Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

[filbert]

I personally would love to see an annual rumble on the court with Wyoming, possibly alternating between Rapid City and Casper.

Wyoming already hosts the "Wyoming Shootout" in Casper.

http://www.casperstartribune.net/art...d8001035eb.txt

As of Wednesday afternoon, roughly 3,000 tickets had been sold for Saturday's doubleheader at the Events Center, Canepa said. Held annually in Casper, this year's event features Wyoming's women's basketball team playing Chadron State, followed by the men playing Montana State.

It would be neat for SDSU to set up a similar men's/women's doubleheader in Rapid City, and it would be super neat if somehow you could work out a long-term deal that every other year, each site would be an SDSU-Wyoming doubleheader.

Quick, somebody who knows what they're doing, get right on this!!! ;D

[SF_Rabbit_Fan]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

Good idea filbert. I was talking with a fellow rabbit at the mall here in SF. He had an idea along the same lines which I thought was interesting. Hope he doesn't mind me posting.

In the modern era of pre-season tourneys like Alaska shootout, Coaches vs Cancer, and the Guardians Classic, why not start something like the “Rushmore Tourney for the Troops.” I think it could be a good draw for out of state big time programs to come into SD to play. It could be a 4 or 8 team event (Wyoming/NDSU could have a spot every year).

Reasons why teams would want to come and play:

1-Most tourneys are located where there is a draw for more than just basketball-what better place than an area with 5 national parks, Crazy Horse Monument, and Mt. Rushmore?
2-Because of the tourist attractions in the area, these teams could get a good fan turnout as many families might come to watch basketball and take a family vacation.
3-Centraly located in the US, teams from the East Coast, West Coast , and everywhere in between could draw fans.
4-Rapid City has an airport, so teams and fans could fly in and fly out without having to worry about a long bus ride.
5-An abundance of hotel rooms in the area.
6-If a portion of the proceeds go to troops, sentimental support will be good too. Plus we get to support our men and women in uniform. Supporting our troops next to one of the country’s most famous monuments-a good idea. With Elsworth AFB in the area, maybe they could have some sort of presence.

Reasons to look into the idea:

1-Could be a potential financial boom to the state economy in between tourist seasons (summer/travel-winter/skiing).
2-Could bring more national prominence to SDSU and our athletic programs-helping recruiting efforts.
3-If Wyoming/NDSU were invited, the potential rivalry would create some noise, and might satisfy some of the people mad about the lost rivalry with USD

Anyway, sounded like an interesting idea to me. What does everyone else think?

[SD-STATE]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

I think this a great idea, helping gather West river support and also increasing national exposure. Maybe throw in the Mont. and Colorado schools along with the Dakotas and Wyoming. "West Central shootout" anyone?

[uncbearsfan]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

I think this a great idea, helping gather West river support and also increasing national exposure. Maybe throw in the Mont. and Colorado schools along with the Dakotas and Wyoming. "West Central shootout" anyone?

Not sure about Colorado schools. We had something similar in Denver for the first time this year. CU, DU, CSU, Wyo and St. Marys played in what they called "Attitude vs Altitude", it was held at the Pepsi Center. UNC was invited but couldn't do it because of scheduling conflict and I believe Air Force was the same. I think they plan on doing it every year now and have all Colorado area teams involved.

[SiouxFallsJack]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

I think this a great idea, helping gather West river support and also increasing national exposure. Maybe throw in the Mont. and Colorado schools along with the Dakotas and Wyoming. "West Central shootout" anyone?

I'll agree this is a great way to gain West river support and I would look forward to making the trip out to Rapid City for a weekend. I would prefer another name than the "West Central shoootout".

[SD-STATE]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

I would prefer another name than the "West Central shoootout".

It was purely hypothetical... ;D

[filbert]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

Rushmore _______ (Hoops for the Troops, Classic, Invitational, etc.)

Probably the thing to do is get in touch with the Rapid City Convention/Visitors Bureau, SDSU, and maybe somebody like Basketball Travelers or the Gazelle Group (two companies which organize various pre-season tournaments).

We need to get (in no special order):
The facility
The dates
Sponsor (a veteran's group--VFW? plus lots of corporate support)
National TV
Management (do-it-yourself or, preferably, get Basketball Travelers or Gazelle or somebody who knows what they're doing)

(optionally) certification by the NCAA as a Certified Event--allowing teams to count the entire tournament as a single game against the 28-game season limit).

I'm sure there's much more, but that's what we'd need to do to get "Rushmore Hoops for the Troops" up and running.

[West_River_Jack]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

This is one Black Hills area fan that would be real excited about this idea. One ticket (mine) won't fund the thing though. My experience in talking to people in this part of the State is that the whole Division I thing is a curiosity . . . a good curiosity, but still something people aren't very certain about. A lot of them might be curious enough to attend.

As far as a name, if you want national recognition or exposure it will be imperative to go with something nationally recognized. I doubt there is anything better than the word "Rushmore" to do this. The only facility which could be considered is the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. There are a number of annual events to work around but not every weekend is blocked out. This weekend is the annual Lakota Nation Invitational, a very major high school event.

