First of all, let me say that this thread isnt another one complaining about the KHSAA or their choice of venue. I thought Papa Johns was the ideal location for the football finals. It had everything. I am also looking forward to going to Bowling Green (hopefully) as I think they will be a good second choice.

 

But, as pointed out in another thread, BG was the ONLY choice this time around that met the KHSAA's guidelines. Being cornered is never a good thing when making these type of decisions and since I noticed EKU has field turf now, I wondered if they would be a possible 3rd choice.

 

Having the synthetic turf eliminates the major drawback against EKU hosting the football finals that we have heard in previous discussions. (same for Commonwealth Stadium before anyone says it). Richmond has several hotels and restaurants, plus its only a 20 min drive to Lexington. The facilities are big enough, if outdated, but the parking would suck.

 

Does this give the KHSAA another viable option?

Yes, I would love to see it moved there.

I don't think it would be a bad idea. Parking might be a little cramped, but I think EKU would be a great location.

Couldn't hotel space be a big problem, especially on a big UK basketball weekend? Plus, not having been to a football game there in recent years, I don't know that Hangar Field's facilities remotely compare to what Smith Stadium offers.

Edited November 11, 200916 yr by westsider

Frankly I think Richmond pales next to Bowling Green as a potential site and its proximity to Lexington does nothing to entice me. Rather it has the opposite effect.

I like the thought of moving it to different sites. There is no stadium in Eastern Ky for the game. But Lexington Richmond area, Louisville, Bowling Green would all be good places to hold the tourny. It would give fans a break from driving so far every year. Move it each year.

Although I like the central location of L'ville, I think it would be great to have it in Richmond, the change would be a welcome one for everyone in the east, BG is a long way to travel and I'm sure that the fan from the east teams will be there, but they would be out in droves if the game was in Richmond occationally. Besides what is the problem what alternate sites if the Finals cannot be played in L'ville?

I would be in favor of rotating the games each year as well......and as far as Richmond as a host site: I live in Richmond and have attended the finals for the past 12 years, there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, etc to accommodate the crowds.

 

Parking for Friday's early game(s) could be a minor issue with a conflict with EKU's classes, but parking along the Eastern Bypass could eliminate a lot of this (where most people park for EKU's home games).

 

Frankly, I've thought the crowds have been way down the past few seasons in Louisville so maybe a change of venue (BG or Richmond) would give the finals a shot in the arm and help out attendence.

I would be in favor of rotating the games each year as well......and as far as Richmond as a host site: I live in Richmond and have attended the finals for the past 12 years, there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, etc to accommodate the crowds.

 

Parking for Friday's early game(s) could be a minor issue with a conflict with EKU's classes, but parking along the Eastern Bypass could eliminate a lot of this (where most people park for EKU's home games).

 

Frankly, I've thought the crowds have been way down the past few seasons in Louisville so maybe a change of venue (BG or Richmond) would give the finals a shot in the arm and help out attendence.

 

 

Part of the problem probably has to do with the fact that there are 6 games now. It used to be that you had 4 games, 2 a day. It was easy for people to attend all 4. Going to all 6 is an exercise in endurance, especially when at best you have a vested interest in 2 or 3 of the games.

I see no reason Richmond wouldn't be viable...I also like the rotating site theory...Host in BGreen 2 yrs, Richmond 2 yrs, lexington 2 yrs and then louisville 2 yrs...Like others have said, that makes it fair throughout the state...

I think if Commonwealth stadium ever gets turf the games will be moved there and no one else will ever get them back.

Rotating sites seems logical. As far as if it would be an acceptable site, I think it would be.

UK or Louisville needs to rotate every year as the site for the state finals.

I like the in door facilities at Louisville and I think WKU has them as well. Personally I love the games at UL. EKU is okay but there facilities aren't as good as the other two.

Couldn't hotel space be a big problem, especially on a big UK basketball weekend? Plus, not having been to a football game there in recent years, I don't know that Hangar Field's facilities remotely compare to what Smith Stadium offers.

 

I don't think Hotel space would be much of a problem in Richmond. If it was people could easily get a hotel around Lexington and drive from there. It's only about a 15-25 minute drive.