NIT

[FWalum]

Crisis not only averted... but just think of the 1500 people in town for the LBAA can get tickets to an NIT game... There are a handful of teams from Florida coming in!   6pm tip.  Same announcers... not sure of the network.

OH... reported attendance tonight 2,912  Incredible !!  and the chairback people were really into the game !!!!!

This could be a very cool thing with all the kids and parents on campus.

[justducky]

If we hosted a NIT game, would we draw over 1,500 fans?  I'd have to say no.

A first round game vs a weak automatic qualifier might not do very well but a second round game against Ohio St, Florida St, Virginia Tech, or Alabama might bring in a couple fans.

Did I spot a disguised Chairback trying to sneak in? Well maybe not but if anybody sees him sneaking around Thursday remind him that he should be home watching the NCAA. 

[historyman]

If we hosted a NIT game, would we draw over 1,500 fans?  I'd have to say no.

2,900

[oklahomamick]

If we hosted a NIT game, would we draw over 1,500 fans?  I'd have to say no.

2,900

2,900 Joe Louis estimate or for real? 

4,000 against Florida St Thursday?

[wh]

Crisis not only averted... but just think of the 1500 people in town for the LBAA can get tickets to an NIT game... There are a handful of teams from Florida coming in!   6pm tip.  Same announcers... not sure of the network.

OH... reported attendance tonight 2,912  Incredible !! 

That reported attendance appears to have been a true attendance. Looking around my estimate was 3800 which may highlight how inaccurate our regular season announced attendance is.

The paid attendance for regular season games includes all season ticket holders, whether they show or not. That could account for part of the difference.

[talksalot]

NIT SCORES

Tuesday 3/15
St Bonaventure Bracket
4 Creighton 72
5 Alabama 53

Valparaiso Bracket
1 Valpo 84
8 Texas Southern 73

4 Florida State 84
5 Davidson 74

2 St Marys 58
7 New Mexico State 56


South Carolina Bracket
1 South Carolina 88
8 High Point 66

3 Washington 107
6 Long Beach State 102

2 San Diego State 79
7 Fort Wayne 55

Monmouth Bracket
3 Ohio State 72
6 Akron 63 OVERTIME

2 Florida 97
7 North Florida 68

[vu84v2]

As one of the more outspoken people about the potential conflict with hosting the second round game, I commend the 'parties at be' for finding a very workable solution. I have no idea how difficult it was to work that out, but the Thursday night game solution seems like the best option for all parties. I would think most people have ESPNews (I have it...but had to look) and I am sure that the game is also on ESPN3. While the NCAA first round games and St. Patrick's create a conflict, the potential to include the kids and families from the basketball tournament in the second round NIT game is a bonus. Give them free or $1 tickets!  Fill the stadium!

[Kyle321n]

While the NCAA first round games and St. Patrick's create a conflict,

I have a conflict on what to wear. Do you think they'll sell green Valpo gear? I know I'll have my shamrock shirt on, but unfortunately it's not VU related. I might need to wear my Valpo winter hat...

the potential to include the kids and families from the basketball tournament in the second round NIT game is a bonus. Give them free or $1 tickets!  Fill the stadium!

I say free to any player or coach and $5 for the families. Get them in the upper deck and we might fill the stadium. I'm sure a family of 4 would love to see a power 5 conference for $15.

[NativeCheesehead]

Think it would be a great idea to get some of the LBAA familes/players in. Does anyone with a little inside info know if we're actually pushing this? Even if we can't/won't give them discounts are they at least being told?

[vu72]

Think it would be a great idea to get some of the LBAA familes/players in. Does anyone with a little inside info know if we're actually pushing this? Even if we can't/won't give them discounts are they at least being told?

Rod Moore is on the Board of Directors for the LBAA, as is Amanda Johnson (Valpo Undergrad Assistant Director of Admissions).

[Kyle321n]

An e-mail to the parents would be a step toward them knowing. And if we helped book a block of rooms, a letter in the room saying "Welcome to Valpo, come out and support the Crusaders in the NIT vs. Florida St. Thursday, blah blah blah..." would be awesome as well.

