 made.
Is there concern from the older conference school members that the power in the conference for Football and Basketball might be moving east? I have seen these attacks on Birmingham and I have stayed on the sidelines, but I feel that is the heart of the attacks on Birmingham. I am not going to enter a discussion about that topic, but you should ask yourself is that your real concern. If not it?s cool, if so it?s cool.
DAHILL
Well-Known Member
Originally posted by Bengal E
OK DaHill you happy?
This came from a person who was there. And he's saying the type of things that I'm talking about. There should be airline packages in place for the fans that want to fly. Concerts, etc. that what I mean.
BTW if you think there were 20,000 people just to see a CIAA bball game...well okay. Besides the ESA doesn't quite seat 20K. But you and the SWAC office keep it the way it is, besides blue chip athletes would never come to a SWAC school anyway, ...right
I am only going by what was posted in another thread... It stated that the CIAA womens game had 13,000 and the mens 20,000... go look it up yourself.... It is in the thread that talks about "why cant the swac use this program"
Texas Southern Fan
Well-Known Member
Panther Fan, once I made up my mind to go to the tournament, I was going with or without my school (TSU). Lucky for me we won our first round game.
To cut airfares, me and the two gentleman I went with flew into Jackson, MS., rented a car and drove to Birmingham. When the tournament was in Baton Rouge, TSU loss to Jackson St., but I still went to the tournament.
If you're not from TX, you shouldn't be complaining about the distance, hell catch a plane. If you book your flight in January, I'm sure you can get to Birmingham for under one hundred bucks.
So Panther Fan, what did you do this weekend?
To cut airfares, me and the two gentleman I went with flew into Jackson, MS., rented a car and drove to Birmingham. When the tournament was in Baton Rouge, TSU loss to Jackson St., but I still went to the tournament.
If you're not from TX, you shouldn't be complaining about the distance, hell catch a plane. If you book your flight in January, I'm sure you can get to Birmingham for under one hundred bucks.
So Panther Fan, what did you do this weekend?
MACHIAVELLI
Chairman/C.E.O.
IT WAS MY FIRST TIME ATTENDING THE B-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP. IT WAS A LAST MINUTE DECISION TO ATTEND. I CAN'T COMPARE TO OTHER YEARS. BUT I THINK IT WAS A NICE TURN OUT OVERALL. I AM SURE THE SWAC OFFICE WAS PLEASED.
*THE WEEKEND PASS THING IS PRETTY COOL.
*THE SWAC IS GIVING THE CHAMPS RINGS.
*THE BANDS ADDED MUCH NEED HALFTIME AND TIMEOUT ENTERTAINMENT.
*I AM IN FAVOR OF ROTATING ANYWHERE BUT NEW ORLEANS AND BATON ROUGE. SHREVEPORT, MONROE, DALLAS, JACKSON.
*THE WEEKEND PASS THING IS PRETTY COOL.
*THE SWAC IS GIVING THE CHAMPS RINGS.
*THE BANDS ADDED MUCH NEED HALFTIME AND TIMEOUT ENTERTAINMENT.
*I AM IN FAVOR OF ROTATING ANYWHERE BUT NEW ORLEANS AND BATON ROUGE. SHREVEPORT, MONROE, DALLAS, JACKSON.
T
The Panther Fan
Guest
Again, take the Bama schools out of the eqation and put PV, Valley, SU and TSU in the finals you got a waste of money because of location.
I relaxed and saved money TSU Fan. Both of our teams defeated Alabama State this season so watching them in person would be a waste of time for me. We knew Alcorn was going to win anyway.
SWAC basketball is not at the level where I want to watch it regardless of who is playing. (hence our champion was nothing but a play-in champ)
Until we get back to that level I'm not heading back to B-Ham unless we are in the championship basketball game. Counting the media tour and SCG, that's 2 times a year already. Texas State basketball Tournament will get priority until the SWAC moves the tournament somehere within an 8-hour drive.
13K for bands, please? I'd say 3K at the most. Not many stayed behind to watch the bands like I thought.
The SWAC does not sell the basketball game like football. makes you wonder doesn't it.
I relaxed and saved money TSU Fan. Both of our teams defeated Alabama State this season so watching them in person would be a waste of time for me. We knew Alcorn was going to win anyway.
SWAC basketball is not at the level where I want to watch it regardless of who is playing. (hence our champion was nothing but a play-in champ)
Until we get back to that level I'm not heading back to B-Ham unless we are in the championship basketball game. Counting the media tour and SCG, that's 2 times a year already. Texas State basketball Tournament will get priority until the SWAC moves the tournament somehere within an 8-hour drive.
13K for bands, please? I'd say 3K at the most. Not many stayed behind to watch the bands like I thought.
The SWAC does not sell the basketball game like football. makes you wonder doesn't it.
T
The Panther Fan
Guest
do you even go to a SWAC school? You say Tennessee State one minute but your at all of A&M's functions since they win and you don't in hoops. Ironically, it's within driving distance.
Come on out to a real state like Texas and see if you want to go back. You'll save a ton of money because Houston as all your needs rolled up in one.
Unfprtunately, the SWAC does not see it like that. If a city is going to bid for the Bayou Classic, what does that tell you about it?
Come on out to a real state like Texas and see if you want to go back. You'll save a ton of money because Houston as all your needs rolled up in one.
Unfprtunately, the SWAC does not see it like that. If a city is going to bid for the Bayou Classic, what does that tell you about it?
DAHILL
Well-Known Member
Originally posted by The Panther Fan
do you even go to a SWAC school? You say Tennessee State one minute but your at all of A&M's functions since they win and you don't in hoops. Ironically, it's within driving distance.
Come on out to a real state like Texas and see if you want to go back. You'll save a ton of money because Houston as all your needs rolled up in one.
Unfprtunately, the SWAC does not see it like that. If a city is going to bid for the Bayou Classic, what does that tell you about it?
No, I dont go to a SWAC school anymore, BUT I was at the SWAC tournament and I have been to all SWAC championship games. I go to every TSU basketball game just like I go to all AAMU home basketball games.... it just so happens that they are never on the same date. I support ALL sports at both schools. I go to volleyball, softball, baseball, track games at all schools (TSU doesnt have baseball). The only thing I dont go to is tennis and golf and that is because both sports are boring to me. Nashville just happens to be 90 miles from my hometown and YES i do support both schools.
T
The Panther Fan
Guest
I am at both TSU and PV events if it is within my means. However, the idea that there is not a central site for major SWAC events irks me. Your dealing with black folks from across the south so location has to be the key.
Isn't Jackson the SWAC's most centrally located city?
Isn't Jackson the SWAC's most centrally located city?