Re: Sioux Falls Arena Problem
I don't think this thing will ever get stale in Sioux Falls. I think people showed up to watch mediocre Jacks men's teams in the past and the future is certainly brighter. And as for the women, I only see the Jacks being top-3 forever in the Summit, so there will always be the possibility of rooting them on to the NCAA's and attendance will always be strong.
USD:
Sure, USD is "only" 4 hours to Fargo, but it's only 1 hour to SF and the alum base in both towns is not even close. If and when SDSU or USD challenge for the title.....look out. Attendance for both would be 50% less in Fargo in the same case. And when USD is added the Summit has 4 teams within 5 hours of SF. Even w/ best case scenario I can't see 12,000 ppl wanting tix for any Summit game anytime soon. If it sells out, Midcontinent is happy. They broadcast the game locally and easily sell ad slots. Bars are thrilled as well. As Michael Scott would say "win-win-win".
History:
SF has passed with flying colors. Quite possibly the best low-major tourney in the country. If the next two years go like the first two did (and given the state of both SDSU bball programs, they will both be, at least, top 4) then SF will continue to be very successful. So what would you do as commish? Roll the dice a w/ Fargo or go safe, the record setting SF?
Facility:
In two years, when the bid is up, I expect ground to be broke on a new SF facility. So let's say SF wins another 2-3 year bid. That would mean the next time the bid came up SF is boasting a brand new facility that will help even MORE in bringing out the fans.
Coorporate sponsorship:
We've seen it w/ the Force, Storm, Stampede and Canaries (among others like Augie and USF). The coorporate sponsorship in this city is very committed and very impressive. If anyone in this league can beat them then I'll eat my hat. Not to mention that Mike Sullivan is the real deal (assist to Brad Coleman).
Brrrr:
Fargo is another 4 hours north. If Summit fans are already nervous or unexcitied or scared to get stuck in a blizzard to come to SF then what will they think about going another 4 hours north to Fargo?
2nd place is first loser:
I think Fargo would do a fine job. I think SDSU and USD ppl would travel pretty well, rest of the league not as well. I know the local ppl will support it. I think cooperate would be alright. I think the women's side would suffer. If SF were not able to host it I think Fargo is a solid 2nd choice (only show in town vs. alot of other potential destinations). I just feel the bar has been set so high that it's gonna take everything falling into place (the right seedings, local teams doing well, etc) for Fargo to be in the same ballpark. Douple was at the USD-SDSU women's game....with mouth wide open and brain racing. He's no dummy. At this point I think Fargo would need to hit a hole-in-one in the biding process.
I don't think this thing will ever get stale in Sioux Falls. I think people showed up to watch mediocre Jacks men's teams in the past and the future is certainly brighter. And as for the women, I only see the Jacks being top-3 forever in the Summit, so there will always be the possibility of rooting them on to the NCAA's and attendance will always be strong.
USD:
Sure, USD is "only" 4 hours to Fargo, but it's only 1 hour to SF and the alum base in both towns is not even close. If and when SDSU or USD challenge for the title.....look out. Attendance for both would be 50% less in Fargo in the same case. And when USD is added the Summit has 4 teams within 5 hours of SF. Even w/ best case scenario I can't see 12,000 ppl wanting tix for any Summit game anytime soon. If it sells out, Midcontinent is happy. They broadcast the game locally and easily sell ad slots. Bars are thrilled as well. As Michael Scott would say "win-win-win".
History:
SF has passed with flying colors. Quite possibly the best low-major tourney in the country. If the next two years go like the first two did (and given the state of both SDSU bball programs, they will both be, at least, top 4) then SF will continue to be very successful. So what would you do as commish? Roll the dice a w/ Fargo or go safe, the record setting SF?
Facility:
In two years, when the bid is up, I expect ground to be broke on a new SF facility. So let's say SF wins another 2-3 year bid. That would mean the next time the bid came up SF is boasting a brand new facility that will help even MORE in bringing out the fans.
Coorporate sponsorship:
We've seen it w/ the Force, Storm, Stampede and Canaries (among others like Augie and USF). The coorporate sponsorship in this city is very committed and very impressive. If anyone in this league can beat them then I'll eat my hat. Not to mention that Mike Sullivan is the real deal (assist to Brad Coleman).
Brrrr:
Fargo is another 4 hours north. If Summit fans are already nervous or unexcitied or scared to get stuck in a blizzard to come to SF then what will they think about going another 4 hours north to Fargo?
2nd place is first loser:
I think Fargo would do a fine job. I think SDSU and USD ppl would travel pretty well, rest of the league not as well. I know the local ppl will support it. I think cooperate would be alright. I think the women's side would suffer. If SF were not able to host it I think Fargo is a solid 2nd choice (only show in town vs. alot of other potential destinations). I just feel the bar has been set so high that it's gonna take everything falling into place (the right seedings, local teams doing well, etc) for Fargo to be in the same ballpark. Douple was at the USD-SDSU women's game....with mouth wide open and brain racing. He's no dummy. At this point I think Fargo would need to hit a hole-in-one in the biding process.
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