In less than two months we will be at NKU for it's first time to host the girls' sweet 16. For those of us who are unfamiliar with the venue and its surroundings - food, lodging, traffic/transportation routes, etc., what should folks from out in the state expect and need to know in advance?

Traffic in and out of the BBT tends to be a hassle, especially around rush hour. I recommend using the Martha Lane Collins entrance to the university. Brings you in the back way and maybe less traffic issues.

 

As for fast food in the area, MLC area has your standards Taco Bell, Arby's, Subway, some wings, pizza, etc... there is an Applebee's, a Frisch's and down the road a Barleycorn's if you are looking for a larger gathering sports bar type place.

 

Newport on the Levee is a short 10 minute drive and you can find a little more upscale dining: Hofbrau Haus, Dick's Last Resort, Bar Louie, Five Guys, Brio and Mitchell's. Also a Joe's Crab Shack and Buckhead Grill in the area.

 

Bars & Restaurants at Newport on the Levee

 

Within Newport I would also recommend a trip to Dixie Chili...later at night of course.

 

For a place to stay, the Hampton Inn down in Wilder is closest and a nice property. You also have some dining options, Mello Mushroom and Dairy Queen. Also a Country Inn and Suites in this area.

 

Enjoy Campbell County...we love visitors who come, have a great time and spend their money. If you are looking for specific recommendations, feel free to PM me and I will give you all the feedback I can. We Welcome You !

This is great to hear!!! I didn't know this.

I wonder if it will help or hurt attendance with the move.

They could move it to Belfry (furthest part of the state from me) and I would still be there. Won't hurt my attendance.

Don't want to judge the move before the event has happened, but I am hesitant in agreeing with the move to NKY. WKU did a great job of hosting the state tournament and the KHSAA had a great sponsor in bowling green, Houchen's Industries.

 

It is evident from this site that support of girls baskeball in the NKY area is great, but that does not mean people will attend if the local teams lose early.

 

One thing I do like is that the games will be eastern time now!

This should help.

 

http://www.nkunorse.com/documents/2014/11/22//2014_15_NKU_Women_s_Basketball_Visiting_Team_Guide.pdf?id=923

You won't find a better arena to watch a game, not a bad seat in the place, first class all the way. Also plenty of motels in Florence, which is 15 to 20 minutes away.

This is a great facility with the only drawback, as mentioned, getting in and out at rush hour (5-7PM roughly). The Greater Cincinnati area is larger than both Louisville and Lexington metro areas.

 

Therefore, there are many choices of dining, lodging and entertainment. You can dine at really upscale places, to trendy to burger and pizza joints plus every fast food imaginable. Local food to consider are Frisch's, Skyline Chili (Gold Star and Dixie Chili, also), LaRosa's Pizza, Graeters ice cream, Izzy's corn beef and a little pricier Montgomery Inn (ribs). If you have been around here then move away from the area for a while, most will crave these places while they are away. Those of us that live in Northern Kentucky have our favorites so PM any of us and I am sure we will recommend great places.

 

I have forgotten many more than I listed.

I have a feeling attendance numbers will go down. I really wish girls basketball had the drawing power that boys basketball does so they could use Lexington or Louisville instead for a more central location. If only Campbellsville or Lindsey Wilson were bigger universities with bigger arenas. That would be as close to centrally located as you could get.

When did they decided to move it from WKY to NKY?

This is the 1st year at NKU

Have the brackets been released?

Traffic in and out of the BBT tends to be a hassle, especially around rush hour. I recommend using the Martha Lane Collins entrance to the university. Brings you in the back way and maybe less traffic issues.

 

As for fast food in the area, MLC area has your standards Taco Bell, Arby's, Subway, some wings, pizza, etc... there is an Applebee's, a Frisch's and down the road a Barleycorn's if you are looking for a larger gathering sports bar type place.

 

Newport on the Levee is a short 10 minute drive and you can find a little more upscale dining: Hofbrau Haus, Dick's Last Resort, Bar Louie, Five Guys, Brio and Mitchell's. Also a Joe's Crab Shack and Buckhead Grill in the area.

 

Bars & Restaurants at Newport on the Levee

 

Within Newport I would also recommend a trip to Dixie Chili...later at night of course.

 

For a place to stay, the Hampton Inn down in Wilder is closest and a nice property. You also have some dining options, Mello Mushroom and Dairy Queen. Also a Country Inn and Suites in this area.

 

Enjoy Campbell County...we love visitors who come, have a great time and spend their money. If you are looking for specific recommendations, feel free to PM me and I will give you all the feedback I can. We Welcome You !

 

...and avoid the southern end of the county.

This is the 1st year at NKU

 

Is it a 2 year contract or is it a permanent move to NKU?

 

As far as attendance I think that may improve. For WKY they basically switch with what NKY and EKY had to do previously to get to WKU. But for CKY and Louisville I think it might be a wash. But it definitely I think will help the EKY and NEKY crowds. I know IF Mason County can make it to State they will have a MUCH larger crowd than they had last year.