For dates, Thanksgiving weekend might be as good as the Christmas Vacation (yes I said Christmas, not Winter or Holiday) break.

I think the basketball floor in the Rushmore Plaza is NBA length which I think is 94 feet vs 84 feet.

This is a wonderful idea which might promote interest in Jackrabbit Sports in the west river region of our State. I think that getting Dr Oien on board would be the first step in this process.

[Rabbitlivinginverm]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

I'm on board on would be willing to help out in any way possible.*





*just bought a house, have a car and student loan payment; so giving a great amount of money is out of the question.

[Cadsev]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

Out of state "big time programs" such as a high major program are not coming into SD to play SDSU, whether it be a tournament or a single game at Frost.  It simply is not going to happen.  Maybe, Wisconsin might consider one game here the next three years with Joe Krabbenhoft on their roster but the top 50 schools from high majors aren't coming here.  It's called a guarantee for a reason.  They expect to win and lesson their chances by going on the road.  Minnesota won't play here, Nebraska won't play here and neither is Kentucky.  The tournament idea, while good in theory isn't going to attract any high majors.  Let's see Maui, Anchorage, Virgin Islands or Rapid City?  One of these isn't like the others, one of these doesn't belong.  Not bashing here just being realistic.  SDSU isn't paying out guarantees (certainly  1500 fans isn't generating the revenue for that) and are forced to play 2 for 1's or 1 and 1's with mid to lower D1 schools at Frost.  Maybe they could swing a game with Creighton but that's about as high as they would go.  Creighton has already turned them down and so have schools such as U Northern Iowa.  Coach Mac certainly know's the difficulty of playing at Frost.  He's not interested in playing there anytime soon.

If Gonzaga or Creighton can't get Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Illinois, Arizona, Michigan State, Syracuse, North Carolina, Florida or any other high major school to play them in Spokane or Omaha there is no way that SDSU is going to attract these types of schools.

The best a tournament of the nature suggested would attract are small to bottom end of mid major schools.  

Drake just had a tournament a few weekends ago that included Drake, Montana, NDSU and Mississippi Valley State.  Drake is the bottom feader in the Missouri Valley.  They can't get better teams to their tournament than the ones mentioned.  Neither would SDSU.

[SD-STATE]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

Out of state "big time programs" such as a high major program are not coming into SD to play SDSU, whether it be a tournament or a single game at Frost. It simply is not going to happen. Maybe, Wisconsin might consider one game here the next three years with Joe Krabbenhoft on their roster but the top 50 schools from high majors aren't coming here. It's called a guarantee for a reason. They expect to win and lesson their chances by going on the road. Minnesota won't play here, Nebraska won't play here and neither is Kentucky. The tournament idea, while good in theory isn't going to attract any high majors. Let's see Maui, Anchorage, Virgin Islands or Rapid City? One of these isn't like the others, one of these doesn't belong. Not bashing here just being realistic. SDSU isn't paying out guarantees (certainly 1500 fans isn't generating the revenue for that) and are forced to play 2 for 1's or 1 and 1's with mid to lower D1 schools at Frost. Maybe they could swing a game with Creighton but that's about as high as they would go. Creighton has already turned them down and so have schools such as U Northern Iowa. Coach Mac certainly know's the difficulty of playing at Frost. He's not interested in playing there anytime soon.

If Gonzaga or Creighton can't get Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Illinois, Arizona, Michigan State, Syracuse, North Carolina, Florida or any other high major school to play them in Spokane or Omaha there is no way that SDSU is going to attract these types of schools.

The best a tournament of the nature suggested would attract are small to bottom end of mid major schools.

Drake just had a tournament a few weekends ago that included Drake, Montana, NDSU and Mississippi Valley State. Drake is the bottom feader in the Missouri Valley. They can't get better teams to their tournament than the ones mentioned. Neither would SDSU.

We weren't talking about playing at Frost Arena, we were talking about playing in Rapid City which is in South Dakota, which is located in the Black Hills region. Please don't tell me how great Anchorage is during November or December. Was there any talk of major D1 schools coming to this hypothetical tournament? No. There was no mention of Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Illinois, Arizona, Michigan State, Syracuse, North Carolina, Florida.

[SDSUFAN]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

This is a wonderful idea which might promote interest in Jackrabbit Sports in the west river region of our State.  I think that getting Dr Oien on board would be the first step in this process.

Its easy to email Dr Oien by going to the www.gojacks.com and look for the icon "Staff". His email addee is listed there. I am sure he would appreciate any ideas or suggestions.

When I have brouched ideas or suggestions, he has always told me what they have tried and he certainly would let know what might be the obstacles in getting this shootout to become a reality.

It''s sounds like a very good idea.

