Re: Nashville 2015 (Frozen 4)?
Sorry, having the FF in Oohi was terrible. Haviing it on a college campus was a good idea, I guess, but the event sucked. Compared to all the others, the Oohi FF was the absolute bottom as far as it being enjoyable. The only saving part of it for me was the actual games. Providence was great. If you didn't have fun at the 2000 FF, you weren't trying. I hope they don't go to Nashville.
It was also a conference tournament rehash. The WCHA fans were justly proud of their league's accomplishments that year. But the 2005 tournament lacked the East/West match-ups that many FF regulars prefer.
The venue?The Downtown DC arena was just fine, but I don't remember the facility as being especially noteworthy. In a comparison with the Schottenstein Center, I'd say you'd have a wash. Both could be described as NHL quality rinks, both probably in the middle of the pack.
Contrary to your dopey dismissal of the underdogs, their very presence enhanced the tournament's atmosphere. Fans love David vs. Goliath match-ups. And powerhouses or not, the programs you're putting down each traveled well. No one fanbase took over the arena. So it was a truly neutral site, with all parties well represented -- a major part of DC's success. Coupled with the strong turnout of neutral fans, DC was indeed one of the better Frozen Fours.
Despite the gratuitous hostility this post, there is an intelligent thought worth rescuing here. It's clear that the turnout rate among Frozen Four regulars varies considerably, depending on the perceived tourist value of the host city. For better or worse, the NCAA should take this factor into account when selecting sites.
I'll admit to being a little bit baffled by this. I've never had a bad time at a Frozen Four, not even in Providence.As far as I'm concerned, there was a good four day weekend to be had at any of the sites. If you're combining the FF with a longer vacation, sure -- there are definite advantages to sites like DC & Denver. Personally, my FF trip is usually limited to Wednesday evening through Sunday morning, so the tourist factor isn't all that important to me. But for the larger group, it does matter.
How does all of this apply to Nashville? I'm keeping an open mind. In comparison to the other sunbelt sites, it's closer to college hockey's home base than either Anaheim or Tampa. That's a plus. Many CCHA fans would be able to drive and would likely be interested in the option. But the tourist value to FF regulars is lower than either Anaheim or Tampa, and that must also be part of the calculus.
As I've previously posted, the tie-breaker in all of this is the willingness of the local community to support the event. For a negative example, consider Cincy in 1996. There was virtually no local support, and hence many sections of empty seats. Nashville in 2015, as an NHL city with a nice rink, might be a different story. But it's not a lock.
Sorry, having the FF in Oohi was terrible. Haviing it on a college campus was a good idea, I guess, but the event sucked. Compared to all the others, the Oohi FF was the absolute bottom as far as it being enjoyable. The only saving part of it for me was the actual games. Providence was great. If you didn't have fun at the 2000 FF, you weren't trying. I hope they don't go to Nashville.
But if the NCAA goes ahead and chooses Nashville, please stay home and save your money. There's no sense spending even a penny when you've pre-determined that you'll have a bad time.
