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View Full Version : Would you rather attend the 15th at the Expo or a high school gym?


pc03
03-05-2006, 11:36 PM
I would just like to see what everyone thinks...

blackcat
03-05-2006, 11:37 PM
Expo Center is an awesome place to hold the region.* Gives the players a better feel of what it would be like to play in a bigger arena and is a neutral court.  Plus it will hold any amount of people that would attend a region game.

EastKYSports
03-06-2006, 08:19 PM
I definantly would rather it be at high schools where you can set where every you want!

blackcat_star
03-08-2006, 07:44 PM
high school gyms because there should be a home court advantage thats one of the best parts of the game

THUNDERCHILD
03-08-2006, 07:50 PM
As a spectator I guess the Expo, but I would think as a player I would think I'd rather be in a gym.

clubber_layne
03-08-2006, 08:01 PM
I like the gym because its just a better environment to have a basketball game. especially for the fan sections your chants just seem to go farther.

blackcatfan_48
03-08-2006, 08:04 PM
i would like it better if it was in a high school gym because the atmosphere is just better inside a high school gym

catsfan072
03-08-2006, 08:09 PM
High School.. the Expo floor was terrible!

sf_football
03-08-2006, 08:18 PM
I like the expo center because it is a neutral court and everyone will get more used to playing in a bigger gym and hopefully play better and win some games in the sweet 16

Batpuff
03-08-2006, 08:20 PM
So why was th eexpo center so horrible.

BelfryJustice
03-08-2006, 08:23 PM
high school gyms because there should be a home court advantage thats one of the best parts of the game



That is why I voted for the Expo center.  That advantage doesn't need to be a part of the game at this point.  Rupp will be the same. 

PHSFAN
03-08-2006, 08:32 PM
The Expo Center no doubt and it will continue to be held there.

It is by far the best arena east of Lexington and to not have it there would be crazy.  Every region in the state that has a arena nice and big like the Expo Center has it at that "neutral" arena every year and it would be crazy for the 15th region not to take advantage of having a arena like the Expo in its own backyard.

Waterbug5
03-08-2006, 08:44 PM
There really isn't a good choice here.  I mean Rupp takes their floor down for the state tourney but the whole gym is about the same size so that is the possitve part.  But i know that a lot of the players find it more difficult to shoot free throws and regular shots with all of that emty space behind the goals.  Other than that the floor has a lot od dead spots on it but he arena is awesome.

crazytaxidriver
03-08-2006, 09:09 PM
if you want to see an upset, just go to the expo center lol..

BeaverCreek Connection
03-08-2006, 09:15 PM
Well, I guess I am in the minority here but I do not like the atmosphere. It is not a High School Regional tournament atmosphere. To me it is almost a circus like atmosphere, and the 13th Region refs are the clowns. If this is going to be the future location for all 15 region tournaments, they should allow some regular season high school teams. At the games last night, Pburg and Belfry were kinda in shock the whole first quarter of play. This event In my opinion has taken something away from the excitement of the tournament. It has taken the attention from the kids and placed it on a building. I was also shocked to see I had to pay 5.00 to park, I was not aware of other places that were free to park. I spent about $40.00 on two people at one game including concessions, tickets and parking. Always before I would attend every night of the regional even if my team got beat out. I will not be back this year. Just my opinion!!

the_phenom3
03-08-2006, 09:25 PM
High school gym for sure...The atmosphere just isnt the same at the Expo and thats always been a big party of the tournament, showing school spirit.

CaptianAmericia
03-08-2006, 09:27 PM
The EXPO CENTER it will be great for all teams that win the region for years to come.

15th Fan
03-08-2006, 09:45 PM
High school gym because the atmosphere is just so much better.  I like to see the huge crowds packed in the the noise is unbelievable.  I think it gets the players more fired up.

TroubleMaker
03-08-2006, 09:55 PM
The players say that the floor really sucks, that it has dead spots and that makes it hard for them.

BelfryPride
03-08-2006, 10:00 PM
Expo Center

I like it because there will be no "Homecourt" advantage for either team. I think there will be more room for a more evenly called game that way.

