MVC Tourney to Kansas City, MO?

[ptownbraves]

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?

The RFP must have been for after 2015. Straight from the MVC website from 2012:

"The MVC men’s championship will be at Scottrade Center in St. Louis through 2015, while the MVC women’s championship will be played at Family Arena in St. Charles through 2014."

[DoubleJayAlum]

Man, if the MVC moves to KC now..... Grrrrrrr! Creighton fans wanted that for years!

Last time a RFP went out, I was told by a pretty inside source that KC's bid wasn't even close to competitive. In fact, there were some that thought KC's bid was so bad that it was a slap in the face or a strong message that KC wasn't interested in the least in hosting the event.

Has KC changed its interest level? Is the event worth as much as it was before? Are WSU fans big enough spenders?

[isumvc1]

maybe there is some thought along the lines of if UMKC were to ever get good (highly unlikely) and move to the MVC then KC would be more interested in hosting the MVC tourney. Again, highly unlikely, but just a thought.

Regarding fans showing up in St. Louis, I suspect there will be more INS fans there this year if the Sycamores continue to do well. However that's not saying much, we usually just have a handful show up, which is really sad given the close proximity of Terre Haute to St. Louis.

[mvcfan]

Right. UMKC would bring another 500 fans to the tournament in KC.

[mvcfan]

Personally I would love a KC rotation but the only reason for Elgin to move it is more cash from KC.
And a decent chunk more cash.

As one of the uni guys said, Arch Madness is one of the more successful tournaments in the country. You don't invent a problem to fix. Yes CU and WSU fans would get a break on the drive, but unless the cash is there from Sprint Center, KC business community, ect then there is no reason to move it. zero. I think you would get less of an investment from either city if it was a rotation.

You don't move a successful tournament for new bars for the fans. You don't move it for a shorter drive for 2-3 schools, especially if they are already make the longer drive in big numbers.

IMO, the only reason to move it is better money.

Let's try that on. If the Shockers bring 3000 (maybe 4000 I don't think so) this year to St. Louis and the other 9 teams average 500 (high and won't happen). That would be 7500.

If they move it to KC, the Shocks bring 7000-8000. Sounds like a win.

[BCPanther]

The 400-500 that UNI brings will be the 2nd largest contingent. That's awful and sad.

I think it has to go to KC. Even just the newness of a new place will help attendance for 2 years until the league can get back on its feet.

Only 90 miles closer to KC from Cedar Falls...I guess 500 or so is what UNI normally brings to St Louis correct?

It's a much better drive to KC from Cedar Falls and there is actually a pretty decent alumni base in KC. UNI would push 1000-1200 in KC.

Yes, we typically bring around 500. Peaked at 1600 in 2010.

[Aargh]

If Elgin moves the tourney it WILL NOT be to KC. Maybe Chicago. The threat of moving moving to KC is just to keep the St. Louis bid reasonable.

The one and only reason to move to KC would be to try to keep WSU happy. WSU would probably put enough extra fans into KC to make up for those who wouldn't travel that far (mainly the Illinois and Indiana schools, which don't seem to have many fans in St. Louis).

The thought of WSU conference-shopping, and the thought of conferences going for TV $$ that might want WSU has to have occurred to Elgin. Right now, WSU is the cash cow for the conference.

[ShoxNAwe]

Elgin isn't interested in catering to WSU or to anyone that drives the conference to improve. He tolerated the pressure that Gene Stephenson put on the league's baseball programs and he tolerates the same pressure that Gregg Marshall brings to the table. WSU's departure would lessen the pressure on him so maybe he would prefer that WSU leaves?

It might improve his golf score.

[PantherSigEp]

The 400-500 that UNI brings will be the 2nd largest contingent. That's awful and sad.

I think it has to go to KC. Even just the newness of a new place will help attendance for 2 years until the league can get back on its feet.

Only 90 miles closer to KC from Cedar Falls...I guess 500 or so is what UNI normally brings to St Louis correct?

It's a much better drive to KC from Cedar Falls and there is actually a pretty decent alumni base in KC. UNI would push 1000-1200 in KC.

Yes, we typically bring around 500. Peaked at 1600 in 2010.

It's also easier for the biggest portion of our alumni, living in DM, such as myself. KC is a familiar drive for many of us, and STL is what? 5-6 hrs from here? I honestly can't remember the last time I drove there. I'd definitely be more willing to make a weekend trek to the KC area as opposed to STL.

[mvcfan]

If the bid is good enough, I could see the league using KC on a 2 yr basis or so. It wouldn't be full time but on a semi-regular basis. KC would definitely bring more ticket buyers.