Expo center

[Super_de]

Does anyone else feel like the expo center does not have a High school game atmosphere during this tourny? I for one do not like it, it holds alot of people, but I would drether be at a high school gym. From what I've heard from the players, they have all said they were dead spots on the floor and that they do not like the atmosphere in the games.

[Wyatt Earp]

I believe that the atmosphere will pick up on friday night. The place holds alot of people and when there are three thousand in there it appears vacant. I think the first night they sold about 2500 tickets. I am sure tuesday night they sold quite a few more than that and the end zone area was still vacant.

[cards_athlete]

Does anyone else feel like the expo center does not have a High school game atmosphere during this tourny? I for one do not like it, it holds alot of people, but i would drether be at a high school gym. From what ive heard from the players, they have all said they were dead spots on the floor and that they do not like the atmosphere in the games.


Do they put the floor down like they do in football stadiums sometimes for basketball games? If so, that's the reason for so many dead spots.

[Redneck]

I for one would have loved to have had the Expo Center around when I played. I know my senior year (2003) when we played SV in the region championship at JC they had to turn people away cause the gym had reached it's capacity. I would bet that if Belfry and Shelby was playin in the championship sat night instead of the semi's on a thursday there would be ALOT more fans come out. Saturday night will be a packed house anyways with the boys and girls championships being played.

[UVA_Wise_Football]

I think its a good atmosphere, and it will take time for it to seem as if you were in a high school, but I would think the players would like it where its a big place, kinda make them play harder, ya know. As if they were in Rupp for example.
-JON-

[StrikeoutKing]

I love having the Regional Tournaments at the Expo Center. It gives the whole feel of Eastern Kentucky basketball something extra, and makes it feel like a State Tournament atmosphere. I think it prepares the players more for playing at a big arena such as Rupp.

[EASports12]

There are no dead spots on the floor. There are some places where it doesn't sound the same because the floor is not one whole piece, but the ball bounces the same throughout. The atmosphere is great - and if they get close to filling it up, it will be unbelievable.

[hornetfan]

I myself complained about Paintsville during districts being so hot. But the atmosphere was so much better!!!

[thepharmacist]

The EXPO will continue to help team that advance. Three games with that kind of backdrop could only help shooting once the team gets to RUPP. As for the atmosphere this place is great. Purely from a fan's standpoint, why would you ever want the 15th region tourney held anywhere else?

[BlackcatAlum]

I really like the Regional Tournament at Prestonsburg, a few years back. I like the Regional Tournament at the Expo Center too. It dosn't matter to me where its held at.

[mrfootball03]

I love the expo.. would have definley loved to played there, then where I played at in Region...

[DortonWildcat5]

Personally I love it. I think the atmosphere is pretty good for such a big place.

[EKY Sportster]

THE EXPO CENTER ROCKS!! It is one of the only places in the region that you can actually go and sit comfortably and enjoy the game!! And best of all it is neutral so that NO TEAM can claim another team has a home court advantage.

Some gyms are more comfortable than others. But anyone that would want to go back to the old days of waiting in lines, looking for good seats or in some cases a seat period, having people wedged on both sides of you, burning up and so on is CRAZY! We finally have a facility in the 15th that is as good as the 16th playing at the MSU. Everyone just needs to enjoy it.

[PLAYBOY5]

I Just Love Basketball! Play It In A Mini Park..I Will Come Watch!

[catscratch24]

i like the expo center.
but i do agree that they do stop a lot of the fun..
when you win the championship game you cant even run out to the floor to celebrate. -that i dont like.- it takes away all the fun!

[NYY10]

I like it at the expo

[-STAT-]

I think its a great place to have it. Its like a mini Rupp.

[OSIRIS]

The fans are not to far away. You got shoulder room in your seats. You can park fairly easy whats not to like?

I like it at the expo!

[The Guru]

I don't like it one bit!!!! We have not won a game there yet!!! LOL

[BasketBallonlyfan]

I talked to players from 5 of the 8 teams that played in the first round. They all said they like playing there. Yes, there are some spots in the floor that are considered dead spots, but the ball still bounces. Almost all players have a dream of playing division 1 ball. The court at the Expo Center is just like the courts at Rupp, Univ. of Tenn, and every other major collage arena.

[Larry Legend]

I think it is the best thing that has ever happened to the 15th region tournament. The atmosphere is great, and there is so much room, good parking, and no advantage. I played in Rupp twice and the backdrop did throw me off a little bit, I think that playing three games in the Expo would have definitely helped.
One gripe though, has anyone noticed all the mistakes on the high school banners? The "Wildscats", "Trogans", and "Helliers". I think that is kind of crazy.

