Tampa out for AAC Tournament; Memphis frontrunner

[Jerry1714]

People need to be realistic here. NYC is not happening and never was. Philly would be nice, but can we guarantee solid attendance there given the conference make up and school's locations?

Temple was 58th in home attendance this year.

Tampa should never have been an option, there would be no local support as USF gets 3k for home games. Tampa had the NCAA tournament a few years ago with UK and Florida and only got 15k. 13k were probably UK fans. That place would be less crowded then a Marathon Oil game.

Outside of convenience for CT people Hartford sucks. The city is a dump, the weather sucks and there is nothing to do. If you are going to sell me on the suburbs that only strengthens my point.Do people from the south (where a lot of teams in the AAC are) really want to travel to Hartford in early March? No. UConn draws 12k for games, you would be lucky to see that number for this tournament.

Memphis draws over 16k for home games. It is close to the other huge basketball school in the conference, Louisville. And its also not that far from Cincy. By any measuring point Memphis is better place to spend 4 days in March then Hartford. You will get more people from the also ran schools to travel there given proximity.

If you are looking for the tournament to make money and draw people I think Memphis is your best bet.

 

[AtlantaHusky]

Easy road trip for me & Scote. 3rd bass? AtlHusky too?

 

[upstater]

Do I? Villanova was pretty good at basketball once several decades ago. Does Temple put butts in the seat? St. Joe's?

Philly, like Boston, is a pro sports town. People care about the Flyers, the Eagles, the Phillies.

Villanova averaged a measley 8,923 last year. Temple 8,165. Saint Joseph's less than 5,000. I couldn't even find numbers on LaSalle.

UConn averaged over 12K.

Memphis? Over 16K.

So the notion that Philadelphia is a better college basketball town than Memphis or heck, even Hartford, seems more a historic artifact than a truth. I admit "never" was a strong word, but the past doesn't make Philadelphia an attractive target now.

All I know is that when Cuse played Temple in NYC this year, the place was packed with Temple fans.

There are indeed Temple basketball fans out there in the world.

 

[Jerry1714]

Memphis is also the South Regional host for the 2014 NCAA tournament. This will be the second time in 5 years(2009). People may want to get use to traveling there.

 

[Edward Sargent]

PONTE VEDRA BEACH -- Tampa has pulled out of consideration for the 2014 American Athletic Conference men's basketball tournament due to a scheduling conflict with hockey at Tampa Bay Times Forum, USF President Judy Genshaft said Tuesday.
it's also believed that the new conference's women's basketball tournament will stay in Connecticut, perhaps moving from Hartford to the Mohegan Sun casino. Memphis has emerged as a front-runner for the men's event, with the university's incoming interim president telling the Commercial Appeal he is "very, very optimistic" about the event going to FedEx Forum, home of the NBA's Grizzlies.

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bulls/tampa-out-of-running-for-american-hoops-tournaments/2122200

Damn. Tampa Times Forum is a great venue. Plus it would be in my home turf. I saw last years Frozen Four there.

 

[sledog]

Would FedX ship us in for free??

I guess not. For those who haven't been there, it's a sh!thole.

 

[8893]

I don't think I've seen such a divided opinion about whether a city is a decent place to visit than we have here with Memphis. As I've said, I've never been there, so I don't know. My blissfully ignorant read was that it has a reputation for a great live music scene and decent BBQ. And even though I'm expecting it to be as momentous as Wall Drug, South of the Border and that giant prairie dog, I feel like I should see Graceland.

So...I'm curious: For those who say it sucks, what makes it such a sh!thole? I mean, some of the greatest times of my life have been in Tampa, San Antonio and Houston--three cities I would never have had the slightest interest in visiting, but for the fact that we were there to bring home the hardware. I've been all over most of the rest of the country (and lots of others) and most major cities, and Memphis is one of very few I haven't been to, so I'm struggling to understand what makes some people have such a strong aversion to it. Crime? Filth? Poverty? Is it like any other southern cities? New Orleans? At all?

Just trying to understand the basis for the hate. And the various forms of "it's a sh!thole" aren't much help.

 

[upstater]

I don't think I've seen such a divided opinion about whether a city is a decent place to visit than we have here with Memphis. As I've said, I've never been there, so I don't know. My blissfully ignorant read was that it has a reputation for a great live music scene and decent BBQ. And even though I'm expecting it to be as momentous as Wall Drug, South of the Border and that giant prairie dog, I feel like I should see Graceland.

So...I'm curious: For those who say it sucks, what makes it such a sh!thole? I mean, some of the greatest times of my life have been in Tampa, San Antonio and Houston--three cities I would never have had the slightest interest in visiting, but for the fact that we were there to bring home the hardware. I've been all over most of the rest of the country (and lots of others) and most major cities, and Memphis is one of very few I haven't been to, so I'm struggling to understand what makes some people have such a strong aversion to it. Crime? Filth? Poverty? Is it like any other southern cities? New Orleans? At all?

Just trying to understand the basis for the hate. And the various forms of "it's a sh!thole" aren't much help.

It's reputation is surely related to it being one of most crime-and-murder ridden cities in America. Never been there, but I'm sure that poverty contributes to it. I'm not an Elvis fan, but Jarmusch's "Mystery Train" movie which is set in Memphis didn't recommend it to me particularly.

That being said, I love Jazz and BBQ, so I'm sure I'd be happy there.

 

[3rdbass]

It's reputation is surely related to it being one of most crime-and-murder ridden cities in America. Never been there, but I'm sure that poverty contributes to it. I'm not an Elvis fan, but Jarmusch's "Mystery Train" movie which is set in Memphis didn't recommend it to me particularly.