OSIRIS
03-08-2006, 11:34 PM
For the most part I like having the tourn. at the expo center.* However I don't like how it takes the crowd out of the game, The crowd is a non-factor and I don't like it.* Everything else I like.* So lets keep it at the Expo Center. :party:

BC75
03-09-2006, 12:04 AM
gym

UKGIRL20
03-09-2006, 01:33 AM
I went to the games tonight and it just wasen't the same atmosphere of past 15th region tournaments. The $3 dollars for nachos or anything else you want is insane.

VoR
03-09-2006, 01:34 AM
I like the no "homecourt" advantage, but that's about it,  but like others have said the atmoshpere isn't the same, and the floor sucks.

So definitely gym...

showstoppers4life
03-09-2006, 01:39 AM
I actually like that gym and like playing on it BL had a chance to play at rupp in the preseason and everyone on the team says it feels like a mini rupp i agree the atmosphere is kind of diffrent but i like it.

FOX SPORTS
03-09-2006, 06:49 AM
No, the EXPO center does not have the same atmosphere of regional tourneys in the past
...no sitting crammed in next to a sweaty neighbor
...no fire marshall locking the doors because the gym was full
...no players flying into the 3rd row of the bleachers to save a wayward pass
Boy, I sure miss those HS gyms......NOT.
If the 15th Region Tournament ever leaves the EXPO it will be a travesty...besides the schools will get a larger financial cut than ever before.

BBandG
03-09-2006, 07:24 AM
I think the Expo Center is an awesome environment. How many opportunities do high school players get to play in front of so many people?

BeaverCreek Connection
03-09-2006, 07:24 AM
No, the EXPO center does not have the same atmosphere of regional tourneys in the past
...no sitting crammed in next to a sweaty neighbor
...no fire marshall locking the doors because the gym was full
...no players flying into the 3rd row of the bleachers to save a wayward pass
Boy, I sure miss those HS gyms......NOT.
If the 15th Region Tournament ever leaves the EXPO it will be a travesty...besides the schools will get a larger financial cut than ever before.

Foxsports, explain to our members how the schools will get a larger financial cut. I have been told by a school principal that the cut will be less than ever before. In fact the figure quoted to me was less than $3,000. I have attended every 15th region tourney in the last 10 years. I have never sat beside of a sweaty neighbor, I have never seen a fire marshall lock a door. It may have happened, but I have never been turned away. Expo Center is nice for the press, terrible for the players, terrible for the fans and you better have a pocket full of money. You will see the HS crowd get smaller once the new wears off. I for one will not be back thier unless my team is playing. Last year I attended every night at SV.

jammin jamey
03-09-2006, 08:31 AM
In talking with the tournament manager, we voiced our only complaint - "the concessions are too high!" They told us that they will address this in the future...

Yes, you can expect this tournament to be played at the Expo Center for the next 5 seasons if all goes well this week financially. Officials told us that they are looking to sign a 5 year contract. Johnson Central was guaranteed $70,000 by the center up front to my understanding. And each region school gets a cut, while participating schools get a little more I believe.

Also, the winning schools receive a nice check from CTB.

I personally have enjoyed the tournament at the Expo Center. And as a member of the press, I REALLY appreciate Food City and the hospitality room!

Eagle89
03-09-2006, 09:54 AM
All I can is WOW.  What a facility.  When you walk in the arean, you forget that you are in Eastern Kentucky.  There have been some valid complaints in here about certain things, and I agree with them.  But think of it this way, the shooting background is going to come close to being the same at Rupp.  Alot of empty space there also.  This is the first year, so there is bugs that will have to be worked out, but it also is one awesome facility.  The reason the kids have trouble with it is because it is new.  The kids that will play there year in and year out will get used to it.  I think at the first of the year, the expo center should hold some sort of Eastern KY panorama and let all 15th region kids play in the gym, that way it is not a shock when it comes to the regional tourney.  They will all have been here before. 

Do you think that a team is going to complain about playing in Rupp because of the depth perception behind the backboards.  I don't think so. 

The only really gripe I would have is the cost of the concessions..  They are a little high for high school, but that is part of life.  Hopefully, they can fix some of the dead spots on the floor that the players say exist.  I know watching the games that I have watched, I haven't seen any problems with dead spots causing problems for the ball handler.

HARLEY
03-09-2006, 05:42 PM
I like it at the Expo Center. Parking is better and free in the parking garage. Kids are not out as late. Some have to drive an hour and a half to get to a highschool gym on a school night. This is as neutral as it gets. You can move around and are not shoulder to shoulder in you seats. Last year the bottom section was reserved seating. I do not think it took away from the atmosphere at all. The kids were excited about playing in an arena like that. I could here the pep sections just fine. A lot of the kids said it felt "BIG TIME" coming on the floor for the first time.

