mnstate0fhockey
New member
I think the ice size is as big of a factor, and teams who typically play on an NHL sheet will have a definate advantage over the Gophers there.
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Big Ten Conference Tournament
- Thread starter mnstate0fhockey
- Start date
I think the ice size is as big of a factor, and teams who typically play on an NHL sheet will have a definate advantage over the Gophers there.
RaceBoarder
Waiting for the Snow to fly...
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
No they didn't.... MN losing at the X is illegal in 38 states and Canada....
No they didn't.... MN losing at the X is illegal in 38 states and Canada....
Almington
Blood Boiling with Rage and Hate
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
Detroit and St. Paul are the only locations that have a large enough population AND enough of a local draw to ensure that enough tickets are sold.
As a UW fan, I'd rather have the tournament rotate between St. Paul and Detroit than sit in Chicago or Indianapolis (does Indy even have a hockey facility that would work?) Local draws may not make for a unbiased crowd, but full (or nearly full) arenas make for a MUCH better atmosphere than some neutral site with only a few thousand fans in attendance.
Even removing the other local draws, St. Paul and Detroit are still going to be the best choices that give the best attendance.
I'd rather have it in St. Paul (gag!) and have the place be full than have it in Chicago or Indy and have it half empty.
I know that Detroit has been mentioned, but it seems that every time I've watched the CCHA tourney, even when MSU has been playing UM, the place looks half empty.
Go where the paying fans are.
I figure the best solution to make everyone happy is move it to East Lansing permanently.
I don't like this being pushed because Wisconsin books their arena for every weekend in the spring. If this was such a big deal, how did this not come up when they decided the campus site format earlier?
If they end up alternating every year between Xcel and JLA I guess I'll be fine with it. I just don't want to see it be stuck in one place so near a campus like they did with the baseball tourney in Columbus (not that it garners too big a homefield in baseball). I was really looking forward to the campus site tournaments though.
Detroit and St. Paul are the only locations that have a large enough population AND enough of a local draw to ensure that enough tickets are sold.
As a UW fan, I'd rather have the tournament rotate between St. Paul and Detroit than sit in Chicago or Indianapolis (does Indy even have a hockey facility that would work?) Local draws may not make for a unbiased crowd, but full (or nearly full) arenas make for a MUCH better atmosphere than some neutral site with only a few thousand fans in attendance.
Given how BAD actual attendance was last year without either the Gophers or Badgers in attendance (under 10k/game) as opposed to the actual tickets sold (~15k/game) I suspect that many of the ticket packages are sold to Gopher fans on an annual basis. It's one thing to compare a tournament without any the Gophers in attendance but still in the conference, it is another to compare it to not even having the possibility of the team making the tournament. Given the attendance of the 2010 Regional at the X and the actual attendance last year, the NCHC tournament wouldn't sell much more than 10k tickets.
Even removing the other local draws, St. Paul and Detroit are still going to be the best choices that give the best attendance.
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
Not in recent memory. Of course, they haven't won any games at the X in recent memory either.
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
And I thought I was old. Man you have short memory!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuepVP-NBrs
Not in recent memory. Of course, they haven't won any games at the X in recent memory either.
And I thought I was old. Man you have short memory!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuepVP-NBrs
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
Hosting a regional is quite a bit different from hosting a conference tournament. In one case, fans of the other teams don't know for certain they'll be assigned to that site until just a few days before the game. In the other case, fans of all teams know when and where the games will be - particularly if the B1G goes ahead and invites all six teams to the tournament as that article indicated it would do. So given the choice, why wouldn't fans opt to travel for the conference tournament? It's far easier logistically speaking. Plus I imagine that most of us are well aware of the difference in atmosphere between the conference tournament and the regional games the next weekend - it's like night and day (the only decent non-campus site atmosphere I've seen is the '07 Denver regional, and that was due to the crazy mix of teams that travel well with a local upstart).
Hosting a regional is quite a bit different from hosting a conference tournament. In one case, fans of the other teams don't know for certain they'll be assigned to that site until just a few days before the game. In the other case, fans of all teams know when and where the games will be - particularly if the B1G goes ahead and invites all six teams to the tournament as that article indicated it would do. So given the choice, why wouldn't fans opt to travel for the conference tournament? It's far easier logistically speaking. Plus I imagine that most of us are well aware of the difference in atmosphere between the conference tournament and the regional games the next weekend - it's like night and day (the only decent non-campus site atmosphere I've seen is the '07 Denver regional, and that was due to the crazy mix of teams that travel well with a local upstart).
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
This thread is really confusing to me.
I think I have read posts referring to :
1) NCAA Regional bids
2) NCHC Conference Tournament location (Xcel??)
3) Big Ten Conference Tournament.
Where to put the Big 10? If you don't use campus sites, then there is nothing more to add to the discussion. Big Ten will follow the money, so it will be Xcel or JLA. I suppose it is reasonable in one way to say that money shouldn't be most important, but given that money is the reason the BTHC exists in the first place, it seems pretty clear that they will follow the money.