[FWalum]

Unfortunately, according to the LBAA Facebook page, the opening ceremonies are still going to be held at 6PM in the Chapel.  Parking on Campus will be at a premium with both events going on at the same time.  Maybe we should let people in free after halftime.

[humbleopinion]

Unfortunately, according to the LBAA Facebook page, the opening ceremonies are still going to be held at 6PM in the Chapel.  Parking on Campus will be at a premium with both events going on at the same time.  Maybe we should let people in free after halftime.

Isn't that always the practice?

[VULB#62]

Unfortunately, according to the LBAA Facebook page, the opening ceremonies are still going to be held at 6PM in the Chapel.  Parking on Campus will be at a premium with both events going on at the same time.  Maybe we should let people in free after halftime.

Isn't that always the practice?

Hopefully (1) the service only lasts an hour (or less?) and (2) they will make an announcement at the service that admission to the VU/FSU game id free and to get their butts over there.

[agibson]

Maybe we should let people in free after halftime.

Isn't that always the practice?

That's my understanding. (Also probably doesn't show up in the attendance statistics; but that's obviously a secondary factor. A distant second!)

[agibson]

Unfortunately, according to the LBAA Facebook page, the opening ceremonies are still going to be held at 6PM in the Chapel.

Perhaps, as a start, someone facebook-savy could comment on their page and invite them to join the game after their opening service?

[vu72]

Unfortunately, according to the LBAA Facebook page, the opening ceremonies are still going to be held at 6PM in the Chapel.

Perhaps, as a start, someone facebook-savy could comment on their page and invite them to join the game after their opening service?

Just did it.

[a3uge]

Yesterday: These middle school kids can go shove off!

Today: How can we get these guys to buy tickets to our game?

[NativeCheesehead]

Like being in high school and seeing the girl you like hanging out with another guy. "(Expletive) him!"  "That's her brother." "Hey, man! Come hang out with us!"

Whatever is in Vu's best interest.

[historyman]

Yesterday: These middle school kids can go shove off!

Today: How can we get these guys to buy tickets to our game?

Yep, as long as you're not using the floor when we need it (despite having a signed contract) you guys are all our best buddies.

[justducky]

Virginia Tech up a few over Princeton on ESPNU (7 minutes to go). Take a look at that crowd . Looks to be 80% or better filled.

[WiscoCrusader]

Yesterday: These middle school kids can go shove off! Today: How can we get these guys to buy tickets to our game?

Yep, as long as you're not using the floor when we need it (despite having a signed contract) you guys are all our best buddies.

So tired of hearing about this signed contract.  I guarantee there is an out clause for significant Division One basketball use of the ARC, and unless you've seen the contract it's ridiculous to assume that out clause doesn't exist.

[a3uge]

Yesterday: These middle school kids can go shove off! Today: How can we get these guys to buy tickets to our game?

Yep, as long as you're not using the floor when we need it (despite having a signed contract) you guys are all our best buddies.

So tired of hearing about this signed contract.  I guarantee there is an out clause for significant Division One basketball use of the ARC, and unless you've seen the contract it's ridiculous to assume that out clause doesn't exist.

I don't think I've ever seen someone get so worked up over the NIT before.

[justducky]

Virginia Tech up a few over Princeton on ESPNU (7 minutes to go). Take a look at that crowd . Looks to be 80% or better filled.

Virginia Tech won 86-81 in OT. I looked it up and Cassell Coliseum holds 9,847 and they called it a packed house. That might turn out to be the best crowd of the NIT tournament. My only point is that not everybody thinks the NIT is a worthless consolation prize.

[agibson]

I'd still rather be in the play in game instead of winning the NIT. I don't feel like I'm alone in that opinion.

My son was asking about NCAA-equivalents of winning the NIT.

My initial reaction was that it'd be pretty special, equivalent (in basketball difficulty terms, if not publicity terms) to a sweet sixteen run. Maybe that was too much.

But, I'm pretty sure it'd be better than being on the losing end of a 13-4 game in the NCAA.

It'd be a pretty shiny trophy in the case.