[-STAT-]

I talked to players from 5 of the 8 teams that played in the first round. They all said they like playing there. Yes, there are some spots in the floor that are considered dead spots, but the ball still bounces. Almost all players have a dream of playing division 1 ball. The court at the Expo Center is just like the courts at Rupp, Univ. of Tenn, and every other major collage arena.

I have talked to several of the players and they have mentioned the dead spots as well, and you can tell that there is to. And I agree that the floor is like UK's and other major colleges and it does get the players prepared for whats its going to be like if they make it to the D-1 level.

[UnderArmour24]

I like the regional tournament being at the expo so it is more neutral and there cant be any of "they won because it was at there place." I believe the atmosphere is just the same as it is in a schools gym it just doesnt sound like it because the expo is so much bigger. Overall I like the idea of having it at the expo center.

[EASports12]

I think it is the best thing that has ever happened to the 15th region tournament. The atmosphere is great, and there is so much room, good parking, and no advantage. I played in Rupp twice and the backdrop did throw me off a little bit, I think that playing three games in the Expo would have definitely helped.
One gripe though, has anyone noticed all the mistakes on the high school banners? The "Wildscats", "Trogans", and "Helliers". I think that is kind of crazy.
I have heard that Trogans and Wildscats would be fixed by tonight or tomorrow. Helliers has been fixed already. It was pretty funny though - I guess no one spell checked them.

[Panther Thunder]

I have heard that Trogans and Wildscats would be fixed by tonight or tomorrow. Helliers has been fixed already. It was pretty funny though - I guess no one spell checked them.


Martin was Maritn

[BasketBallonlyfan]

Another thing to think about. I dont think any high school gym in this area could hold the fans that have showed up this year to watch. Considering that each school in the region gets a percentage of the ticket sales, that helps every school in the region.

[Super_de]

Imo I just dont like the Expo Center, it doesnt even feel like a high school game and which I dont like.

[lochness]

I don't think its the location, it couldn't get much better. The atmoshpere in most games seems disappointing as compared to recent history.

[All_Sport#1]

There are no dead spots on the floor. There are some places where it doesn't sound the same because the floor is not one whole piece, but the ball bounces the same throughout. The atmosphere is great - and if they get close to filling it up, it will be unbelievable.

Have you ever dribbled a ball on the floor out there? well I have and they are def. dead spots or weak spots and whatever but my best friends played on the court last year and this year and they all said they are dead spots everywhere. And yeah I like the expo to, it def. has good lighting in it.lol

[DortonWildcat5]

After tonight's games, I can't see how anyone can say the atmosphere in there isn't great. The crowds were really into the games tonight.

[Tubby Hater]

I love the Expo center, it is really what Eastern Ky has been needing for many years. Could you imagine a high school gym trying to hold the crowd that was there tonight. The atmosphere was great. The only thing that might be a problem is the shooting background.

[EASports12]

Have you ever dribbled a ball on the floor out there? well I have and they are def. dead spots or weak spots and whatever but my best friends played on the court last year and this year and they all said they are dead spots everywhere. And yeah I like the expo to, it def. has good lighting in it.lol
Yes I have played and practiced on the floor several times, and the first time I was out there, I tested it, and THE BALL BOUNCES THE SAME EVERYWHERE. There is definately a difference in the sound of the bounce from place to place though.

The atmosphere should no longer be in question after tonight. It was pretty crazy.

[thetribe]

THE EXPO CENTER ROCKS!! It is one of the only places in the region that you can actually go and sit comfortably and enjoy the game!! And best of all it is neutral so that NO TEAM can claim another team has a home court advantage.

Some gyms are more comfortable than others. But anyone that would want to go back to the old days of waiting in lines, looking for good seats or in some cases a seat period, having people wedged on both sides of you, burning up and so on is CRAZY! We finally have a facility in the 15th that is as good as the 16th playing at the MSU. Everyone just needs to enjoy it.

My thoughts exactly. It's not nearly as hot as any other gym in the region and people aren't so crammed in but the fans are right there able to cheer their hearts out. The seats are new, doesn't have the broken ones like some other high school gyms, and the players get the same amount of practice on the court. I went to tons of high school basketball games especially big tournaments and loved every minute, sweating or not but this just seems like a much better atmosphere for the fans. The players also get the experience of playing in a gym just like Rupp and since the Expo is there, why not use it?