NCHC Tournament?: Probably a different thread. But, if the X sells 10K tickets when Minnesota is not there, how would the NCHC possibly do any better any where else? However, if the X makes a deal with BTHC, there may be a scheduling conflict for the NCHC. So, where do they go? Beats me...
Along the same line: What about the new WCHA? Same problem.
Regionals: Different thread, I suppose. But, this site (USCHO) uses the expression NC$$ for a reason. I wish there were a way to help UMBand see that Gopher fans know that playing a regional at the X is an advantage for the rodents. But, it is also a different ice size that Mariucci. That negates part of the crowd advantage. Not all of it.
And, finally, it's not so hard to complain about things that look unfair. What is harder is finding a solution to the perceived problem that is a solution with a chance of being instituted. IMO, NCAA regionals going back to campus sites is not an idea that has much chance of happening in the near future, even if all the fans think it should. (And, I think it should. Let Michigan have a chance at Yost, Wisc at Kohl, even UMD at Amsoil. It would be exciting, anyway.)
This thread is really confusing to me.
I think I have read posts referring to :
1) NCAA Regional bids
2) NCHC Conference Tournament location (Xcel??)
3) Big Ten Conference Tournament.
Where to put the Big 10? If you don't use campus sites, then there is nothing more to add to the discussion. Big Ten will follow the money, so it will be Xcel or JLA. I suppose it is reasonable in one way to say that money shouldn't be most important, but given that money is the reason the BTHC exists in the first place, it seems pretty clear that they will follow the money.
NCHC Tournament?: Probably a different thread. But, if the X sells 10K tickets when Minnesota is not there, how would the NCHC possibly do any better any where else? However, if the X makes a deal with BTHC, there may be a scheduling conflict for the NCHC. So, where do they go? Beats me...
Along the same line: What about the new WCHA? Same problem.
Regionals: Different thread, I suppose. But, this site (USCHO) uses the expression NC$$ for a reason. I wish there were a way to help UMBand see that Gopher fans know that playing a regional at the X is an advantage for the rodents. But, it is also a different ice size that Mariucci. That negates part of the crowd advantage. Not all of it.
And, finally, it's not so hard to complain about things that look unfair. What is harder is finding a solution to the perceived problem that is a solution with a chance of being instituted. IMO, NCAA regionals going back to campus sites is not an idea that has much chance of happening in the near future, even if all the fans think it should. (And, I think it should. Let Michigan have a chance at Yost, Wisc at Kohl, even UMD at Amsoil. It would be exciting, anyway.)
mnstate0fhockey
New member
Last edited:
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
Xcel won't be able to host more than one. They have the MN HS Hockey tourney the weekend before the Final 5 and the NCAA start the weekend after the Final 5. So if the BTHC signs a deal with Xcel, NCHC won't be there.
There has been some talk floated of them playing their event at Target Center the same weekend but I think they'd be foolish to do that. First, Target Center is not a very good place to watch hockey. Second, the ice at Target Center when there has been games has usually been awful. Doesn't lead to quality flow in the game. Third, the casual fan in the Twin Cities is going to be far more interested in watching Big Ten. Fourth, the local media is going to focus on Big Ten. NCHC will be an afterthought.
Considering how attendance was at the Final 5 last year w/o MN or UW (way down from past years), the NCHC is probably better off in Denver or (maybe) Omaha. If Grand Forks wasn't such a wasteland, I might suggest them too even though I doubt NCHC teams would want it at REA.
Xcel won't be able to host more than one. They have the MN HS Hockey tourney the weekend before the Final 5 and the NCAA start the weekend after the Final 5. So if the BTHC signs a deal with Xcel, NCHC won't be there.
There has been some talk floated of them playing their event at Target Center the same weekend but I think they'd be foolish to do that. First, Target Center is not a very good place to watch hockey. Second, the ice at Target Center when there has been games has usually been awful. Doesn't lead to quality flow in the game. Third, the casual fan in the Twin Cities is going to be far more interested in watching Big Ten. Fourth, the local media is going to focus on Big Ten. NCHC will be an afterthought.
Considering how attendance was at the Final 5 last year w/o MN or UW (way down from past years), the NCHC is probably better off in Denver or (maybe) Omaha. If Grand Forks wasn't such a wasteland, I might suggest them too even though I doubt NCHC teams would want it at REA.
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
Clearly, mnstateofhockey took my comment completely out of context to make a pro-St. Paul point.
Obviously, I was commenting on *regionals*, not national title games or F5 title games.
The NCHC locating in Denver for its tournament would make a lot of sense - two generally decent teams are right there and draw a combined 12,000+ for their home games, plus the city is an affordable / quick flight.
Clearly, mnstateofhockey took my comment completely out of context to make a pro-St. Paul point.
Obviously, I was commenting on *regionals*, not national title games or F5 title games.
The NCHC locating in Denver for its tournament would make a lot of sense - two generally decent teams are right there and draw a combined 12,000+ for their home games, plus the city is an affordable / quick flight.