BeaverCreek Connection
03-10-2006, 06:10 AM
In talking with the tournament manager, we voiced our only complaint - "the concessions are too high!" They told us that they will address this in the future...

Yes, you can expect this tournament to be played at the Expo Center for the next 5 seasons if all goes well this week financially. Officials told us that they are looking to sign a 5 year contract. Johnson Central was guaranteed $70,000 by the center up front to my understanding. And each region school gets a cut, while participating schools get a little more I believe.

Also, the winning schools receive a nice check from CTB.

I personally have enjoyed the tournament at the Expo Center. And as a member of the press, I REALLY appreciate Food City and the hospitality room!


Jamie, why was JC guaranteed $70,000? Another competing school told me they would get $3,000 or less. Why is JC cut this much?

FOX SPORTS
03-10-2006, 06:47 AM
No, the EXPO center does not have the same atmosphere of regional tourneys in the past
...no sitting crammed in next to a sweaty neighbor
...no fire marshall locking the doors because the gym was full
...no players flying into the 3rd row of the bleachers to save a wayward pass
Boy, I sure miss those HS gyms......NOT.
If the 15th Region Tournament ever leaves the EXPO it will be a travesty...besides the schools will get a larger financial cut than ever before.

Foxsports, explain to our members how the schools will get a larger financial cut. I have been told by a school principal that the cut will be less than ever before. In fact the figure quoted to me was less than $3,000. I have attended every 15th region tourney in the last 10 years. I have never sat beside of a sweaty neighbor, I have never seen a fire marshall lock a door. It may have happened, but I have never been turned away. Expo Center is nice for the press, terrible for the players, terrible for the fans and you better have a pocket full of money. You will see the HS crowd get smaller once the new wears off. I for one will not be back thier unless my team is playing. Last year I attended every night at SV.

Regional tourney a few years ago at PBurg had the fire marshall turn people away until the first game was over and some folks left.
Financially the 15th Region was GUARANTEED more money this year to split among teams than ever before.(how it is disbursed has nothing to do with the site)
BTW...several of the players and fans I have spoken to from several different schools enjoy playing and watching games there.

FOX SPORTS
03-10-2006, 06:52 AM
In talking with the tournament manager, we voiced our only complaint - "the concessions are too high!" They told us that they will address this in the future...

Yes, you can expect this tournament to be played at the Expo Center for the next 5 seasons if all goes well this week financially. Officials told us that they are looking to sign a 5 year contract. Johnson Central was guaranteed $70,000 by the center up front to my understanding. And each region school gets a cut, while participating schools get a little more I believe.

Also, the winning schools receive a nice check from CTB.

I personally have enjoyed the tournament at the Expo Center. And as a member of the press, I REALLY appreciate Food City and the hospitality room!


Jamie, why was JC guaranteed $70,000? Another competing school told me they would get $3,000 or less. Why is JC cut this much?

Anyone who is quoting their "cut" amount is mis-informed.
NO ONE knows what the "cut" will be until the tournament is over...it is based on paid ticket sales.

jammin jamey
03-10-2006, 08:13 AM
In talking with the tournament manager, we voiced our only complaint - "the concessions are too high!" They told us that they will address this in the future...

Yes, you can expect this tournament to be played at the Expo Center for the next 5 seasons if all goes well this week financially. Officials told us that they are looking to sign a 5 year contract. Johnson Central was guaranteed $70,000 by the center up front to my understanding. And each region school gets a cut, while participating schools get a little more I believe.

Also, the winning schools receive a nice check from CTB.

I personally have enjoyed the tournament at the Expo Center. And as a member of the press, I REALLY appreciate Food City and the hospitality room!


Jamie, why was JC guaranteed $70,000? Another competing school told me they would get $3,000 or less. Why is JC cut this much?

Anyone who is quoting their "cut" amount is mis-informed.
NO ONE knows what the "cut" will be until the tournament is over...it is based on paid ticket sales.


Everyone was told publicly at the meetings prior to the tournament that all schools in the region share in the revenue and will be split evenly at the end. Don't ask me where I heard the "$70,000" figure, but it was from someone that knows more about it than you and I. That was what Johnson Central was guaranteed, or so I was told.

