I wonder if in the AE's history the host team has ever been in the play-in game? How terrible for a Hawks fan if Hartford finally..... after all these years.... is granted the tourney only to be knocked out in the play-in game (which in imho is almost like not even being in the tourney at all).
What this does create will be interesting. Hartford will in essence have a very small crowd at this tourney (on the men's side) as obviously there are no expectations here. Thta being said this tourney might be wide open this year. Due to geography and the parity in the conference we might have the most fans coming from a variety of teams that we have ever seen?
Just curious for those that have tried to get tickets has the experience so far been positive or negative in how Hartford has run this portion?
On the women's side I would expect a large contingency from UVM to come down this year (I wonder if many of those UVM fans end up getting men's and women's tickets?). Hartford fans should pack in 2-3K or so for each of their women's games. If BU has a good conference showing I wouldn't be surprised to see a nice showing of fans there as well. Additionally UNH,UMBC and Albany are proving to be no slouches either so maybe we get some very good attendance for the women's games as well.
I think that you will see larger visiting team crowds.......also, don't underestimate the Foxwoods/Mohegan Sun effect. People could/will make a basketball/casino weekend out of this.
I'd expect to see a couple of hundred Maine fans there if they finish top 5.......and even some women's fans if they manage to avoid the play-in game.
Isbal,
I was actually mailed a tournament package ticket order form in October, I guess since I have purchased tournament packages for the last few years. I thought that was pretty cool, I had the hardest time trying to get tickets last year in Albany. I believe the ticket packages are for both the Men's and Women's games. I expect there will be a pretty good Vermont contingent at the tourney, it's only about 3 1/2 hours and pretty much all interstate driving. (by Vermont standards - that's pretty close) Vermont travels pretty well for the men and women's teams.
Just an FYI tidbit. During halftime of the UHART-SB WBB game the announcer interviewed the
Univ of Hartford's ticket manager. She indicated that it looked like all games would be sellouts
at the tournament.
Just an FYI tidbit. During halftime of the UHART-SB WBB game the announcer interviewed the
Univ of Hartford's ticket manager. She indicated that it looked like all games would be sellouts
at the tournament.
I have heard today thta it is unlikely at this point that there will be any tickets available for single sessions.
I think that you will see larger visiting team crowds.......also, don't underestimate the Foxwoods/Mohegan Sun effect. People could/will make a basketball/casino weekend out of this.
I'd expect to see a couple of hundred Maine fans there if they finish top 5.......and even some women's fans if they manage to avoid the play-in game.
From what I hear Maine fans have already been responding.
Isbal,
I was actually mailed a tournament package ticket order form in October, I guess since I have purchased tournament packages for the last few years. I thought that was pretty cool, I had the hardest time trying to get tickets last year in Albany. I believe the ticket packages are for both the Men's and Women's games. I expect there will be a pretty good Vermont contingent at the tourney, it's only about 3 1/2 hours and pretty much all interstate driving. (by Vermont standards - that's pretty close) Vermont travels pretty well for the men and women's teams.
Thanks for the info....Good to hear.
I expect more UVM fans for this tourney than to any I have been to as both the UVM women and men have legitimate shots to win the whole thing....nevermind the geographical advantage this time.
By the way there will be a bunch of sessions that I will not be able to attend. That being said as it gets closer and I know which ones I will not be able to go to I will give up my 3 VIP seats to these (no charge) for those that want them. The advantage of the VIP seats (disadvantage being you are further away from the court...though my VIP seats are front row in this section) is you have a constant buffet right there which comes with the seats....a section that serves free drinks (soft drinks/beer and wine).....and a men's and women's bathroom (which may be the biggest advantage as you do not need to leave the arena and go to the lobby to use the bathroom). The other advantage is that if you are a vocal fan your voice really carries up there.
By the way there will be a bunch of sessions that I will not be able to attend. That being said as it gets closer and I know which ones I will not be able to go to I will give up my 3 VIP seats to these (no charge) for those that want them. The advantage of the VIP seats (disadvantage being you are further away from the court...though my VIP seats are front row in this section) is you have a constant buffet right there which comes with the seats....a section that serves free drinks (soft drinks/beer and wine).....and a men's and women's bathroom (which may be the biggest advantage as you do not need to leave the arena and go to the lobby to use the bathroom). The other advantage is that if you are a vocal fan your voice really carries up there.
lsbal, How are they going to handle all of the cars with school still in session?
Wow basically a sell-out in theory for every game is what it sounds like from what I'm reading here! Should be a great atmosphere, I had a blast last year in Albany for my first tournament and can't wait for Hartford. I ordered my tickets back in November and got my confirmation email that I have three tickets. I'm guessing they will be mailingout the tickets in late February! Would love to a huge or heck a decent size UNH fan base there.
Are the men's semifinals on Sunday afternoon or Sunday evening? If it's the evening it's a big pain in the butt for fans traveling long distances.
Current schedule has mens semis in the evening
Package Pricing:
$75 - Chairback Seating
$300 - VIP Level Seating
Contents: Men's and Women's 1st Round Thursday, March 04, 2010 6:00 PM ET
Women's Quarterfinals #1 and #2 Friday, March 05, 2010 12:00 PM ET
Women's Quarterfinals #3 and #4 Friday, March 05, 2010 6:00 PM ET
Men's Quarterfinals #1 and #2 Saturday, March 06, 2010 12:00 PM ET
Men's Quarterfinals #3 and #4 Saturday, March 06, 2010 6:00 PM ET
Women's Semifinals #1 and #2 Sunday, March 07, 2010 11:00 AM ET
Men's Semifinals #1 and #2 Sunday, March 07, 2010 5:00 PM ET
Tourney thoughts
Linear Mode
