March Madness relocation

[Jsnhbe1Birds]

Keep it in the Lou. If you want to move it figure out how to get it at SLU. It's not far from downtown.

[Majik45]

The problem with moving it is that any city that is more central (Springfield, IL, Peoria, Bloomington, Quad Cities) is not big enough to host the event.

SIU is closest at under 2 hours to get there. Both ISU's, Evansville, and Bradley are all under 3 hours to get there. MSU is just over 3 hours to get there. Loyola and Valpo are both around 5 hours. Drake and UNI have the toughest journey, probably closer to 6 hours, mostly because there is no good way to get from that part of Iowa down to St. Louis.

We have a great history and St. Louis, it's a big town, and it's an easy drive for over half the schools.

[musiccitybulldog]

Indianapolis would be the most logical alternative. This Enterprise Center is serviceable. Fans are used to the tournament being in St. Louis and how to make it work for them. I don't see much improvement in the Enterprise center other than some paint. Seats are dated, it literally smelled like trash where we sat. I didn't see where any thing inside the arena changed(possibly some wall paint). There is plenty of room I don't think you would want a much smaller place.

One of the biggest issues I have with St. Louis is cabs, we even had trouble getting one at the hotel by the ballpark. Then was nailed on cab price going back to the hotel. The Valley needs to hire two-three busses to use downtown during the tournament. Have them run constantly providing free transportation to the arena. This is done at major conventions, there are all kinds of answers. Provide some smaller buses to "the hill" after games from the select team hotels. Work some deals with the restaurants to stay open later. People don't want to be walking long distances after dark. A little thought on making the tournament better would go a long ways.

[Jsnhbe1Birds]

Where do you play in Indianapolis? The pacers stadium is too big, as well. You need a 10,000 seat stadium. Chicago has a nice brand new 10,000 seat stadium at McCormick's place in downtown. Other than that St Louis it is. It's so easy to get around in St. Louis. You can walk from one end of downtown to the other. You can't do that in Chicago. Chicago is also a lot more expensive and doesn't have anything like Live (Village Ballpark) within walking distance. The only thing wrong with St.
Louis is the size of the stadium being too big. Doesn't seems like that big of an issue.

[MissouriValleyUnite]

Try Uber/Lyft apps on phone. Cheaper than cab. Might have geographic radar so you can wait inside until it arrives.

[musiccitybulldog]

Try Uber/Lyft apps on phone. Cheaper than cab. Might have geographic radar so you can wait inside until it arrives.

I do that. It can come with a whole set of problems with smaller cities so I usally stick with cabs.

[BradleyBrave]

Arch Madness is the best conference tournament in the country.

Our league wants to be big time again, not small time. Packing up ship and moving to smaller venues in lesser metro areas isn't the way to get that done. If BU/MSU/SIU could put consistent contenders out there - not just league but NCAA contenders - the crowds will come back close to the level they used to be at. ISU's attendance has been outstanding. If BU/MSU/SIU matched them, the upper deck would be opened. UNI brings the house when they're really good too. The league just needs to get better across the board.

[Sir Sci]

Where do you play in Indianapolis? The pacers stadium is too big, as well. You need a 10,000 seat stadium. Chicago has a nice brand new 10,000 seat stadium at McCormick's place in downtown. Other than that St Louis it is. It's so easy to get around in St. Louis. You can walk from one end of downtown to the other. You can't do that in Chicago. Chicago is also a lot more expensive and doesn't have anything like Live (Village Ballpark) within walking distance. The only thing wrong with St.
Louis is the size of the stadium being too big. Doesn't seems like that big of an issue.

Ya, Bankers Life Fieldhouse is too big with 17,923 seating capacity. The other two options are Indiana Farmers Coliseum (6,800) and Hinkle Fieldhouse (9,100). Hinkle could be the right size, but I don't really think it would be appropriate for the Valley conference tournament.

[Salukimadness86]

It's perfect where it's at. Long term deal in place. It's still an even. No reason to even consider a move.

Absolutely agree. Perfect location, plus contract runs for another 7 years I believe?

[mvfcfan]

If it was going to be moved from St Louis I'd move it to Champaign. It's a pretty easy drive there from basically every MVC school and a closer drive for at least half of the conference (BU, ILST, INST, LUC, Valpo). The arena is also nicer.