[Nascar99]

I think the Expo is a great place for the Regionals. It gives the kids a chance to get ready for Rupp. There is no gym, in the 15th region, that can hold that many people and have the parking that the Expo does. It's an experience that some kids would have never had if not for the Expo. This is a great place that was built for Eastern Ky let the kids enjoy it. As the years go by I think more people will attend the games. One gripe i do have after working the concession. The prices are way to "HIGH" for these games. I agree at Rupp you can expect to pay $5.00 for a plain burger. But really, some families, mine included, cannot afford to go and buy tickets, food, t-shirts and dippin dots at prices like this. If the Expo want the kids to enjoy, and come back for more, then think..."Kids First". At least McDonald's has a kid menu. Good Luck to our 15th Regional Champ...take lots of money to Lex.:letsparty :salute:

[LoneStar]

The Expo is fantastic for the kids and fans. I do think they need to get away from printed tickets and charging different prices for seats, not to mention the scanners at the door. These kinds of actions put more attention on the Expo center and not the schools. Charge one price, forget the printed tickets, and let the fan have a choice of his or her seat.

[Johnny Fairplay]

I think the Expo is a great place to hold the tourny, over 4,300 people (record for 15th) for the semi's and I thought the atmosphere was great. A guy sat next to me and was only a fan with no team in it as I was and we were really into both games. I'm sure the floor isn't perfect but what gym floor is? Plenty of seating and parking for people who are just fans can go watch East KY basketball. I saw people from South Laurel, Scott Co., Fairview and other places there to watch.

As for the management of the Expo Center, they could do a much better job. I too worked concession and could not believe those prices, even though a portion goes back to the host school (or schools) working it. Working the concessions I found that the Expo people assigned to get everything started, final money count and inventory did not have much of a clue on how to do anything. The ticket sales could be better and the PA guy should actually have some basketball knowledge. I would like to see them offer it to the guys who do PA during the season and rotate between them and I am sure most of those guys would love to do it. And as for the banners, I thought the idea was awesome but if you are going to do something do it right, all it took was for someone to read each one before putting them up. This could be some of the reasons the Expo operates in the red. But the facility is the best place to hold this tourny.

[FOX SPORTS]

PA guy should actually have some basketball knowledge. I would like to see them offer it to the guys who do PA during the season and rotate between them and I am sure most of those guys would love to do it. And as for the banners, I thought the idea was awesome but if you are going to do something do it right, all it took was for someone to read each one before putting them up. This could be some of the reasons the Expo operates in the red. But the facility is the best place to hold this tourny.
One of the PA guys has done PA for over 20 years and is NOT tied to any of the teams...IMO, It is a good thing to have an unaffiliated Guy behind the microphone...PA guys from the schools would have a certain bias.

BTW, The banners were not handled by the EXPO Center, but by administrators from the 15th Region.

I think we all should have the correct info before bashing the EXPO staff about everything that is not quite right....everything done during the tourney is not necesarily handled by them.

[Creeker]

Hey... considering the Expo Center was over 3/4 of a million $$$$ short... you may not have to worry about having the regionals there next year!!!!! :)

[15thRegionX]

I like the expo, except that fact you can't rush the floor if your team wins.

[PHS95]

Randy Jones is the best PA announcer in the BIZ! He has been the voice of basketball and football in Pikeville for most of my life and, half the time, I would pay the money just to hear him! The expo center atmosphere was awesome for this tournament! Great Job to ALL!

[PHS95]

The 'printed' tickets is one of the major reasons that this works.... guaranteed seating.... it is a WONDERFUL thing.... many people work and have little time to waste trying to find a seat when they got off of work ten minutes before game time! I remember being young and going to the region tourney.... IMPOSSIBLE to find a seat if you weren't there an hour before gametime.... KEEP THE TICKET procedure!!

[Shady Grady]

Just one problem that I see. If they are going to have the region there, they should adjust their prices on food. Those prices are way too high. $6.50 for a soda and popcorn? A family of 4 would have to put that in their monthly budget!!!

[SV Wildcat]

I agree that the Expo is the best place to have this kind of event, BUT they need to changes some things. I stood inline about 30 min Fri. waiting to get tickets missed half of the game for a line that didn't move. Some of the workers aren't to friendly, consessions way to high. They need to remeber that this is a high school event not a big name concert or event. Fans want to congratulate their teams get pictures and when you have a child out there you really want some good pictures ones that are up close.

