New MAAC Tourney Site / AC bucked up !

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Per the Times Union:

Mark Singelais

@MarkSingelais
MAAC commissioner Rich Ensor said "it is being processed" where the basketball tournament is headed next year. He said the presidents have voted. "Been a little slower than I'd hoped. I hope by the time we get down (to Atlantic City) next week, we'll have some answers for you."

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If one reads between the lines, it appears to be between Albany and Atlantic City. UBS only bid on the semi-finals and championship game with the PIG round and quarter’s at home sites. Maybe UBS reconsidered ?

Iona pro boards tweet:

“During MAAC media zoom Rich Ensor notes that the presidents favor all 11 schools at one site and men's and women's together at one site. Seems to suggest UBS is out, and we're down to Albany and Atlantic City. Ensor said a decision should be finalized next week.”

How can the MAAC justify another Tourney cycle for Atlantic City based on the paltry attendance figures ? From the Times Union re projected attendance at the MAAC next week:

@MarkSingelais
“MAAC commissioner Rich Ensor said Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City is projecting an attendance figure of 20,000 for next week's basketball tournament, "which is a little bit on the low end." Last year's tournament drew slightly less than 13,000. Albany drew 26,532 in 2019.”

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This article indicates the MAAC Tourney in AC may have been extended. Small crowds, "Springfield like."

The MAAC announced Friday it is holding a news conference at Boardwalk Hall on Tuesday afternoon to "announce the future of the MAAC Basketball Tournament." Atlantic City and MVP Arena put in bids to host the tournament from 2024 to 2026. Boardwalk Hall will host the 22-team event next week for the fourth straight year. "I haven't been invited," MVP's Belber said with a laugh. "I don't know honestly what they've decided." He quickly added, "I don't look at that as a decision having been made. It's probably more process.

https://www.timesunion.com/sports/artic ... m=referral

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The MAAC in their infinite wisdom has extended AC for another three years. Attendance has been dismal in AC as the MAAC doubles down again on another mediocre site. IMO, the MVP or the USB Long Island location would have been an improvement.

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Money talks at any level in the NCAA's. The UBS-Long Island location made so such perfect sense for a number of different reasons. Unfortunately, UBS would not commit to having the PIG and quarter-final games on site. Even though Albany is the home of the Saints, attendance was always pretty strong at the TUC-MVP Arena. MSG is the home of SJU, so what gives with the MAAC's objections?

The AC bid was financially stronger by a couple hundred thousand a year.....

https://www.timesunion.com/sports/artic ... -spotlight