[SDSUFAN]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

Out of state "big time programs" such as a high major program are not coming into SD to play SDSU, whether it be a tournament or a single game at Frost.  It simply is not going to happen.  Maybe, Wisconsin might consider one game here the next three years with Joe Krabbenhoft on their roster but the top 50 schools from high majors aren't coming here.  It's called a guarantee for a reason.  They expect to win and lesson their chances by going on the road.  Minnesota won't play here, Nebraska won't play here and neither is Kentucky.  The tournament idea, while good in theory isn't going to attract any high majors.  Let's see Maui, Anchorage, Virgin Islands or Rapid City?  One of these isn't like the others, one of these doesn't belong.  Not bashing here just being realistic.  SDSU isn't paying out guarantees (certainly  1500 fans isn't generating the revenue for that) and are forced to play 2 for 1's or 1 and 1's with mid to lower D1 schools at Frost.  Maybe they could swing a game with Creighton but that's about as high as they would go.  Creighton has already turned them down and so have schools such as U Northern Iowa.  Coach Mac certainly know's the difficulty of playing at Frost.  He's not interested in playing there anytime soon.

If Gonzaga or Creighton can't get Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Illinois, Arizona, Michigan State, Syracuse, North Carolina, Florida or any other high major school to play them in Spokane or Omaha there is no way that SDSU is going to attract these types of schools.

The best a tournament of the nature suggested would attract are small to bottom end of mid major schools.  

Drake just had a tournament a few weekends ago that included Drake, Montana, NDSU and Mississippi Valley State.  Drake is the bottom feader in the Missouri Valley.  They can't get better teams to their tournament than the ones mentioned.  Neither would SDSU.

I think your comments are valid as of now, but I dont think they will stand the test of time. I would not buy into your short sighted notion of these games never happening. With a winning program, its amazing what can happen. We dont have a winning program right now nor one that getting much attention from the media. Its only the second year of transition to D1.

Why is Manhattan coming to Fargo on Sunday and to SF on Tuesday? I dont think Manhatten is a bottom feeder or do I stand to be corrected here? ??? ???

[filbert]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

Out of state "big time programs" such as a high major program are not coming into SD to play SDSU, whether it be a tournament or a single game at Frost. It simply is not going to happen. Maybe, Wisconsin might consider one game here the next three years with Joe Krabbenhoft on their roster but the top 50 schools from high majors aren't coming here. It's called a guarantee for a reason. They expect to win and lesson their chances by going on the road. Minnesota won't play here, Nebraska won't play here and neither is Kentucky. The tournament idea, while good in theory isn't going to attract any high majors. Let's see Maui, Anchorage, Virgin Islands or Rapid City? One of these isn't like the others, one of these doesn't belong. Not bashing here just being realistic. SDSU isn't paying out guarantees (certainly 1500 fans isn't generating the revenue for that) and are forced to play 2 for 1's or 1 and 1's with mid to lower D1 schools at Frost. Maybe they could swing a game with Creighton but that's about as high as they would go. Creighton has already turned them down and so have schools such as U Northern Iowa. Coach Mac certainly know's the difficulty of playing at Frost. He's not interested in playing there anytime soon.

If Gonzaga or Creighton can't get Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Illinois, Arizona, Michigan State, Syracuse, North Carolina, Florida or any other high major school to play them in Spokane or Omaha there is no way that SDSU is going to attract these types of schools.

The best a tournament of the nature suggested would attract are small to bottom end of mid major schools.

Drake just had a tournament a few weekends ago that included Drake, Montana, NDSU and Mississippi Valley State. Drake is the bottom feader in the Missouri Valley. They can't get better teams to their tournament than the ones mentioned. Neither would SDSU.

You do realize that Wisconsin-Milwaukee is two years removed from a Sweet 16 run, yes?

Good teams can be convinced to come to Frost right now. That's not what this thread is about.

It started out with an annual game v. Wyoming, but it's turned into a thread about organizing an Exempt (now "Certified&quot pre-season tournament in Rapid City. Yes, a tournament on the level of Maui, Fairbanks, Anchorage, Guardians, Coaches v. Cancer, etc., etc.

Just because it's unlikely doesn't mean it's not possible. There's no underestimating the amount of hard work and coordination it would take to make it happen. Getting the tournament certified by the NCAA would be a master stroke of political genius. That's why I think you need to get the Gazelle Group or Basketball Travelers (who run those other tournaments) on board.

That will take $$$ which means finding a name sponsor with money to spare.

Hanging it on a benefit for troops/families/veterans sounds to me like a good hook, different than the other existing exempt tournaments.

Just saying "ain't gonna happen" isn't going to cut it. It could happen. It could be an attendance/ratings disaster. Or it could be a success.

Think of this thread as an expression of the entrepreneurial spirit. Nothing may come of it. But what if something does? Wouldn't that be a good thing in and of itself?

[89rabbit]

Re: Wyoming Shootout (UWyo in Casper)

You do realize that Wisconsin-Milwaukee is two years removed from a Sweet 16 run, yes?

UW-Milwaukee went to the sweet 16 last season, this of course doesn't change your point at all.

Go State!  ;D