[LoneStar]

Again, I think everyone should be treated equal when it comes to seats for these games. One price without ticketed seats. If that means showing up an hour early then so be it. But again this is Pikeville, where a large group of individuals feel they deserve alittle more. This is only high school basketball. Turning the regional tournament into a professional sporting event is the wrong message. Also, let the young people celebrate with their team on the court. Those are memories that last a lifetime.

[Shady Grady]

Randy Jones is the best PA announcer in the BIZ! He has been the voice of basketball and football in Pikeville for most of my life and, half the time, I would pay the money just to hear him! The expo center atmosphere was awesome for this tournament! Great Job to ALL!


He might have a good voice for the job, but he still makes a lot of mistakes. I couldn't count the times he announced the wrong player for a basket or a foul, or by the time he announced who made the basket, another player had scored.

[LoneStar]

He might have a good voice for the job, but he still makes a lot of mistakes. I couldn't count the times he announced the wrong player for a basket or a foul, or by the time he announced who made the basket, another player had scored.

I'll have to agree. Noted many mistakes. Also, when announcing the All Tourny team he began by announcing the players name , then the school. Midway though the list he corrected himself and called the school first.

[SportsKrazee]

I think the EXPO is great, i mean its extremely loud during the games, maybe not so much as in a smaller gym but I still love the atmosphere, and the arena is very fan friendly , with no bad seats in the house, unless you get beside a fan section and have to stand up to look around them.......
The fans should set towards the ends as pikevilles and pike centrals did during the championships last night, but besides that the Expo, IMO is the best place for regionals.

[PHS95]

I'll have to agree. Noted many mistakes. Also, when announcing the All Tourny team he began by announcing the players name , then the school. Midway though the list he corrected himself and called the school first.

Man we are being picky. People make mistakes.... fact of life! Randy does better with PA announcing than anyone in the region.... hands down.... Also, are we talking girls or boys because I did not find the girls announcer appealing at all!

[PHS95]

Again, I think everyone should be treated equal when it comes to seats for these games. One price without ticketed seats. If that means showing up an hour early then so be it. But again this is Pikeville, where a large group of individuals feel they deserve alittle more. This is only high school basketball. Turning the regional tournament into a professional sporting event is the wrong message. Also, let the young people celebrate with their team on the court. Those are memories that last a lifetime.

Everyone is treated equally.... Pikeville fans pay the same price as Phelps, Pike Central, Shelby Valley, etc! 6 or 7 dollars a ticket is nothing when you see a minimum of two games! The night I was there, I paid six, had an excellent seat, and saw three great games! What's the problem?? Do not turn this expo center pricing into a "Pikeville people feel they are entitled" load of malarkey!

[one_and_only]

well IMO i think that the expo has the tourny atomsphere.. it just isnt much fun at the end of games.. i mean for the team that won the regoinal champ. and is goin to state.. the fans and students want to run to the floor to congrat. the players.. and at the expo center.. the fans has to stay seated and cant even make signs that has their teams name on it.. why im not sure, but at least at high schools.. you can celabrate at the end of the hard fought game..

[bball fan]

They need to extend the 15th Regional Tournament contract to be played at the EXPO Center through the year 2099!!!!!! That place is awesome!!!!!

[Tubby Hater]

The Expo is great. Who cares that you cant rush the floor after you team wins. If you want on the floor then go out for the team next year. This is such a ridiculous reason not to like a place

[BeaverCreek Connection]

Concessions are rediculous (price and poor quality). PA announcer is (excuse me) pitiful. Nothing can replace the atmosphere of the high school gym. I agree the facility is nice but I like the high school atmosphere, the crowd close to the floor, the smell of popcorn when you walk in, the temp to hot, ah priceless.

[gotcha2]

Just a side note here on the concession prices. Check out the COMBO prices.

$3.00 would get you a small popcorn and small soda. Separately it was $5.50.

$3.50 would get you a hotdog and small sodal. Separately it was $6.00

$5.00 would get you a small soda, small popcorn and a hot dog.

There was also a $20.00 combo- but I can't remember what was included.
As someone said earlier- the concession workers were parents/family members from various schools in the 15th Region.

[More Cowbell]

I was at the Expo last night, and I love having the tournament games there. There is so much more room and not nearly as hot, compared to the high school gyms. Whenever you get a big game between schools with large followings, the smaller gyms will almost always be packed to the rafters and become very cramped. This was the case last Friday for the 59th at PHS, and has been the case with pretty much every post-season game I have been to through the years at most of the local schools.

