It is reported in today's Richmond Register that the city is concerned about the cost of this along with other tourism events. They are trying to find a less-expensive way to keep the event in Richmond. This is due to the financial strains of the City of Richmond.

 

I will provide a link when the story is posted on the internet.

I wonder if TBOK would be a front runner if it leaves EKU?

There are seveal venues across the stat htat would gladly host the All A. I can't beleive that Richmond would actually consider letting this (and other) events go, instead of a moderate ticket price increase.

 

This is what Cincinnati did with the old (pre -Duke Energy) convention center and it bit them royally.

It is due to the city being in financial trouble. That is the reason it might leave. Richmond is talking about having to lay off 30 employees. They are also talking about the July 4th fireworks display at Lake Reba.

Here's the article.

 

City concerned about costs of tourism events

 

Ronica Shannon

Register News Writer

 

Richmond’s Touchstone Energy All “A” Classic and the annual Fourth of July celebration have yet to be eliminated because of city financial strains, but work is being completed to find a less-expensive way to keep the two events that have been a community tradition for many years.

 

Interim City Manager Jimmy Howard and Lori Tatum, Richmond’s tourism and Main Street department director, discussed the events’ costs at Tuesday’s commission meeting.

 

 

Read More

I am selfish and hope they keep it in Richmond. I enjoy attending this tourney.

The financial impact for the area businesses in Richmond would be huge. Not just for the city. Between the hotels and restaurants in the area (I keep the Starbucks in business myself!!) they all depend on the tournament. I'm sure not just the basketball, but the golf and now volleyball as well.

 

"Tatum already has received phone calls from local hotel and motel owners who are concerned about the possibility of Richmond no longer hosting the annual basketball tournament.

 

“They say they have to have that revenue (from those staying in town for the tournament) to survive the winter because January and February are their lowest revenue-producing months,” she said."

 

I could see the city adding a tax on the hotels and restaurants to make up the added revenue. Cincinnati is also considering that for their revenue shortfall.

 

I don't know about the Bank of Kentucky Center. We have seen how they handle the 9th & 10th Region tournament last year. I like the arena, but it's not managed by the school, rather an outside management group.

 

I would hate to see it moved from Richmond too. I enjoy the trip each year!!

Having very fond memories of the All "A" in Richmond, along with spending a good deal of time there earlier in my life; I'd hate to see the tourney move? They always are very accommodating and run a nice tournament. It would be a big blow to the local businesses--I hope the city fathers aren't actually that short sighted??

 

All that being said, I'm sure there are several arenas and communities around the Commonwealth that would step up and replace them very quickly if need be!!

I think the main concern is the cost to host the tournament. I understand how people would like it to stay in Richmond but what about the financial concerns of the city? Especially having to cut the budget and laying off of city employees?

I always felt Richmond was a great city to host the tournament. That being said, if they do move it, I would like to see NKU host it. If I'm not mistaken, the tournament did orginate in Northern Kentucky.

I think the main concern is the cost to host the tournament. I understand how people would like it to stay in Richmond but what about the financial concerns of the city? Especially having to cut the budget and laying off of city employees?

Perhaps I am misunderstanding the whole "cost to host the tournament" thing. What are those costs?

Would not finding a sponser for the event help, I think the sweet 16 is sponsered, I do believe the football finals are sponsered somewhat? Input?:idunno:

Would not finding a sponser for the event help, I think the sweet 16 is sponsered, I do believe the football finals are sponsered somewhat? Input?:idunno:

 

Doesn't Touchstone Energy sponsor the All "A" already!

Perhaps I am misunderstanding the whole "cost to host the tournament" thing. What are those costs?

 

The only real cost to the city I can come up with is additional law enforcement. And really, there's such a heavy Ky National Guard presence during the whole tournament (they are one of the main sponsors) you don't see that much Richmond PD around anyway. The crowds really are never that big that traffic becomes a huge problem.

 

Does the city pay a bid fee to the All A for this? Surely they aren't the ones paying EKU to rent McBrayer.

 

I don't see how hosting the tournament is anything but a win across the board for Richmond and Madison Co.

Doesn't Touchstone Energy sponsor the All "A" already!

 

Yes, for many years now.