Mohegan Sun bids to host men's and women's AAC tourney

[CTGoonie]

link

I heard about the women's tourney last week but this is the first I heard about the men's. It would be a fun atmosphere!

 

[Peacefrog]

Good for CT residents but awful inconvenient for anyone that has to fly in.

 

[freescooter]

Not really. You fly into Providence and you're there in 45 minutes. I've sat in traffic longer than that trying to get from Newark to New York City.

 

[ddminct]

If they play it there I will even go see SMU vs East Carolina

 

[BFieldHusky]

I actually think the league should seriously consider this for the men. The size itself (9,500) is perfect. You have a local draw in UCONN which is important. And you have somewhat of a destination for fans of other teams to want to come. Maybe they can offer some kind of package with accomodations. Parking is free. Cincinnati AD said today they are not an option for the first tournament, so I have to assume it is down to Philly, Tampa, Memphis and either Hartford/Mohegan Sun.

 

[Husky1972]

I could see this drawing fans from conference schools that might not otherwise travel, as opposed to the Palestra, Hartford, Louisville.

They've worked hard to make it a destination casino. Great size, more comfortable setting than XL Center.

 

[HuskyNationJE]

I think it's a great draw. CT people will be thrilled because it's easy to get to, but the nice attraction for people flying in or even for CT people is that you can just get a room at Mohegan for the weekend and when you don't have the games going, you have the casino to walk around, shops, food, hotel pool/spa area, etc. Especially if it's snowing, what more can people ask. They won't have to travel from hotel to venue, the venue is inside their hotel. Teams would have to worry about travel either once they arrived in town. I would LOVE if they played this at Mohegan.

 

[UCONNfan1]

It would be fun to have both men and women tourney there. One right after the other. I still think Philly is better since the Palestra is similar to MSG from a "historical" perspective, but I'd prefer the Mohegan to Hartford. Saving $10+ on parking is a great thing and it's not like there's anything to do in Hartford other than go out to a restaurant.

BTW isn't the drive from Bradley to Hartford about 45 min in traffic? Maybe 20 minutes with no traffic?

 

[CTBasketball]

Good idea.

 

[BoatShow]

How about the Basketball Hall of Fame? It'd provide good recognition and easy access from Bradley. But yes, it would be a lot of fun at Mohegan.

 

[Hoophound]

The Palestra is nothing to casual fans and those that might travel with them. It is only known to basketball junkies. I would prefer Mohegan Sun. Much easier to see games, pass time in between, get dinner etc. It is an all inclusive venue perfect for a tourney that lacks "appeal". Everything you need under one roof.

 

[BoatShow]

It's also a nice way to build repeat visitors for the casino.

 

[Dogbreath2U]

It would be fun to have both men and women tourney there. One right after the other. I still think Philly is better since the Palestra is similar to MSG from a "historical" perspective, but I'd prefer the Mohegan to Hartford. Saving $10+ on parking is a great thing and it's not like there's anything to do in Hartford other than go out to a restaurant.

BTW isn't the drive from Bradley to Hartford about 45 min in traffic? Maybe 20 minutes with no traffic?

Google lists it as 57 minutes, which is probably about right. Time cut by speeding can be added back when there is traffic.

 

[CTBasketball]

Casino will be a major factor. Great idea to host it here.

 

[msgordon]

this would be awesome

 

[CAHUSKY]

Casino will be a major factor. Great idea to host it here.

There are casinos in the home city of, or incredibly close to, Ciny, Temple, Memphis, Tulane, USF and relatively close to other schools. I'm not sure the casino is all that alluring.

 

[Hoophound]

It would be fun to have both men and women tourney there. One right after the other. I still think Philly is better since the Palestra is similar to MSG from a "historical" perspective, but I'd prefer the Mohegan to Hartford. Saving $10+ on parking is a great thing and it's not like there's anything to do in Hartford other than go out to a restaurant.

BTW isn't the drive from Bradley to Hartford about 45 min in traffic? Maybe 20 minutes with no traffic?

Unless you arrive at Bradley at 7am on a weekday, there is no significant traffic into Hartford. 20 minutes most times unless there is an accident. Bradley to Mohegan is an hour I'd guess.

 

[mcs333]

The PAC 12 played this year tournament at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 

[willie99]

now that's what I'm talking about

I've said from day 1 my two choices would be the Mohegan Sun 1st and then Philly

with MSG & Barclay's unavailable, I guess the Pru Ctr would be a good 3rd option

Memphis is too far for me, although I suppose their fans will fill the joint when they play

the Sun might get a large diverse following

 

[Hoophound]

There are casinos in the home city of, or incredibly close to, Ciny, Temple, Memphis, Tulane, USF and relatively close to other schools. I'm not sure the casino is all that alluring.

I don't think the casino is the huge draw. It is the ease of staying there and having everything you need in one location. I am sure the casino would make sure they have other things going on as well so it is more family friendly.

 

[alexd]

Unless you arrive at Bradley at 7am on a weekday, there is no significant traffic into Hartford. 20 minutes most times unless there is an accident. Bradley to Mohegan is an hour I'd guess.

Between 3:30 and 6:30 PM on weekdays, 91 south from Bradley into Hartford can be a mess. Slows to a crawl before the I-291 interchange and again in the north meadows.

 

[sledog]

Looooong way from MSG. At least get the Barklay in Brooklyn.

 

[huskyjawz]

Sucks. If you don't gamble, then who cares? Fake, stale, cheesy, dark, indoor environment. I'd rather be anywhere than there, in a city with a downtown, where I can walk to hotels, bars/restaurants. Even Hartford is a thousand times better to me, but Philly and Memphis would be my first choices.

 

[Waquoit]

BTW isn't the drive from Bradley to Hartford about 45 min in traffic? Maybe 20 minutes with no traffic?

Try 15 minutes.