[LoneStar]

Everyone is treated equally.... Pikeville fans pay the same price as Phelps, Pike Central, Shelby Valley, etc! 6 or 7 dollars a ticket is nothing when you see a minimum of two games! The night I was there, I paid six, had an excellent seat, and saw three great games! What's the problem?? Do not turn this expo center pricing into a "Pikeville people feel they are entitled" load of malarkey!

Its not equal when you have two ticket prices. Name another region that charges two seperate prices. I'm not talking about unfairness between the schools. The unfairness is seen when the $7 ticketed seats, the better seats, are not available to everyone. I can list some examples. Not totally upset about the issue, but I think the players family , like moms and dads should have the opportunity at these tickets instead of boosters and people that don't support a team all year.

[FOX SPORTS]

Its not equal when you have two ticket prices. Name another region that charges two seperate prices. I'm not talking about unfairness between the schools. The unfairness is seen when the $7 ticketed seats, the better seats, are not available to everyone. I can list some examples. Not totally upset about the issue, but I think the players family , like moms and dads should have the opportunity at these tickets instead of boosters and people that don't support a team all year.
Every school in the region charges more for reserved seats when hosting the region or district for that matter.
BTW..You go to Rupp, you'll pay more for lower arena than upper as well.

Also, the individual schools are the ones that decide how the tickets are allotted so the beef should be with the particular school if any mom or dad didn't get good seats.
BTW, I agree with you...Moms and Dads should get their choice of seats.

[gotcha2]

Every school in the region charges more for reserved seats when hosting the region or district for that matter.
BTW..You go to Rupp, you'll pay more for lower arena than upper as well.

Also, the individual schools are the ones that decide how the tickets are allotted so the beef should be with the particular school if any mom or dad didn't get good seats.
BTW, I agree with you...Moms and Dads should get their choice of seats.

I have to aree with you on the Moms and Dads.

[THUNDERCHILD]

:thumpsup: I'm with you guys on this.

[More Cowbell]

I said earlier that I really like having the tournament at the Expo, but then again I also live within a 20 minute drive of the facility. I was just curious, how do some of the people from the 57th area feel about having the tourney in Pikeville every year? That's got to be quite a drive for some of you, especially if your team sticks around for the entire tourney.

[magic man]

i feel that the 15th region should remove the region from the expo center, or at least out of pike county forno team other than pike county teams made it to the finals.... every yr the region is held any where in pike county there is always a pike county team in the finals and sometimes there is 2 pike county teams in the finals....the tournament at the expo was very poorly run this yr....for the expo would not take care of thier media...players or ne other things the hospitality room was a joke and many other things...do not be surprised for the region to vote that they remove the region from the expo...there was many ppl upset over it.............

[Panther Thunder]

I said earlier that I really like having the tournament at the Expo, but then again I also live within a 20 minute drive of the facility. I was just curious, how do some of the people from the 57th area feel about having the tourney in Pikeville every year? That's got to be quite a drive for some of you, especially if your team sticks around for the entire tourney.
if the EXPO was in Paintsville of Louisa I would gladly make the drive to be in such a nice facility... I could understand some would be mad but I think it doesnt matter to that many people.... You don't hear anyway complaining about State being at Rupp every year and there are Lexington schools there...

[LoneStar]

Every school in the region charges more for reserved seats when hosting the region or district for that matter.
BTW..You go to Rupp, you'll pay more for lower arena than upper as well.

Also, the individual schools are the ones that decide how the tickets are allotted so the beef should be with the particular school if any mom or dad didn't get good seats.
BTW, I agree with you...Moms and Dads should get their choice of seats.

Just finished attending 14th region tourny at Letcher County. Charged $5 admission for all.
This is my fourth region tourny attended in E.Ky this year, and all charged the same except the expo center. Not doubting your word, but what region charged 2 different ticket prices and had reserved seating ? I assume Rupp hosted a region tourny ?

[All_Sport#1]

I said earlier that I really like having the tournament at the Expo, but then again I also live within a 20 minute drive of the facility. I was just curious, how do some of the people from the 57th area feel about having the tourney in Pikeville every year? That's got to be quite a drive for some of you, especially if your team sticks around for the entire tourney.

Well im from the 57th and I drove I believe 3 times to the expo this year, and other times I rode with people. It is a long drive but idc if it was in lexington every night for the regional tourney I would still go to see my team play, and I never once thought of it being an advantage to Pike County to tell you the truth. But it is kinda hard leaving an 1 1/2 before the game starts to get something to eat and make it there for the game then feeling wore out by the time you get there but IDC I would still be there to see my team play.

[NEXT]

Last year it was a Johnson Central/Shelby Valley final and that was Pike County.

