Conference tournament to be in Las Vegas in 2016?

[SiouxVolley]

http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/sports/bobcats/mens-basketball/article_a75db190-ec6e-11e3-851f-001a4bcf887a.html?mode=jqm

Sounds like the Las Vegas arenas are already booked. The Orleans Arena might have an opening if the WAC decides to move its tournament to Phoenix. The WAC is deadlocked 4-4 on decided to move the tournament out of Las Vegas.

The South Point Casino, which has an arena that holds 4,600, has an annual equestrian event that conflicts with the tournament’s projected dates, Mandalay Bay isn’t interested in hosting basketball tournaments and The Orleans is host to the West Coast and Western Athletic conference tournaments.

“They’re booked,” Fullerton stated.

If the league is unable to strike a deal with a venue in Las Vegas, Fullerton mentioned Sacramento, Seattle, Spokane and Salt Lake City as other destinations. The determining factor would be how many fans each city could draw.

[bincitysioux]

Honestly if it has to be a neutral site, I think Boise, ID would be the best option. It is as easy drive for 7 Big Sky teams, which includes the 5 remaining founding members of the league. SLC would be my second choice due to its proximity to Weber and good flight service. For the life of me I can't figure out why places like Sacramento, Spokane, and Seattle are being thrown around. Las Vegas is easy to fly to, but isn't real easy for anyone to drive to except SUU. In theory, it seems like a fun trip to watch UND play basketball, but honestly how many North Dakota fans are going plan a trip to Vegas around some Sioux basketball games when the NCHC tourney is going to take place a week later? Not many is my hunch.

[The Sicatoka]

I'd say prime targets are "easy to get to by flight" cities:

- Las Vegas

- Salt Lake City

- Denver

- Seattle

I don't put Spokane and Sacramento on that list.

[darell1976]

I'd say prime targets are "easy to get to by flight" cities:

- Las Vegas

- Salt Lake City

- Denver

- Seattle

I don't put Spokane and Sacramento on that list.

Let's put Minneapolis on that list!!! Its neutral.

[mksioux]

In theory, it seems like a fun trip to watch UND play basketball, but honestly how many North Dakota fans are going plan a trip to Vegas around some Sioux basketball games when the NCHC tourney is going to take place a week later? Not many is my hunch.

My sentiments exactly. This all sounds good in theory, but very few people outside of friends and family will take advantage of it. Maybe if they find a small venue in Vegas, it might work. Put it in Sacramento, Spokane, or Seatte and this idea will be a disaster.

For a major conference, I think a pre-determined venue makes sense. For the Big Sky, it doesn't. I understand travel is a concern, but I still think having the regular season champion host the tournament is far and away the best choice for the Big Sky.

[zonadub]

... Las Vegas is easy to fly to, but isn't real easy for anyone to drive to except SUU. ...

and Northern Arizona

[NDRPinLV]

Fullerton should call the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas and check the availability. The arena, where UNLV plays basketball, has a lower bowl that seats about 8,000+, luxury suites and a 2,500 connected adjacent arena called the Cox Pavillion that would work for the women.

[ericpnelson]

Bismarck Civic Center... Just because I want to throw a wrench in everything.