Doc Holliday
03-10-2006, 09:18 PM
We will see how much each school gets and if it is more than has been given out before.
and I do know that schools were "told" a minimum quote that was expected.

57TheLargeOne
03-11-2006, 12:06 AM
At first I hated the idea of moving the tourney to the expo center, but after having attended a few games I hope they keep it there. The atmosphere is great. The crowds have been great and I have seen some people out for games that would not have been there if it were in a HS gym. Also being from a school that has hosted several regional tournaments it was nice to go and watch the game and not have to worry about selling tickets at the door or working in an under staffed concession stand.
    Parking is a nightmare and whoever is charging to park should feel bad for trying to capitalize on high school basketball, but I guess that is the American way. And come to think of it none of the regions schools have enough parking to handle the crowd for a region tourney.
    The consession prices are too high but I don't think that stopped many people from buying them. The schools as always will split the total gate from the tournament and were guaranteed to get as much as they got from the tournament last year at Shelby Valley. I think when all is said and done the schools will come out better than previous years.
    All this being said I like having the tournament at the Expo Center much better than having it at a High School Gym.

bball fan
03-11-2006, 12:10 AM
EXPO FOREVER!!!  Come on this is a no brainer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That place is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PHSFAN
03-11-2006, 12:11 AM
If you are having trouble with the parking around the Expo Center 57 then park in the new parking garage on the corner of Hambley Blvd and Huffman Ave.  It is a 4-stroy parking garage that should have several spots open and it is a very short walk to the arena and it is free.

Maui Nick
03-11-2006, 10:12 AM
No, the EXPO center does not have the same atmosphere of regional tourneys in the past
...no sitting crammed in next to a sweaty neighbor
...no fire marshall locking the doors because the gym was full
...no players flying into the 3rd row of the bleachers to save a wayward pass
Boy, I sure miss those HS gyms......NOT.
If the 15th Region Tournament ever leaves the EXPO it will be a travesty...besides the schools will get a larger financial cut than ever before.

Foxsports, explain to our members how the schools will get a larger financial cut. I have been told by a school principal that the cut will be less than ever before. In fact the figure quoted to me was less than $3,000. I have attended every 15th region tourney in the last 10 years. I have never sat beside of a sweaty neighbor, I have never seen a fire marshall lock a door. It may have happened, but I have never been turned away. Expo Center is nice for the press, terrible for the players, terrible for the fans and you better have a pocket full of money. You will see the HS crowd get smaller once the new wears off. I for one will not be back thier unless my team is playing. Last year I attended every night at SV.

Regional tourney a few years ago at PBurg had the fire marshall turn people away until the first game was over and some folks left.


The then-sports director of East Kentucky Broadcasting got on the radio and told people that if they weren't already there, they might not be able to get into the building because the fire marshal had shut the doors.

And the people who are complaining about the parking fee ... The Pikeville downtown parking garage is free and it's about a one-block walk from the garage to the arena.

~*(RIDGE FAN)*~
03-11-2006, 10:51 AM
DEFINANTLY in a high school gym    reasons
(1)Home court advantage
(2)at the home games fans seem more motivated
(3)And its just agreat atmosphere
:party:

bball ham
03-11-2006, 11:06 AM
The Expo Center for sure!!!  The games I have attended were great.  I too was concerned about the students getting to sit together but that seemed not to be a problem.  This is a change for Eastern Ky. and we are resistant to change by nature.  I think in the years to come we will all get used to it and wonder how in the world we ever stood having the 15th in a high school gym.

BlackcatAlum
03-11-2006, 11:55 AM
As a spectator I guess the Expo, but I would think as a player I would think I'd rather be in a gym.
I agree !

Don Coleoni
03-11-2006, 03:37 PM
I like having the tournament at the Expo Center.  It's a great atmosphere.  It's like a mini state tournament.

The Fan
03-11-2006, 07:37 PM
In talking with the tournament manager, we voiced our only complaint - "the concessions are too high!" They told us that they will address this in the future...

Yes, you can expect this tournament to be played at the Expo Center for the next 5 seasons if all goes well this week financially. Officials told us that they are looking to sign a 5 year contract. Johnson Central was guaranteed $70,000 by the center up front to my understanding. And each region school gets a cut, while participating schools get a little more I believe.

Also, the winning schools receive a nice check from CTB.