Last time it was at P-Burg it was an all Pike County Final.

So there goes that argument.

[thepharmacist]

i feel that the 15th region should remove the region from the expo center, or at least out of pike county forno team other than pike county teams made it to the finals.... every yr the region is held any where in pike county there is always a pike county team in the finals and sometimes there is 2 pike county teams in the finals....the tournament at the expo was very poorly run this yr....for the expo would not take care of thier media...players or ne other things the hospitality room was a joke and many other things...do not be surprised for the region to vote that they remove the region from the expo...there was many ppl upset over it.............

maybe we should have it at the Mountain Arts Center its hot and you can smell the popcorn in there when you walk in

[Paco07]

i liked the 15th region being held there, it gave it a special meaning
i like it
go valley at state

[PHS95]

Best facility in this area and most capable of hosting that number of fans. Look at it this way.... the region schools split most of the gate money.... we should be tickled about giving back to our schools by paying for tickets!

[More Cowbell]

i feel that the 15th region should remove the region from the expo center, or at least out of pike county forno team other than pike county teams made it to the finals.... every yr the region is held any where in pike county there is always a pike county team in the finals and sometimes there is 2 pike county teams in the finals....the tournament at the expo was very poorly run this yr....for the expo would not take care of thier media...players or ne other things the hospitality room was a joke and many other things...do not be surprised for the region to vote that they remove the region from the expo...there was many ppl upset over it.............


I don't believe that the Expo gives any advantage to Pike County teams at all. To say that every time the tourney is held in Pike there is a Pike team in the final, proves nothing. Logic says that if half the teams in the bracket are from Pike, then statistically one of the two teams in the final should be from Pike County.

Granted, maybe the Pike teams fared better in the tourney this year (4-1 against non-Pike teams). But last year, the non-Pike teams actually did better (3-2 against Pike) and also won the regional.

[BasketBallonlyfan]

I said earlier that I really like having the tournament at the Expo, but then again I also live within a 20 minute drive of the facility...

I guess it is a good thing that the 57th didnt win it then because they would be complaining about the long drive to Lexington for the sweet 16.



i feel that the 15th region should remove the region from the expo center, or at least out of pike county forno team other than pike county teams made it to the finals.... every yr the region is held any where in pike county there is always a pike county team in the finals and sometimes there is 2 pike county teams in the finals....the tournament at the expo was very poorly run this yr....for the expo would not take care of thier media...players or ne other things the hospitality room was a joke and many other things...do not be surprised for the region to vote that they remove the region from the expo...there was many ppl upset over it.............

Well, how do you know about how they treated the media? With spelling and typos like that you cant be a member of any media. As far as their being Pike County teams in the final, did you look at the teams that was in the tourney from other counties? Pike County teams in the region's record was Shelby Valley, (29-3), Belfry, (24-8), Phelps, (18-8), and Pikeville, (18-12). The total record for the Pike County teams combined was 89-31. The records of the other 4 teams combined, Allen Central, (23-8), Paintsville, (20-10), Magoffin,( 15-16), and Betsy Layne, (11-18), was 69-52. All 4 Pike County teams had a winning record. The other 4 teams outside of Pike County had 2 with winning records, 2 with losing records. Look at the numbers before you try to say that the Expo is biased to Pike County teams.

[PLAYBOY5]

I think it is great for Eastern Kentucky period!

[FOX SPORTS]

Just finished attending 14th region tourny at Letcher County. Charged $5 admission for all.
This is my fourth region tourny attended in E.Ky this year, and all charged the same except the expo center. Not doubting your word, but what region charged 2 different ticket prices and had reserved seating ? I assume Rupp hosted a region tourny ?
You should re-read my original post.

[LoneStar]

Expo center is great for the region tourny. Just no printed tickets with seperate prices. Is it fair when tickets are printed ahead of time, some people have reserved seats to games, days before tickets released to schools and public. The schools should have access first. No other region tourny in eastern ky does this.

[StillAnMCfan]

Expo center is great for the region tourny. Just no printed tickets with seperate prices. Is it fair when tickets are printed ahead of time, some people have reserved seats to games, days before tickets released to schools and public. The schools should have access first. No other region tourny in eastern ky does this.
The schools always had the best lower arena tickets on their appointed side of the court for that particular game. A lot of regular people got those tickets through the schools. Our school allotted 2 tickets for each player or cheerleaders parents. Then sold the rest to school employees and fans from that county. I think each school got 300 tickets for each game.

