If MU hosts NIT game, it'll be at the Al

[wardle2wade]

Twitter tracker...

@AndrewGruman: If Marquette hosts a first-round NIT game it will be at the Al McGuire Center and not the BMO Harris Bradley Center. #mubb

Best of a bad situation.  Very cool that they'd do this, and I'd hope they'd do it for any other NIT games they hosted.  Would be a much better atmosphere and a significant edge I'd say.

May need to win one in nyc to lock a top 4 seed.  

[Nukem2]

Actually, they would have no choice as the BC needs to be set up for the NCAA games on Thursday/Saturday.

[jesmu84]

How the hell are they going to do tickets for this??

Pretty cool though. The crowd will be on top of the floor for once. Hope the students get some close seats, like Duke, Illinois, etc.

[Nukem2]

How the hell are they going to do tickets for this??

Pretty cool though. The crowd will be on top of the floor for once. Hope the students get some close seats, like Duke, Illinois, etc.

Students will just be getting back from spring break (today thru 3-16 ).

[wardle2wade]

Actually, they would have no choice as the BC needs to be set up for the NCAA games on Thursday/Saturday.

MU has a choice... they could defer and opt to play at the lower seeded team.  Kentucky did it last year (due to the ncaas too) and lost on the road to Robert Morris. 

MU could have also have done the US Cellular instead of the Al.

[bradley center bat]

I was saying at the Al. I don't think MU wants to play at the US Cellular Arena,  on the Panthers floor.

[bradley center bat]

How the hell are they going to do tickets for this??

First come, first serve.  NIT first round games draw for most schools 3,000. Students will be in the student section like womens basketball and volleyball.

[Tugg Speedman]

Can a below .500 team go to the NIT?  If so, maybe we can host ND as they will be below .500

[Tugg Speedman]

Can a below .500 team go to the NIT?  If so, maybe we can host ND as they will be below .500

Or Northwestern

[bradley center bat]

Can a below .500 team go to the NIT?  If so, maybe we can host ND as they will be below .500

No

[Tugg Speedman]

Ok, how about IU in the AL!!  They are above .500 and not dancing?

[bradley center bat]

Ok, how about IU in the AL!!  They are above .500 and not dancing?

Indiana has many good wins. They will be a 2 or 3 seed. If they are in the same region, could be a 2nd round match up.

[Nukem2]

I was saying at the Al. I don't think MU wants to play at the US Cellular Arena,  on the Panthers floor.

Also don't have staff or time to set up at the Cell, which is unfamiliar to the MU folks

[bradley center bat]

Also don't have staff or time to set up at the Cell, which is unfamiliar to the MU folks

Rent$$. Main thing is Marquette doesn't want to be on ESPN playing a home game on the Panthers floor.
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BuM3P8xguhk/0.jpg

NIT-ology
http://www.nycbuckets.com/2014/03/nit-bracketology-march-3/

[Dawson Rental]

Wow, a post season game at the Al would be a nice consolation prize for me.  A mostly empty Bradley Center or the Cell wouldn't be anywhere near as neat.

[SWARM!]

The quicker they lose in the NIT, the better. Let's be honest. Why draw attention to even being in it.?

No sarcasm.

[We R Final Four]

Hang the banner.

[wardle2wade]

No

They actually changed that rule a few years ago.  That being said, no team under-500 has ever been chosen for the NIT.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Where would people park?

[Tommy Brice for Coach]

Where would people park?

MU has a garage at 13th and wells

[4everwarriors]

Awesome, MU hostin' da Whoshers in the kingdom Clappy built.

[ChicosBailBonds]

The idea of a MU men's team playing a real game at the Al McGuire Center is both cool and distressing at the same time.

Never in my wildest imagination would I think MU would need to play a game in a gymnasium that small for a home game, but it would definitely have a different cool vibe to it.

[WarhawkWarrior]

I would be there for sure.

[bradley center bat]

Where would people park?

The same place when there is Marquette Madness, womens bb and volleyball.

[bradley center bat]

The idea of a MU men's team playing a real game at the Al McGuire Center is both cool and distressing at the same time.

Never in my wildest imagination would I think MU would need to play a game in a gymnasium that small for a home game, but it would definitely have a different cool vibe to it.

It seats 4,000. It's not that small.

[tower912]

MU's version of Cameron Indoor?    If it comes to that, students, go friggin nuts.   

[Coleman]

It seats 4,000. It's not that small.

And, if necessary, they could probably have another few hundred standing. Lots of standing space in the corners and baselines at the Al.

[ChicosBailBonds]

It seats 4,000. It's not that small.

That's small.   Abilene Christian, Stetson, Ark Pine Bluff, Monmouth, Gardner Webb, American, etc play in gyms bigger than that. 

That's Klotcshe Center small (3,500).   It would be rocking (hopefully), but that is small. 

Duke's Cameron Indoor stadium holds 9,300. 

[WarriorFan]

Too Small... move the MU floor across to the MECCA (US Cellular) and have the game there...  Fits about 10,000 and can be VERY loud.

[wardle2wade]

Too Small... move the MU floor across to the MECCA (US Cellular) and have the game there...  Fits about 10,000 and can be VERY loud.

Being realistic with a hypothetical, do we really think that MU will sell 10,000 tickets to a Tues night NIT game vs Middle Tenn State?  These tickets are not considered part of the season ticket package, and I do not see that many fans plopping down $40 a pop for the US Cellular. 

I think having it at the Al is the right play here in a lot of respects.

[T.V. Diener 34]

While I still hold out the slightest hope we can win the BET... IF we play an NIT game at the Al there's no way in hell I won't go... I think that'd be amazing

[mug644]

I'm pretty sure the men's team has never played an official game at The Al. Would be surprised if they agreed to it.

[SERocks]

While I still hold out the slightest hope we can win the BET... IF we play an NIT game at the Al there's no way in hell I won't go... I think that'd be amazing

Me too!  I will come out of tax season induced hiding just for that.  Wow.  Fun.

[CTWarrior]

They actually changed that rule a few years ago.  That being said, no team under-500 has ever been chosen for the NIT.

They basically said they would allow below .500 teams in the NIT to allow for a regular season conference winner from a weak conference who may have a below .500 overall record because of a terrible non-con record, not to put in lower echelon big conference teams with losing records.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

The idea of a MU men's team playing a real game at the Al McGuire Center is both cool and distressing at the same time.

Never in my wildest imagination would I think MU would need to play a game in a gymnasium that small for a home game, but it would definitely have a different cool vibe to it.

The crowd at the Western Michigan game wouldn't have filled The Al.

[4everwarriors]

MU played UW-Parkside in an exhibition at the Al

[🏀]

MU played UW-Parkside in an exhibition at the Al

It wasn't Parkside, it was Lewis. One of Clappy's assistants was coaching there.

[4everwarriors]

I remember Lewis also, but UW-Parkside was definitely a game at the Al.

[ChicosBailBonds]

The crowd at the Western Michigan game wouldn't have filled The Al.

Correct.  Less than 24 hours to sell a game with your best player not playing, disappointing season.  That's why I'm saying if MU hosts again this year and if it was at the Bradley Center, you could expect something similar unless we played UWGB or some other team with a local interest.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Correct.  Less than 24 hours to sell a game with your best player not playing, disappointing season.  That's why I'm saying if MU hosts again this year and if it was at the Bradley Center, you could expect something similar unless we played UWGB or some other team with a local interest.

Or Indiana

[connie]

Or Indiana

I can't see such a game not being at Indiana.  Much larger student base to draw from in the second round.  the short time frame to sell works against this.  Great idea though.

[Coleman]

Being realistic with a hypothetical, do we really think that MU will sell 10,000 tickets to a Tues night NIT game vs Middle Tenn State?  These tickets are not considered part of the season ticket package, and I do not see that many fans plopping down $40 a pop for the US Cellular. 

I think having it at the Al is the right play here in a lot of respects.

+1 .... I'd rather see a packed Al than a half empty Arena

[ChicosBailBonds]

Or Indiana

That game would be at IU or certainly not at the Al.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

That game would be at IU or certainly not at the Al.

Probably right, but I think an MU vs. Indiana match up would have very little appeal to the Indiana fanbase. Marquette, on the other hand...different story. I suspect we could sell tickets to Crean returning to Gethsemane. And in Lent, no less.

[🏀]

I remember Lewis also, but UW-Parkside was definitely a game at the Al.

You may need to cut back on the laughing gas, I don't think MU has played UWP since The Al has been built.

[MU82]

Probably right, but I think an MU vs. Indiana match up would have very little appeal to the Indiana fanbase. Marquette, on the other hand...different story. I suspect we could sell tickets to Crean returning to Gethsemane. And in Lent, no less.

OK, but what potential NIT game would have great interest to the IU fanbase? Notre Dame? Right now, ND doesn't even qualify.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

OK, but what potential NIT game would have great interest to the IU fanbase? Notre Dame? Right now, ND doesn't even qualify.

None. Just as pretty much nobody would interest MU fans other than IU.

[MU82]

None. Just as pretty much nobody would interest MU fans other than IU.

Exactly. But if the NIT folks want an Indiana-MU matchup, and the choice is holding it at IU or the Al, I'm pretty sure they will choose IU. Even if IU fans aren't as stoked as MU fans would be, the game would draw considerably more fans -- thereby creating significantly more revenue -- at IU than at the Al.

[bradley center bat]

The crowd at the Western Michigan game wouldn't have filled The Al.

3,381 was the paid crowd.

[Atticus]

Being realistic with a hypothetical, do we really think that MU will sell 10,000 tickets to a Tues night NIT game vs Middle Tenn State?  These tickets are not considered part of the season ticket package, and I do not see that many fans plopping down $40 a pop for the US Cellular. 

I think having it at the Al is the right play here in a lot of respects.

Some high D1 programs that have down years and host an NIT game offer free admission. Of course, we don't own our game day facility. However, charging for an NIT game is bush league.

[Warrior of Law]

Agreed.  Charging anything other than a nominal admission fee ($5 for adults; free for students) would be ridiculous if they are able to host a game rent-free.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

You guys must be joking. High schools charge admission. If we host an NIT game, I will be there and I will gladly pay for my ticket.

[77ncaachamps]

NIT at the more intimate AL?! Sweet.

NIT at the equally intimate US Cellular with the old MECCA parquet floor?
Sweeter

[bradley center bat]

Some high D1 programs that have down years and host an NIT game offer free admission. Of course, we don't own our game day facility. However, charging for an NIT game is bush league.

I hope your joking. 

[wardle2wade]

Some high D1 programs that have down years and host an NIT game offer free admission. Of course, we don't own our game day facility. However, charging for an NIT game is bush league.

I agree with you, but we had to pay last time was in the NIT.  Maybe it would be different with the game at the Al.

[wardle2wade]

And for the record, I'd be willing to pay for a ticket if i were in town.  With a very small place on campus like the Al, I may even rather pay some nominal price to make sure I could get a decent seat without hassle. 

[chapman]

Supply and demand.  There are only 4,000 seats available.  They can get enough change to pay for a buy game next year by setting a price that will sell out without leaving much money on the table.  No idea what that price(s) is/are, but yes, it should be done.   

[Buzz Williams' Spillproof Chiclets Cup]

Too Small... move the MU floor across to the MECCA (US Cellular) and have the game there...  Fits about 10,000 and can be VERY loud.

MECCA is also hosting the Wisconsin Regional Robotics Competition March 20-22. NIT Selection won't be complete until late on March 16th. You're not sending a team out to play the next day, and I have to imagine the Robotics competition takes at least 1 day to set up, so that leaves you one (maybe) available day (the 18th) to potentially pay a ton of money in rent, with the reward of being able to play on UWM's floor.

Or you could play at a facility you control, create a hostile atmosphere with fans right on top of the floor, pay no rent, and get all the revenue, and play any day of the week. I know a lot of posters on this board have fond memories of the MECCA, but the Al sounds like a no-brainer to me. 

[Coleman]

MECCA is also hosting the Wisconsin Regional Robotics Competition March 20-22. NIT Selection won't be complete until late on March 16th. You're not sending a team out to play the next day, and I have to imagine the Robotics competition takes at least 1 day to set up, so that leaves you one (maybe) available day (the 18th) to potentially pay a ton of money in rent, with the reward of being able to play on UWM's floor.

Or you could play at a facility you control, create a hostile atmosphere with fans right on top of the floor, pay no rent, and get all the revenue, and play any day of the week. I know a lot of posters on this board have fond memories of the MECCA, but the Al sounds like a no-brainer to me. 

+1

Especially if we are only going to draw 3-4,000 people anyway. The Arena would be over half empty

[WarriorFan]

I still think an NIT game would fill the MECCA.  Offer students tickets for about 2/3 of the lower bowl for around $8-10, season ticket holders get dibs next for lower bowl at $30, and upper to anyone for $12.  That's over $100k in revenue without any concessions or program revenue. 

[ChicosBailBonds]

I still think an NIT game would fill the MECCA.  Offer students tickets for about 2/3 of the lower bowl for around $8-10, season ticket holders get dibs next for lower bowl at $30, and upper to anyone for $12.  That's over $100k in revenue without any concessions or program revenue. 

We couldn't fill the MECCA when Steve Nash was in town back in the 1990's with months to sell it.  Very unlikely MU would fill the MECCA.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

We couldn't fill the MECCA when Steve Nash was in town back in the 1990's with months to sell it.  Very unlikely MU would fill the MECCA.

I agree we probably wouldn't sell it out. But your point about Steve Nash is a little misleading. Santa Clara was in town. Nobody had ever heard of Steve Nash at the time.

[MUfan12]

I agree we probably wouldn't sell it out. But your point about Steve Nash is a little misleading. Santa Clara was in town. Nobody had ever heard of Steve Nash at the time.

This.

They almost filled it in '95 for that USF game with only a couple days notice. But, that was the first time since the BC was built that MU played at the Arena, so there was a novelty to it. That was some crowd that night, I wish I could find some video of that game.

[melissasmooth]

I don't think it would draw that much more than 4,000, so I would rather see a packed Al instead of a half empty Arena.

[Coleman]

I don't think it would draw that much more than 4,000, so I would rather see a packed Al instead of a half empty Arena.

Stars and bars, eh?

[melissasmooth]

Stars and bars, eh?

back home for break

[bradley center bat]

NIT Show is at 8pm every year at 8pm.

[ChicosBailBonds]

This.

They almost filled it in '95 for that USF game with only a couple days notice. But, that was the first time since the BC was built that MU played at the Arena, so there was a novelty to it. That was some crowd that night, I wish I could find some video of that game.

That was also for a trip to New York and the NIT "final four"

[ChicosBailBonds]

I agree we probably wouldn't sell it out. But your point about Steve Nash is a little misleading. Santa Clara was in town. Nobody had ever heard of Steve Nash at the time.

Santa Clara was a NCAA team the year prior and again the year we played them in Milwaukee.  It was a regular season game for MU, months to sell it out and it didn't happen.  

http://m.spokesman.com/stories/1995/dec/17/marquette-puts-the-cls-on-nash-santa-clara/

[Ari Gold]

I'm glad the game is being played at the Al because of how embarrassing that should be for the team. the Real tournament is playing at their home arena a few blocks away and they'll be farting out a game at the Al... awesome.
 
As a season ticket holder, I will only show up if I'm punished with free tickets.

[TJ]

The quicker they lose in the NIT, the better. Let's be honest. Why draw attention to even being in it.?

No sarcasm.

Seriously?  I want them to win the whole damn thing.  Why do so many posters here believe that the only thing that matters at all is the NCAA tournament?  I want MU to win anything it has the opportunity to -- regular season titles, Big East Tournament titles, NIT titles, etc.  Anything would be awesome and exciting.  Of course it's not as awesome as NCAA tournament success like a Sweet 16, but that doesn't mean it's totally without value.

[mu-rara]

Santa Clara was a NCAA team the year prior and again the year we played them in Milwaukee.  It was a regular season game for MU, months to sell it out and it didn't happen.  

http://m.spokesman.com/stories/1995/dec/17/marquette-puts-the-cls-on-nash-santa-clara/

Leave it to CBB to emphasize the negative.

[GOO]

I would love to see a game at the Al.  If it happens, I just hope I can buy some tickets.  I think it will be a really hot ticket, with only 4K available and with it being in a small gym (Al).  I'll be very happy to pay, if I am given the opportunity.

The more games the better.  More experience for our players in a one and done scenario.  More practice time.  New life, new season, new attitudes.  All good in my book. 

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

back home for break

Take that confederate crap down. You are embarrassing the rest of us southerners.

[bradley center bat]

That was also for a trip to New York and the NIT "final four"

It was over 8,000. The BC was booked because the Admirals had a game.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Leave it to CBB to emphasize the negative.

Leave it to CBB to tell the truth and some people don't want to hear it.  I live in the real world, not one made of sunshine pumping unicorns.

[ChicosBailBonds]

It was over 8,000. The BC was booked because the Admirals had a game.

Understood.  My point was we haven't sold out the MECCA even when playing for a trip to NYC in the NIT, with a NCAA team coming in (Santa Clara), etc, etc.  The idea that we would I think is based not in the reality we have seen from the Milwaukee or Marquette community in the last 25 years.  The last time MU sold out the MECCA was when we played there on a permanent basis.

[MU82]

Not sure how much it would mean to MU fans, but there is one possible intriguing NIT matchup that might be on the honchos' radar now and likely would mean something to the opponents' fans: Marquette vs. Davidson.

Davidson suffered an OT upset loss last night in its conference semifinals. Because it won the league regular-season title, it is guaranteed a spot in the NIT.

It's interesting because of the way we beat Davidson in the NCAAs last year. Many of the principals are gone -- including Vander and the guy he scored over -- but most of the players remain.

I'm guessing it wouldn't draw enough interest to pack the Arena but it certainly would sell out the Al. Frankly, being a Carolinian, I'd rather have it at Davidson so I could go see it. Davidson arena is similar in size to the Al.