MVC Tourney to Kansas City, MO?

[LanceShock]

Before Lowery, St Louis wasn't that neutral.

[2livewu]

If the goal is to sell it out, we might as well go the route of schools hosting the tournament on their own courts like other mid-major and low-major conferences. If the goal is to keep it a neutral atmosphere where anyone can win 3 or 4 games in 3 or 4 days, it should stay in St. Louis.

KC is just as neutral so that makes little sense. Your thought process mirrors that of the Valley offices. Don't rock the boat, don't take chances, and by all means make sure the engines of the conference (CU and WSU) aren't shown any conveniences that might be seen as the slightest form of favoritism.


It's a real shame WSU and CU haven't ever met in the finals. Of course the fault completely lies with the Shocks because the Jays have essentially renamed the tournament their own. The few times they have met in St. Louis, the games have been memorable (Just twice correct....'03 when WSU led almost the entire game but CU won late by 1 and '09 when the refs cheated WSU out of an epic comeback?).

[DoubleJayAlum]

If the goal is to keep it a neutral atmosphere where anyone can win 3 or 4 games in 3 or 4 days, it should stay in St. Louis.

How long have you been attending the tourney '99? How many tourneys have you been to?

I take it you never went until 2008, because prior to that it was anything but neutral. SIU had a bigger home court advantage than they would have had if the game was in Carbondale.

[WSUbballer]

Before Lowery, St Louis wasn't that neutral.

+1,000,000.

I have no idea why some are threatened by Kansas City. It's still situated smack in the Valley. It actually rewards the two largest fanbases who support the tournament financially the most. It's a better venue and cityscape than St. Louis. It would likely make the conference more money.

And it is still neutral. I don't quite understand the beef with this either..

[glm38]

I totally agree. I think KC would be a fine venue for the tournament and a nice change of pace. As someone who has spent considerable time in both cities I find KC much more palatable.

[BEARZ77]

It's pretty much a neutral issue for MSU and I'd have no problem with a rotation, but I think people are choosing to ignore a number of points. One is St.Louis is and remains a pro Valley city, most St. Louisans would love for SLU to return to the MVC. KC has never shown any Valley love, it's a Big 12 haven and I doubt that will change much with the proximity of KU.
Secondly, as pointed out, when SIU was pre Lowry, it was SIU that carried the tourney attendance. The point being these things are cyclical so I don't see catering to any individual schools, just make the decision based on what's best for the Valley. And I think any one suggesting that WSU/CU don't get their fair due hasn't paid attention to what Elgin says and does very closely.
While the conference USA talk was premature folly on many's part, the fact that MSU officials aren't enamored with Elgins decision making on a number of issues is at least part of the reason a move if available would get strong consideration.
But again, as far as the tourney in KC on a rotational basis, I think most MSU fans would have no problem with.

[ihsi]

Saw a twitter discussion that Elgin said conference tourney going out to RFP again. I thought a long term contract was signed with STL this last time around?

[Cdizzle]

Gonna have to move it closer to Wichita if they are going to pay the rent.

[shocktheheart]

They put it in KC and WSU will almost double the people they put in St Louis. Three hours away is more doable for most people than almost seven.

[Bear4Life]

Yea, Elgin was on 610AM here in KC and mentioned moving it here as a possibility. He has mentioned this in previous years, but I think he prefers it in STL as that is where the Valley office is located...Not sure if this isn't just posturing to make sure STL stays serious. I think it would be nice if they could rotate it between the 2 cities, but money talks, so we will see. He did make mention that he would be open to moving the championship back to Monday or up to Saturday if needed, but that a lot of factors go into the process and decision. No question this would be a great deal for the Shockers...I wouldn't mind it since I live here, but I do enjoy the annual pilgrimage across I-70.