[pchsgohawksgo]

i believe that the tourney is better there because it prepares the teams for state. They have already played in a large center, they've had thousands of fans watching them, and they are used to shooting on a goal, with seats behind it! That throws your depth perception out of wack, and causes ALOT of missed shots. The Expo Center helps the players prepare for state, what more do u need?

[LoneStar]

The schools always had the best lower arena tickets on their appointed side of the court for that particular game. A lot of regular people got those tickets through the schools. Our school allotted 2 tickets for each player or cheerleaders parents. Then sold the rest to school employees and fans from that county. I think each school got 300 tickets for each game.

Don't disagree. However, I know tickets are printed ahead of time and individuals not associated with the schools do have access to the tickets before the schools. This can all be avoided. No assigned seats and the same ticket price for all. Just as everyother region does in the state.

[gotcha2]

The schools need to make sure that the parents of the players and cheerleaders get seats in the lower arena (if they want them). I know when AC played Pikeville- some of their players/cheerleaders parents were in the 2 rows behind the student section. These parents (some with young children) had to stand throught the entire game to see. AC - like most student sections- stood through the entire game. The middle section of the lower arena was filled with people who had not attended a single game all season.

[BasketBallonlyfan]

The schools need to make sure that the parents of the players and cheerleaders get seats in the lower arena (if they want them). I know when AC played Pikeville- some of their players/cheerleaders parents were in the 2 rows behind the student section. These parents (some with young children) had to stand throught the entire game to see. AC - like most student sections- stood through the entire game. The middle section of the lower arena was filled with people who had not attended a single game all season.

Blame that on the Allen Central School. All schools in the regional tourney had the same amount of tickets. All schools had the same seating arrangements on the side of the court the school was supposed to sit at. It was the fault of the school itself as to who got behind the student section, and who got the tickets. The lower arena tickets were issued to the school and they dispersed them.

[HazzBeen]

I just didn't like the $2.50 bottles of water at the expo. Great atmosphere though!

[gotcha2]

Blame that on the Allen Central School. All schools in the regional tourney had the same amount of tickets. All schools had the same seating arrangements on the side of the court the school was supposed to sit at. It was the fault of the school itself as to who got behind the student section, and who got the tickets. The lower arena tickets were issued to the school and they dispersed them.

If you look closely- I said "The schools", no blame was placed on the Expo center.

[StillAnMCfan]

Blame that on the Allen Central School. All schools in the regional tourney had the same amount of tickets. All schools had the same seating arrangements on the side of the court the school was supposed to sit at. It was the fault of the school itself as to who got behind the student section, and who got the tickets. The lower arena tickets were issued to the school and they dispersed them.
Magoffin gave first choice to the kids and the parents.

[alleycat53]

Pikeville had their student on the end next to the cheerleaders and it was better that way, SV had the student section in the middle and it hurt the adjoining sections bad. On the end is much better for the student section and they can see because they are standing anyway.

[StillAnMCfan]

Pikeville had their student on the end next to the cheerleaders and it was better that way, SV had the student section in the middle and it hurt the adjoining sections bad. On the end is much better for the student section and they can see because they are standing anyway.Yea, I think Magoffin did the same as you say Pike did, student section on the end Parents and others in the middle and other sections. Players and cheerleaders just got first choice seats for their parents in the sections not designated as "student section".

[TomSportsHack]

Last year it was a Johnson Central/Shelby Valley final and that was Pike County.

Last time it was at P-Burg it was an all Pike County Final.

So there goes that argument.

Took the words right off my keyboard, sir.

Thank you. :D

[LoneStar]

Blame that on the Allen Central School. All schools in the regional tourney had the same amount of tickets. All schools had the same seating arrangements on the side of the court the school was supposed to sit at. It was the fault of the school itself as to who got behind the student section, and who got the tickets. The lower arena tickets were issued to the school and they dispersed them.


This is only half true. The schools did get lower arena tickets but not all of them. I personally know of individuals getting tickets in the lower arena before the schools, these individuals had no involvement with either school playing. Get away from assigned seats, open the arena 1 hour before the game, and charge everyone the same. Eliminates unfairness and favoritism at the high school level. Give each school 200-300 unassigned tickets and let the schools figure out where to sit, just like everyother region.

[The Fan]

this is stupid there really not a bad seat there unless you sit on the ends . I had lower arena seats everygame and sit up stairs I thought they were better seats . I dont like to sit eye level at games you can see more if your up alittle bit , but that just my views to each his own .

[two color blue]

I always arrive an hour early so I can get one of the best seats, in the upper arena.

