Took in the early session on Thursday with the 2 Louisville schools, BG and Murray. I would say both games had solid attendance. The set up has been good. Wish the local media did more to promote it

 

Is that the media's job? Sure sounds like someone else's.

Took in the early session on Thursday with the 2 Louisville schools, BG and Murray. I would say both games had solid attendance. The set up has been good. Wish the local media did more to promote it

 

BGP is on top of this. :thumb:

Attendance was good at the Wed night session but the NCC/Boone Girls and NCC/Dixie Boys doubleheader 9th finals had more fans in attendance. So did the 9th region semis doubleheader of CovCath/NCC and Dixie/Holmes as did the CovCath/Holmes finals.

NKU has proven that it has a great arena - but so does WKU. They both are excellent. Being near Cincinnati is a plus in many ways, but Bowling Green also has fine options for food, shopping, etc. Depending on your location, you will prefer one over the other. IMO, success should hinge upon how northern Kentucky embraces the event, and this is what seems strange about the move to NKU. It may work out fine and all is well for the KHSAA coffers, but Bowling Green certainly proved that it embraced of the Sweet 16 for many years, which seems to show a lack of loyalty and appreciation for a job well done providing good ol' southern hospitality. To be fair, there may be some solid underlying reasons that have not been made public, and we must realize that it will take the full two year trial period to iron out any kinks.

Bowling Green was 1 hour away for me, and I attended the last 8 years just about every session. NKU is 2 1/2 hours, which is totally just to far for us 5th region folks. I hope NKU is embraced by the locals as Bowling Green was, and this is a success. Fair is fair. Go out and watch some fun games, it is exciting and fun to be a part of, and a great time to see people you only see once or twice a year.

Watched two games today. $13 for general admission, $5 for parking, $10 for coke and nachos. $28 total for two really good games. Bargain! Just glad I could wait for 2nd round of snacks to later. One really positive, I was only one at concessions. No one else thirsty or hungry enough, I understand.

Golly, KHSAA. Where is my program? Downloads on my phone only option! You really are kidding. Look at the age of your attendance. Saw almost no one on their phones, they were watching the games! Isn't that why we were there?

Golly, KHSAA. Where is my program? Downloads on my phone only option! You really are kidding. Look at the age of your attendance. Saw almost no one on their phones, they were watching the games! Isn't that why we were there?

 

No programs the last couple of years

As a kid I couldn't wait to get into Rupp so I could get a program.

I was at a N Ky high school track meet yesterday and ran into a friend. He's an assistant track/XCountry coach, a big basketball fan (and an Enquirer subscriber). We discussed the NC/CovCath regional boys game at length, and I mentioned I was interested in attending the girls state semifinals that night.

 

He said, "where are the games? WKU?"

 

I dont know know who is responsible, but the collective lack of promotion is very disappointing.

I ran into a couple from Louisville Butler last night having dinner at BJ's in Florence. I asked them how the experience has been. They really liked all of the "things to do" options NKY/Cincinnati offers but they said the hotel experience has not been good. They felt like with bringing a large group of players/fans that the hotels would give the free wi-fi or a continental breakfast. Everything is an "additional cost."

I go to the tourney every year. I will continue to no matter where it is held. But I sure hope they move it back to WKU. Unless some underlying things that retro pop mentioned are there, what was wrong with BG???

I just don't think Northern Ky gets it. I am a Holmes guy and know how hard Holmes AD Stan Steidel fought to get this tournement here, Holmes folks called every media outlet, TV, newspaper, etc. the fact that there was no right up in Friday's paper is just an absolute joke. The fact that there was no welcome sweet 16 banners to be found was sad also. Attendance was good when the locals played, not so great other times. I also miss the programs and miss getting there early and reading the paper about all the teams, I guess the fact that we are a Cincinnati based paper hurts us. Hopefully we can all learn from this years mistakes and make it a better event next year. Like in most things in life, I hope the rest of the state gives us a second chance. I hope for those that did attend you enjoyed the BB&T arena. Hope to see you all next year.

Edited March 13, 201610 yr by allsport71
Misspelling

Attended games on Saturday night. A wonderful venue; much better than WKU in my opinion. I really don’t get some of the negativity here, I was very impressed. I didn’t have to wait in line to park, got decent parking near arena and found a great seat. The concession stands had decent offerings at reasonable prices. The concession stand workers were friendly and quick. If they only would bring the ice cream machines from Rupp, I would have been set. :thumb:

 

With my positive review, the only thing that I was a little surprised at is why I didn’t see more area players and coaches there. If I were a coach, I would have made that a team outing to see what it is like to get those dreams going for next year.

 

My congrats to all those who made this tourney what seemed like a great one. Teams, KHSAA, BBT personnel

I was at the Press Conference when they announced St. Elizabeth as the title sponsor. I was introduced to some folks from the NKY Chamber who I believe were supposed to be promoting this. Although they MAY have had a hand in talking to the hotels to get the rooms for the schools, I have to agree, there was nothing that I saw or heard to promote the event.

 

Local radio doesn't touch High School Sports unless it's Penn Stations Athlete of the month and then only because they "sponsor" it. No local stations carried 1 game of the tournament, other than my friends at WIKI in Carrollton that took the KHSAA feed of the Campbell/Trimble game.

 

I enjoyed and liked what I saw at the arena. It was run like I wish the 9th Region tournament would be. From the folks at the Arena, Matt, Molly, Lynn, Bill & Stephen. Great job as always. They are great to work with. the folks from the KHSAA, Joe, Marilyn and their staff provided a great place to cover our local kids.

 

It's my hope that the tournament stays here in NKY, but there is definitely more that needs to be done to promote it if it is to stay here.