I personally have enjoyed the tournament at the Expo Center. And as a member of the press, I REALLY appreciate Food City and the hospitality room!


Jamie, why was JC guaranteed $70,000? Another competing school told me they would get $3,000 or less. Why is JC cut this much?

Anyone who is quoting their "cut" amount is mis-informed.
NO ONE knows what the "cut" will be until the tournament is over...it is based on paid ticket sales.


Everyone was told publicly at the meetings prior to the tournament that all schools in the region share in the revenue and will be split evenly at the end. Don't ask me where I heard the "$70,000" figure, but it was from someone that knows more about it than you and I. That was what Johnson Central was guaranteed, or so I was told.
what makes them more special than the other schools?

thetribe
03-12-2006, 03:58 PM
I personally like it better at a high school gym. The Expo doesn't have HALF the atmosphere that a smaller high school gym does. Part of the feeling of Regional is being packed in the student section with all of your friends and starting chants and going crazy for your team. It feels good to look around the arena and see it packed but the Expo looks empty because the empty spaces behind the goals and around the arena and everything. The concession is so high that I wouldn't eat there even if I wanted to. The parking costs five dollars ONLY because some organizations took up money for a trip and such. You don't have to park there, it is just closer. I say keep it in the gyms, the only advantage to the Expo is neutral court.

bball fan
03-12-2006, 05:50 PM
EXPO FOREVER!!!  And I would say when the high schools get their $$$$ for the tournament it WILL STAY there forever!!!!!!!!!

Tweety
03-12-2006, 11:23 PM
I really like it at the expo but I hope its more organized next year!!  We had the students/pep section NOT  getting the best seats problem.  Always have to get the bugs out of new things though.

FOX SPORTS
03-13-2006, 08:32 AM
I really like it at the expo but I hope its more organized next year!! We had the students/pep section NOT getting the best seats problem. Always have to get the bugs out of new things though.

The schools themselves control where the students sit, not the EXPO or game management.
If there is a gripe with where students were placed, talk to the scool administration.

Imnottelling
03-13-2006, 09:22 AM
I would much rather have the regionals in a high school gym simply because the fans were not allowed to run onto the floor to celebrate with their team after the games.  Why? Because the Expo center didn't want their new floor messed up. 

Give me a high school anyday.

Youngerthandirt
03-13-2006, 09:26 AM
No questions, the Expo Center. No school has a home court advantage. Plenty of seating available. No bad seats in the arena, plus it's new and clean.

The only complaint was the concession prices.

Out of sight
03-13-2006, 09:41 AM
I like being at the expo. However, the atmosphere in a high school gym, I think, is much better. Also the expo floor is horrible. I think that one cheerleader from SV was injured because of the floor.

The Cheem
03-13-2006, 10:52 AM
We will see how much each school gets and if it is more than has been given out before.
and I do know that schools were "told" a minimum quote that was expected.

Actually the member schools are guaranteed at least $50,00 to divde equally provided they have girls and boys fall , winter , and spring sports. The region has averaged a $47,000 split over the last 5 years so the 50 grand guarantee is more than normal. That figure is based on 50% avg. ticket sales- Should the ticket sales exceed 50% then the schools would share accordingly.

PHSFAN
03-14-2006, 02:31 PM
I heard the Expo Center and the 15th Region either allready have or are in the works to sign a deal that will keep the boys and girls tournament at the Expo Center for the next 5 years atleast.

Also heard that Community Trust Bank may sponsor a pretty big tournament around the Holiday Season that will be held at the Expo Center.  This would give some(hopefully most)of the schools in the region a chance to play some games at the Expo Center before the region tournament and also would bring in some good schools from other parts of Kentucky.

BAYPC CHEERBABE
03-14-2006, 10:48 PM
I have to agree with you Beaver Creek Connection it was rather expensive I also spend over forty dollars on two people in one night. I think that the students should be able to afford to go to the games . I am sure that alot of the students could not afford this admission fee. I think that three is more than enough for the student to spend to go support their team. I believe that next year that we should reconsider where the region is held. Not to mention I am sure that the school system lost alot money that the schools uses for uniforms supplies and etc. I believe that next year it should be moved back to the high schools gym.