[FOX SPORTS]

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This is only half true. The schools did get lower arena tickets but not all of them. I personally know of individuals getting tickets in the lower arena before the schools, these individuals had no involvement with either school playing. Get away from assigned seats, open the arena 1 hour before the game, and charge everyone the same. Eliminates unfairness and favoritism at the high school level. Give each school 200-300 unassigned tickets and let the schools figure out where to sit, just like everyother region.
There are always going to be reserved seats and people not "associated " with either school....Many times those are corporate sponsors and school system administrators...Any venue with the ability to have reserved seats are always going to have some held back.

BTW, I have checked with some other regions and there are reserved seats outside of the 15th...and they cost more than general admission...and guess what, even a few corporate sponsors that give the region Thousands of dollars get a few of the reserved.

[wildcatgirl789]

First of all I think the Expo center is a great venue for kids in the 15th.
1. Yes, you do lose atmosphere when you take it from the high school gyms but to be honest there is really not any gym in the region that could hold the crowd that was at the regional finals this year.
2. Yes, it is expensive but when you realize the profits go to the schools it really is not such a bad thing. At least you have a clean bathroom to use, a nice backed seat to sit in, the temperture is comfortable, you have adequete parking and you have nice concessions, expensive, but nice.
3. Only one team gets to go to Rupp or Diddle, and this place gives all teams in the region a little taste of what it is like to play in such a large venue. It makes making it to the region a little more special.
4. Yes, it seems as if Pike county had the advantage this year, but look at last year the only other year that was played in the Expo center and you will remember it was Magoffin County and Johnson Central who were the winners.
5. This year the school with the longest drive was probally Magoffin County and it takes about 45 minutes to drive it. Lawernce Co. probally would have the longest drive of anyone in the 15th, but if it was rotated like it was once was those trips could get even longer. This year in the 14th, the kids from Powell County had to drive to Letcher Central, I could be wrong but I think that would over 100 miles. There is no easy answer on this one.
There are problems with which ever route is taken but I think overall the Expo Center is a good thing.

[LoneStar]

There are always going to be reserved seats and people not "associated " with either school....Many times those are corporate sponsors and school system administrators...Any venue with the ability to have reserved seats are always going to have some held back.

BTW, I have checked with some other regions and there are reserved seats outside of the 15th...and they cost more than general admission...and guess what, even a few corporate sponsors that give the region Thousands of dollars get a few of the reserved.

I know all this. Nothing new. I'm part of the system. Doesn't make it right. This thread is about the use of the Expo Center for high school basketball games. I think its a great venue for the games, just don't agree with how revenue and seating is handled at the Expo Center.
Will check into the corporate sponsorship at expo center. Will be interested in whether the schools or the Expo had a share of the monies.

[More Cowbell]

First of all I think the Expo center is a great venue for kids in the 15th.
1. Yes, you do lose atmosphere when you take it from the high school gyms but to be honest there is really not any gym in the region that could hold the crowd that was at the regional finals this year.
2. Yes, it is expensive but when you realize the profits go to the schools it really is not such a bad thing. At least you have a clean bathroom to use, a nice backed seat to sit in, the temperture is comfortable, you have adequete parking and you have nice concessions, expensive, but nice.
3. Only one team gets to go to Rupp or Diddle, and this place gives all teams in the region a little taste of what it is like to play in such a large venue. It makes making it to the region a little more special.
4. Yes, it seems as if Pike county had the advantage this year, but look at last year the only other year that was played in the Expo center and you will remember it was Magoffin County and Johnson Central who were the winners.
5. This year the school with the longest drive was probally Magoffin County and it takes about 45 minutes to drive it. Lawernce Co. probally would have the longest drive of anyone in the 15th, but if it was rotated like it was once was those trips could get even longer. This year in the 14th, the kids from Powell County had to drive to Letcher Central, I could be wrong but I think that would over 100 miles. There is no easy answer on this one.
There are problems with which ever route is taken but I think overall the Expo Center is a good thing.


EXCELLENT post!

I agree with everything you said. The Expo center is the best venue for the tournament, and it's not even close. One other reason is the neutrality of having the games in a place that is not somebody's home floor. I think everyone would agree that there is an advantage to playing a game on your own court, however small that advantage may be. A regional championship game, with a trip to state on the line, should not be held in a place that gives one team a leg up from the very beginning.

I will grant that the unfamiliarity with the court may contribute to poorer shooting (which seemed prevalent at this year's tournament), but at least it's the same disadvantage for all the teams.