New MAAC Tourney Site / AC bucked up !

[le]

"MAAC commissioner Rich Ensor said there are three “strong” bids to host the basketball tournament in 2024: MVP Arena-Albany, Atlantic City and UBS Arena in Elmont. Said the athletic directors have made a (confidential) recommendation that must still be approved by the presidents." Twitter @Mark Singelais

"Ensor said MVP Arena and Atlantic City want the entire tournament, while UBS Arena wants the semifinals and final with earlier rounds played on campuses. “Still to be determined which way we’re going on that,” Ensor said. twitter.com/marksingelais/…
Rich Ensor said bringing the MAAC tournament back to Albany would not mean moving the championship game back to the Monday night". Mark Singelais
@MarkSingelais
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[Truthful]

I like the idea of the earlier rounds being played on campus . Attendance is usually pitiful unless it is hosted by Siena in Albany . Also , playing on campus will increase the chances of the MAAC sending their best representative . The regular season games will take on more importance .

[le]

Yes.

However, with no premilitary and quarter-final games being plated at the neutral site translates into less revenue for the league.

[purpleeagle5]

The Long Island or Albany sites make the most logical sense to me. Why have the Tournament in New Jersey with Monmouth departing for the CAA leaving only Rider as the local draw. The USB venue on LI would offer close convenient travel for Manhattan, Saint P's, Iona, Rider, Fairfield, Marist and Quinnipiac. The Siena contingent would make the short trip as well. Albany always turns out well for the MAAC.

[le]

Story in Daily Gazette:

https://dailygazette.com/2023/01/17/alb ... -contract/

[le]

Times Union says AC or Albany.

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

[MICKEY]

Play the opening round games at St Johns, only about 15 minutes from The UBS Arena. Problem solved!

[NewEnglander]

Forget these mega sites. Play the entire tournament at St. John's. There is enough seating there and it certainly would cost less to rent.

[MICKEY]

I think the question is what do the 11 MAAC schools want to get out of the tournament. Is it money, alumni exposure or student applications. I can’t imagine the tournament money split 11 ways can really amount to much for each school. The latter two are where the real money is anyway. One additional student has to be worth $20K plus toward fixed costs depending on the school and that is for hopefully four years. I think playing the tournament in the NYC area is the way to go. For the record, I’ve advocated playing the tournament at St Johns for years. At one time all NCAA tournament games except the Final Four were played at neutral site on campus facilities. I would also point out that the MAAC has one of the smallest undergraduate enrollment of all the Division 1 conferences in the country and likely the smallest alumni base.

[le]

It should be based on money and market exposure especially TV coverage.

The MAAC Tourney bracket has been released, see the link below. The men’s semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday night carried live on ESPN News. The championship game is slated for Sunday at 7:30pm - ESPN U.

The top five teams avoid the PIG round.

https://maacsports.com/sports/2022/7/11 ... ?path=mbkb