FOX SPORTS
03-16-2006, 07:58 AM
I have to agree with you Beaver Creek Connection it was rather expensive I also spend over forty dollars on two people in one night. I think that the students should be able to afford to go to the games . I am sure that alot of the students could not afford this admission fee. I think that three is more than enough for the student to spend to go support their team. I believe that next year that we should reconsider where the region is held. Not to mention I am sure that the school system lost alot money that the schools uses for uniforms supplies and etc. I believe that next year it should be moved back to the high schools gym.

This post has no basis for it's argument.
Wherever the regional tourney is held, tickets prices are $6 for students and the schools will receive more money this year than ever before.

smedley
03-16-2006, 09:00 AM
The expo center is the place:
Players love it!!!
seating
security
restrooms
number of concession stands.  more expensive, but perctage of money goes to charity and civic groups that work.
Biggest reason is that school is not disrupted. 

Principals will not want the tournament back at schools because of the labor intense situation.  Putting up wiith disgruntled public etc.

PHSFAN
03-16-2006, 11:45 AM
I think we have seen the end of regional tournaments at high school gyms in the 15th Region...After a few years people will get over the fact that the tourney is held in downtown Pikeville every year.

Doc Holliday
03-16-2006, 09:40 PM
So if the schools got 50 grand to divide how much did the expo center, the civic groups etc get
I don't care how anyone sugar coats it
you have to remember that is money that would have went to the host school or the schools
I can''t see the expo center doing it for no profit.

FOX SPORTS
03-17-2006, 07:20 AM
So if the schools got 50 grand to divide how much did the expo center, the civic groups etc get
I don't care how anyone sugar coats it
you have to remember that is money that would have went to the host school or the schools
I can''t see the expo center doing it for no profit.

No one knows what the schools will divide.
50K was the guaranteed amount...
When someone factors in workers, cleanup, and product, I'm not sure anyone would really want to take on concessions for the small amount of money that is net profit.
And also, the EXPO has and does hold events that do not make money, ie, the mid south conference tourney.      Folks, let's remember it is a civic center, paid for with taxpayer dollars...it's not wholly there for profit.

The Chosen 1
03-17-2006, 11:49 AM
I would rather play in tightly packed gym, where you can feel the sweat run off of you before the game ever starts.

Doc Holliday
03-17-2006, 02:45 PM
I see your point fox
and I agree about it being tax payers money.
but I am just curious as to how much money was brought in not just what was promised to schools.

FOX SPORTS
03-17-2006, 02:52 PM
I see your point fox
and I agree about it being tax payers money.
but I am just curious as to how much money was brought in not just what was promised to schools.

I don't think it's been released yet but from what I have heard about Paid attendance numbers, it should be really good.

Doc Holliday
03-17-2006, 04:04 PM
sounds good I know it helps any town when they host a tourney so the resturants got lots of business as well.

basketballjones
03-18-2006, 12:21 AM
There was over 22,000 fans there over 8 days. 

thetribe
03-18-2006, 08:54 PM
Downtown Pikeville's economy will recieve a boost from all of the events held there for sure and that's great...for the city of Pikeville but I would MUCH rather have it at a gym.

FOX SPORTS
03-18-2006, 09:04 PM
Downtown Pikeville's economy will recieve a boost from all of the events held there for sure and that's great...for the city of Pikeville but I would MUCH rather have it at a gym.

It's better for the schools also.
The athletic programs at the schools(all athletic programs) benefit financially from the regional tourney shares...and the more people that attend, the bigger the per school share.
More people=more money=better all around athletic programs

thetribe
03-18-2006, 09:27 PM
Maybe so but the host school should reep the benefit of the tournament because it will eventually be held at all of the schools. They can get their cut when they host. That simple.

The Cheem
03-18-2006, 11:51 PM
I'm going to say the expo, Maybe with the playing there they can be used to the added 10 ft, and with the depth from the backboard, with all this being said maybe in a few years a 15th region team can bring home another State Championship.

PHSFAN
03-19-2006, 12:54 PM
Here is a article that was in todays News Express that was about having the tourney at the Expo Center.


Expo perfect home for regional

THE VIEW FROM HERE

Jerry Boggs

There's no way the 15th Region Tournament should ever be held anywhere but the Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center.

Last week (and part of this week), the regional tourney took on an air that simply would not have been possible had the tournament been hosted by any of the eight schools that meet the self-imposed guidelines for being a host site.