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Bertogliat
New member
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
The B1G conference is happening only because Minnesota was forced into it kicking and screaming. In this sport Minnesota is the revenue generator and you all wanted it. This (tourney at Xcel) is part of that revenue stream. Deal with it. Choke on it.
Nobody wants to watch a game at JLA because it is a dump. Heck, nobody wants to go to Detriot, because it is a dump. Not even Wisconsin fans want it in Milwuakee. So it'll be played at the X. You'll get your money and TV revenue.
If you are a fan, you will travel.
The B1G conference is happening only because Minnesota was forced into it kicking and screaming. In this sport Minnesota is the revenue generator and you all wanted it. This (tourney at Xcel) is part of that revenue stream. Deal with it. Choke on it.
Nobody wants to watch a game at JLA because it is a dump. Heck, nobody wants to go to Detriot, because it is a dump. Not even Wisconsin fans want it in Milwuakee. So it'll be played at the X. You'll get your money and TV revenue.
If you are a fan, you will travel.
mnstate0fhockey
New member
Sorry, I misunderstood. Agree on Denver being the best place for the NCHC conference tournament.
JDUBBS1280
MN Hockey Enthusiast
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
Alot of insults flying around.
My opinion is this, what has Chicago done to warrant the Big $ (event being hosted there)? I would rather drive from MN to MI to keep the money in the BIG market. And to argue on the behalf of a fanbase that is not yours is really reaching, I know MI folk couldn't care less about Ohio, Penn, MN etc just as MN couldn't care less about another fanbase. You're looking out for your own.
So here's how to remedy the situation: Take the energy you're wasting complaining about it and loby the JLA to start putting in bids? But Chicago? Absolutely not, I use to live just outside Chicago and I've seen just how fair weathered that hockey fanbase is with the Blackhawks and the love they get from USA Hockey is NAUSEATING and unearned. The two biggest markets in the Big Mistake is MI and MN, keep the money where it belongs.
Alot of insults flying around.
My opinion is this, what has Chicago done to warrant the Big $ (event being hosted there)? I would rather drive from MN to MI to keep the money in the BIG market. And to argue on the behalf of a fanbase that is not yours is really reaching, I know MI folk couldn't care less about Ohio, Penn, MN etc just as MN couldn't care less about another fanbase. You're looking out for your own.
So here's how to remedy the situation: Take the energy you're wasting complaining about it and loby the JLA to start putting in bids? But Chicago? Absolutely not, I use to live just outside Chicago and I've seen just how fair weathered that hockey fanbase is with the Blackhawks and the love they get from USA Hockey is NAUSEATING and unearned. The two biggest markets in the Big Mistake is MI and MN, keep the money where it belongs.
huskyfan
New member
GopherBigGuy911
The one you hate to love
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
Didn't the University of Minnesota - Duluth "host" either a regional or the championship at the X before?
Didn't the University of Minnesota - Duluth "host" either a regional or the championship at the X before?
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
I think the location of the NCHC tournament will depend in large part upon where the Big 10 schedules theirs. I'll be a little surprised if the Big 10 decides the X is the permanent location. While it's a great spot for a hockey tournament, I can't believe Michigan, Michigan St., Ohio St. and Penn State will be all that thrilled with it. But maybe. Having it in the same location year after year does provide certain advantages, and I think promotes attendance.
If that happens, the NCHC will probably end up in Omaha. It's the most centrally located and would make the most sense.
On the other hand, if the Big 10 goes on some sort of rotation with the Joe, or another arena, then I expect the X to make a play for the NCHC tournament (or maybe the new WCHA tournament) during the years it doesn't host the Big 10.
The Target Center sucks as a place to watch hockey and I would be very much opposed to the NCHC hosting it's tournament there, in addition to all the other reasons you've stated.
I think the location of the NCHC tournament will depend in large part upon where the Big 10 schedules theirs. I'll be a little surprised if the Big 10 decides the X is the permanent location. While it's a great spot for a hockey tournament, I can't believe Michigan, Michigan St., Ohio St. and Penn State will be all that thrilled with it. But maybe. Having it in the same location year after year does provide certain advantages, and I think promotes attendance.
If that happens, the NCHC will probably end up in Omaha. It's the most centrally located and would make the most sense.
On the other hand, if the Big 10 goes on some sort of rotation with the Joe, or another arena, then I expect the X to make a play for the NCHC tournament (or maybe the new WCHA tournament) during the years it doesn't host the Big 10.
mnstate0fhockey
New member
Let's be honest here, the thing Michigan, Michigan St., Ohio St. and Penn State are most concerned with is $$$. If the X offers the most revenue opportunities, that is where it will be held.
GopherBigGuy911
The one you hate to love
Re: Big Ten Conference Tournament
Depending on the format of each tournament couldn't they do both? Wednesday or Thursday NCHC semi-finals Friday B1G Semi Finals and Championship games Saturday?