MBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[cnufan]

Fair enough. I was just trying to get peoples opinions on the matter. Didnt know if HSC wins it, obviously they are in, and they beat Macon in the championship, if thats even possible based on seeding, and VWC loses in the semis.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

For kid.....


"but it'll draw more ppl if it's on the campuses"

For those lost, Goose13 posted that because of a rant just made over AIM to him.

In summary, the "but it'll draw more ppl if it's on the campuses" argument is painfully obvious.  No one thinks otherwise.

The point is, it's held at Salem to make it more of an "event" (and yes, having all eight schools come to one place, IMO, is more of a big deal than having seven games at four to seven different locations.  I like the fact that I can go down to one place and see eight different teams in an afternoon and evening.  Not to mention it eases travel (like someone mentioned) and - except for the Roanoke contingent - it's neutral.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

"kid" this isn't W&L v. Lynchburg on a Wednesday Night...This is the ODAC Tournament...wouldn't you expect more? I believe that the tournament should outdraw ANY regular season game of the same match-up?

Yeah, well, it doesn't have to be a W&L/LC game to have a low attendance.

On Jan. 29 when R-MC traveled to Guilford, there were 77 less fans there than Guilford's average.  I mean, I'd say R-MC/GC should be a fairly big game, but only 300 showed up.  It happens more often than not.  It's Division III.  And sadly, it was on a Sunday, which you'd think even if Guilford was a "suitcase campus," the students would be back in time for the game.

[hasanova]

"kid" this isn't W&L v. Lynchburg on a Wednesday Night...This is the ODAC Tournament...wouldn't you expect more? I believe that the tournament should outdraw ANY regular season game of the same match-up?

Yeah, well, it doesn't have to be a W&L/LC game to have a low attendance.

On Jan. 29 when R-MC traveled to Guilford, there were 77 less fans there than Guilford's average.  I mean, I'd say R-MC/GC should be a fairly big game, but only 300 showed up.  It happens more often than not.  It's Division III.  And sadly, it was on a Sunday, which you'd think even if Guilford was a "suitcase campus," the students would be back in time for the game.

Well, I was one of those 300 and it is disappointing.  No one seems to know how to solve it.  When I was at Guilford, the fire department would actually turn people away and it was almost always SRO!  Sadly, it isn't that way anymore.  Granted, we had great teams, the venue was smaller, many of our rivals were geographically close (High Point, Elon, Catawba, etc),  there was no cable TV, no video games and everyone didn't have a car.  It was "the" place to be.  Guilford seems to recruit a lot of students who could care less about sports, but I firmly believe you can be an athlete, have good school spirit and maintain a good academic rigor all at the same time.  I like to think I did.   I also wish I knew how to solve it.  I would give almost anything to see the 2500 seats filled for a big game - I don't think the Guilford students know what they're missing.  I have some wonderful memories of when the "6th" man in the stands put us over the top and it's a shame they don't know how great that feels. 

[3sdown]

I think one thing being overlooked in this Salem vs. campus discussion is the time and effort needed to conduct such an event.  I think the ODAC is lucky to have the Salem Rotary.  I've done large volunteer events and it's hard work.  I'm not sure some or most schools want the event, given the cost and effort.

I don't think putting together a single game or even back to back games is that big of a deal. Most schools host their own tournaments or doubleheaders each year anyway. Don't get me wrong a lot of work is involved but worth it!

The biggest issue as I see it would be the potential travel involved. Guilford travels to E&H for a quarterfinal game then to Wesleyan for a semifinal game then to EMU for a finals..THAT my friend is brutal!

If Guilford won all those games, I'm sure they would do it gladly.  lol

And if they didn't want to do that then play better in the regular season and get a higher seed so one didn't have to travel or travel as much...

Kid-

It isn not about some quarterfinal game that has two "weak" basketball programs, but rather about the Semi-Final and Championship games...B/c that is where the people turn out.  The difference isn't going to be over the quarterfinal game, but rather in the semis and finals.  

Other Information-

ODAC only gets 2 teams.  And that happens with a VWC-RMC Final or a VWC loss (anytime) and the winner of the tournament receiving the 2nd bid.

[3sdown]

Kid states:

"The point is, it's held at Salem to make it more of an "event" (and yes, having all eight schools come to one place, IMO, is more of a big deal than having seven games at four to seven different locations.  I like the fact that I can go down to one place and see eight different teams in an afternoon and evening.  Not to mention it eases travel (like someone mentioned) and - except for the Roanoke contingent - it's neutral. "

The problem is it is an EVENT for people like us on this board that would go wherever and whenever to see the game, but it is not an event for others at the colleges that would go if it was at their place (specifically the semis and final).  And on top of this the EVENT you describe is mediocre in my opinion...The Civic Center is "blah" as well...It is depressing thinking about it.

And I agree with Steely, the Friday night banquet isn't premier!  The food is average (if that), the video has gotten better in recent years, and the announcement of the ODAC Teams are nice.  However, often this event is made out to be something of a religious tradition, etc.  And I find that utter non-sense...And like Steely I have been to several myself.  All the players and coaches aren't thinking about the banquet, but rather have their minds totally on the game...

[algernon]

Not to mention the ODAC tournament was well attended last year with 764 fans a game.

kid .... Where did you get the "764" attendance figure for the 2005 tournament?  I've just looked at the stats at http://odac.bridgewater.edu/winter/mbball/default.html and this is what I get for the 2005 tournament:

Quarterfinals:  1250 (RMC/LC), 2050 (Roanoke/HSC), 348 (VWC/EMU), 291 (Guilford/Bridgewater)

Semifinals:  1890 (RMC/HSC), 452 (VWC/Guilford)

Final between RMC & VWC:  960

Average for quarterfinals was 985
Average for semifinals was 1171
Attendance for final was 960

Average for all 7 games of the 2005 tournament was 1034, unless I'm totally goofing on this.

[hasanova]

Not to mention the ODAC tournament was well attended last year with 764 fans a game.

kid .... Where did you get the "764" attendance figure for the 2005 tournament?  I've just looked at the stats at http://odac.bridgewater.edu/winter/mbball/default.html and this is what I get for the 2005 tournament:

Quarterfinals:  1250 (RMC/LC), 2050 (Roanoke/HSC), 348 (VWC/EMU), 291 (Guilford/Bridgewater)

Semifinals:  1890 (RMC/HSC), 452 (VWC/Guilford)

Final between RMC & VWC:  960

Average for quarterfinals was 985
Average for semifinals was 1171
Attendance for final was 960

Average for all 7 games of the 2005 tournament was 1034, unless I'm totally goofing on this.

How do they give individual game totals when you buy a ticket for a two-game set on Saturday (twice) and Sunday?  In total, they only sell tickets to four events.  I, for example, bought one ticket last year and watched both the VWC/EMU and BC/GC games.

[deanslist]

Some of you may laugh at me when I say this but don't count the Royals out against the Marlins tonight at the Beach, especially with what's at stake. I've seen EMU play 2/3's of their games and if they play the way they're capable of for 40 minutes, an upset is def. not out of reach. One thing is for sure, no matter what the scoreboard reads, Kirby Dean will not allow his team to be outworked and hopefully tonight is the night when they can gain some confidence going into the tourney on Saturday. Since VWC has secured the number 1 seed, do you think the Marlins will start and play their normal guys for the game or will he be on the safe side and make sure everyone is healthy going into the tournament? All my saying don't count EMU out because the potential and talent is there for the "W" tonight.

[algernon]

How do they give individual game totals when you buy a ticket for a two-game set on Saturday (twice) and Sunday?  They only sell tickets to four events.

You are always watched, and your whereabouts are always known .... 

[jdubyadubya]

Deanslist - I will guarantee you that Coach Macedo's preparation for tonight's game is every bit as intense as any other game. I predict he'll go with his starters, play them hard for a half and see what happens. He also has a deep bench with plenty of shooters two and three deep. Marques Fitch is looking for 28 points tonight to go over 1,000 for his VWC career. Look for Marques to see the ball a lot tonight. Should be a great game.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

kid .... Where did you get the "764" attendance figure for the 2005 tournament?  I've just looked at the stats at http://odac.bridgewater.edu/winter/mbball/default.html and this is what I get for the 2005 tournament:

Quarterfinals:  1250 (RMC/LC), 2050 (Roanoke/HSC), 348 (VWC/EMU), 291 (Guilford/Bridgewater)

Semifinals:  1890 (RMC/HSC), 452 (VWC/Guilford)

Final between RMC & VWC:  960

Average for quarterfinals was 985
Average for semifinals was 1171
Attendance for final was 960

Average for all 7 games of the 2005 tournament was 1034, unless I'm totally goofing on this.

The attendance wasn't on the box score for the R-MC/H-SC semifinal game.  So my 764 average was only six of the seven games.

Thanks for finding the 1,890 number, makes my argument look a little better.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

The problem is it is an EVENT for people like us on this board that would go wherever and whenever to see the game, but it is not an event for others at the colleges that would go if it was at their place (specifically the semis and final).  And on top of this the EVENT you describe is mediocre in my opinion...The Civic Center is "blah" as well...It is depressing thinking about it.

How real are those fans then?

Assuming money is the issue, then those students (again, assuming it's mostly students) can easily hold back on the alcohol for one weekend.  That should cover the ticket and gas money.

No sense is arguing this point with you anymore, seeing that you think the ODAC tournament being put on by the Salem crew is "blah" while I think it's a great time/atmosphere. 

Some posters/readers agree with you, others with me.  But arguing why is should be here or there is pointless seeing you think it's such a drag having it in Salem while I see the benefits of having it put on in either scenario.

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

How do they give individual game totals when you buy a ticket for a two-game set on Saturday (twice) and Sunday?  In total, they only sell tickets to four events.  I, for example, bought one ticket last year and watched both the VWC/EMU and BC/GC games.

Sports Information Directorss have the amazing ability to skim over a crowd and go "umm, 592."

[hasanova]

How do they give individual game totals when you buy a ticket for a two-game set on Saturday (twice) and Sunday?  They only sell tickets to four events.

You are always watched, and your whereabouts are always known .... 

wow, that's downright Orwellian ...   Thanks for the tip.  lol