Put yourself in the shoes of a 14-year-old high school sophomore making a first-ever trip to the regional tournament. Maybe your team isn't expected to advance beyond the opening round. Maybe you are fully aware that just getting to the regional is a major success for you and your team.


How much more special does it make that moment when you run out onto the floor in front of a throng of screaming fans to do so on a stage like that presented by the Expo Center? No disrespect to any of the local high schools, but the seasons biggest games should be played on the biggest stage.

That's why the State Sweet 16 is held every year at Rupp Arena.

Sure, money plays a big role in holding the state tourney at Rupp. The KHSAA rakes in a stunning amount money for late-tournament matchups when 20,000 or so basketball-crazy Kentuckians pack the place.

But from the standpoint of the players, coaches, managers, cheerleaders and parents, the environment presented by bringing 16 of the best teams in the state to one wonderful arena is what makes the experience unforgettable.

That's what placing the regional at the Exposition Center does for 15th Region Tournament. It turns a simple, eight-team, single-elimination tourney into a celebration of what is wonderful and beautiful about basketball.

 

OK, now that I've got the flowery March-Madness induced soliloquies about basketball over with, we can look at the brass tacks of having the regional at the Expo Center.

The bottom line is, every school in the region benefits, both financially and practically from not having to act as a host school.

In a conversation with Johnson Central athletic director Harry Burchett, I floated the thought that some schools might resist the idea of placing the tournament at a neutral site because the host schools do make a nice profit from their host fee, 15 percent of the overall tournament revenue.

But Burchett confided that the stress and added work load hosting a regional tourney puts on a school staff is not worth the money.

Having spent a lot of time at the last six 13th Region Tournaments, hosted by an array of schools including Cawood, Middlesboro, Bell County, Whitley County and Knox Central, I have seen just how exhausted the teachers and administrators are at the end of the tournament.

“Frankly, there's not a lot of learning done that week,” said Burchett.

That's reason enough to keep the regional tourney at the Expo Center.

Under the current agreement, each school in the region is guaranteed a sum of money exceeding the shares they received on average over the last four years.

After the guaranteed money, the Expo Center covered its costs, which included support staff, security, clean-up, ticket sales, ushers and vendors, and met its revenue expectations.

After meeting its expectations, the Expo Center and the schools split the gravy which remains in the profit pool. The winning school received a $1,000 check from title sponsor Community Trust Bank to cover expenses to travel to the state tournament. In the end, each school in the 15th Region will have more money coming back into its coffers than ever before due to the tournament being played at the Expo Center.



For the week, approximately 20,000 people paid to attend the games. They were treated to comebacks, blowouts, buzzer beaters and big plays.

The best dramas deserve to be played out on the best stage.

FOX SPORTS
03-19-2006, 07:06 PM
Maybe so but the host school should reep the benefit of the tournament because it will eventually be held at all of the schools. They can get their cut when they host. That simple.

The "host school" gets a larger share for management at the EXPo as well...it's 15% of net revenues.  That simple.

Eagles
03-19-2006, 10:01 PM
I attended a concert at the EXPO a few weeks ago and I dont think that there is a bad seat in the house....BUT...I think all regional tournaments should be held in a highschool gym...Its all about walking into an overly CROWDED gym, having to stand up the entire game and screaming until you lose your voice for your team and then going out into the parking lot getting into your car and having to fight traffic for 30 minutes to get on the road...It all seems like a hassle but to me that is what highschool tourny time is all about!!!

The Fan
03-20-2006, 01:49 AM
Love the high school gyms atmosphere but i think it will give the teams some exposure to playing in a big venue so when they get to Rupp or Diddle they maybe wont be so much in awe

chicken wing
03-20-2006, 05:56 PM
I loved the way they done the regional tournament this year...good luck next year PC

cardinal 06
03-20-2006, 10:27 PM
got to go with the high school gym. theres no better atmosphere

YeGymnasium
03-24-2006, 12:41 PM
Just from what I have seen posted, if the floor issue is resolved, then the Expo center. If not, then a HS gym.:blondnurs

ACE
03-24-2006, 07:23 PM
I think it is a good experience for the kids to get to play in a bigger gym, like the expo center.

OldAndDecrepit
03-29-2006, 07:20 AM
The Expo Center was not a very "FAN" friendly place. There were complaints of a lot of dead spots on the floor by the players. Parking was horrendous. I say take it back to the "GYMNASIUMS" :Thumbs: