Marquette, Chicago Invitational?

[Dish]

I read in Katz's column today that Indiana is going to play in the Chicago Invitational next year at the Sears Centre. This was the tournament Illinois played in this year.

I know MU is in the ESPN U tourney next year, but assuming this tournament is going to stick around, and the organizers seem now to be willing to have a "local Midwest" team highlight the event, would Marquette play in this event? Perhaps circa 2009? Considering that four schools get to host two first round games, and then play two games in Hoffman Estates, I wonder if MU will consider it if offered.

Level of competition isn't great, based on this year's past event, but it would guarantee two home games in the revenue department, and travel expenses wouldn't exactly be bad.

[ilovefreeway]

I listened to an interview with the promoter last year and he said that the tourny wants a Big 11/10  and BEast school each year.  So I assume they'll invite us next time we have an opening.  I hope we accept.

[mu_hilltopper]

"I know MU is in the ESPN U tourney next year" ??  Could you explain what that means? 

[OneMadWarrior]

What the Heck is the ESPN U tourney

[muarmy81]

they probably mean the EA Sports Tourney

[Dish]

Marquette is in the field for the 2008 ESPN U tournament in Orlando at Disney. I believe it is now the Old Spice Classic, but originally it was the ESPN U tournament. It'll be Thanksgiving weekend 2008.

[OneMadWarrior]

So then it would be another full season away. That his a second class tourney by the way.

[muarmy81]

So marquette is in the Maui Invitational (EA Sports Classic) and the Old Spice Tourney?  Well, they'll definitey have an improved Non-conference schedule next year.

[Dish]

No, the Maui Invite is this year ('07), Old Spice is in '08.

[mutpm]

It may be a while for the Chicago one, I believe MU is trying to go back to Alaska in '09.