That being said, I love Jazz and BBQ, so I'm sure I'd be happy there.

Yeah, it is crime ridden and lacks the Cosmopolitan feel of a bigger city like Atlanta that I live in. I would prefer for it to be in Orlando if Tampa is not an option. I'm sure Orlando has plenty of appeal because of the amusement parks.

 

[3rdbass]

Easy road trip for me & Scote. 3rd bass? AtlHusky too?

I would go guys. I never been to a Big East Championship so it would be good to support UCONN in this. I normally have only gone to NCAA tournament games for UCONN and regular season game during the Christmas time in Hartford(I still have family in West Hartford).

I'm just not too interested in Memphis.

 

[huskymedic]

I don't think I've seen such a divided opinion about whether a city is a decent place to visit than we have here with Memphis. As I've said, I've never been there, so I don't know. My blissfully ignorant read was that it has a reputation for a great live music scene and decent BBQ. And even though I'm expecting it to be as momentous as Wall Drug, South of the Border and that giant prairie dog, I feel like I should see Graceland.

So...I'm curious: For those who say it sucks, what makes it such a sh!thole? I mean, some of the greatest times of my life have been in Tampa, San Antonio and Houston--three cities I would never have had the slightest interest in visiting, but for the fact that we were there to bring home the hardware. I've been all over most of the rest of the country (and lots of others) and most major cities, and Memphis is one of very few I haven't been to, so I'm struggling to understand what makes some people have such a strong aversion to it. Crime? Filth? Poverty? Is it like any other southern cities? New Orleans? At all?

Just trying to understand the basis for the hate. And the various forms of "it's a sh!thole" aren't much help.

In my opinion the basis for hate is it's not NYC and it's associated with the AAC.

Again... You're not moving your wife/husband and kids there, you're going for 4 days to watch UConn basketball. I enjoyed a brief visit there - people were hospitable, food was awesome and decent bars w/ good music. There are a lot of worse cities in America. Dissect stats and NYC, Hartford/New Haven, Philly, Baltimore and Atlanta can all claim a medal for crime @ some point. It's an urban city... Thought Birmingham was nothing special and a bit of a thole but had a good time there for Pizza Bowl.

City boy @ heart. You want a pucker factor - try Oakland

 

[AtlHusky]

Easy road trip for me & Scote. 3rd bass? AtlHusky too?

Count me in. My only outstanding questions are:

-Does the wifey also want to make the trip
-And if so, what do we do with the kids

Stay tuned.

 

[kobe]

The Conference USA tournament was held there a few times when Cincinnati was in the league and Memphis was about as good as it gets for a non-MSG conference tournament. Great turnout of Louisville, Cincinnati and Memphis fans...of course at that time there was a mutual disdain for each other which has cooled considerably.

 

[8893]

It's reputation is surely related to it being one of most crime-and-murder ridden cities in America. Never been there, but I'm sure that poverty contributes to it. I'm not an Elvis fan, but Jarmusch's "Mystery Train" movie which is set in Memphis didn't recommend it to me particularly.

That being said, I love Jazz and BBQ, so I'm sure I'd be happy there.

That's pretty much my take, and Mystery Train is more than twenty years old, so perhaps not as representative any more?

But if the crime/murder/poverty part is driving the reaction, I'm wondering if those who hate it also hate New Orleans? I know some people who just don't "get" New Orleans, but I love it, so I'm just trying to gauge whether that's a remotely accurate comparison. Not that I'm expecting Memphis to be as interesting to me over the long haul as New Orleans has been, but if it has some of that essence I'm guessing there would be enough to interest me for a long weekend at least.

 

[Jerry1714]

I lived there for four years. There is crime, just like there is in Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston or Chicago, but the chance you are a victim to it is close to zero. Have you seen harford's crime stats recently? Like Hartford most of the crime is in a few areas that you will not go too as there is no need to. I lived i. both downtown and midtown and never had an issue.

Is it cosmopalitan? No. The people that say Atlanta is though obviously have not travelled much.

The food is beyond excellent, the music is great, Beale street can be a blast, and if like music history it has it. Museums? Not so much outside of a great civil rights museum. There also great music related historical sites.

The city could use some sprucing up sure, but so can a lot of places. I lived in Hartford, and trust me it blows Hartford out of the water in terms of food and entertainment.

It is a poor city, but it is also the South, the cities are much different than northern cities.

It's smaller then New Orleans, has a lot of similarities, but to be honest Memphis is a lot safer. Both great food and music cities, New Orleans just has more it, and has more history. Both are grimy though and a ton of fun if you want to have it.

 

[ctchamps]

Count me in. My only outstanding questions are:

-Does the wifey also want to make the trip
-And if so, what do we do with the kids

Stay tuned.

Take the kids along and put their ten toes in the water to attract the fish!

 

[upstater]

I lived there for four years. There is crime, just like there is in Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston or Chicago, but the chance you are a victim to it is close to zero. Have you seen harford's crime stats recently? Like Hartford most of the crime is in a few areas that you will not go too as there is no need to. I lived i. both downtown and midtown and never had an issue.

Is it cosmopalitan? No. The people that say Atlanta is though obviously have not travelled much.

The food is beyond excellent, the music is great, Beale street can be a blast, and if like music history it has it. Museums? Not so much outside of a great civil rights museum. There also great music related historical sites.

The city could use some sprucing up sure, but so can a lot of places. I lived in Hartford, and trust me it blows Hartford out of the water in terms of food and entertainment.

It is a poor city, but it is also the South, the cities are much different than northern cities.

It's smaller then New Orleans, has a lot of similarities, but to be honest Memphis is a lot safer. Both great food and music cities, New Orleans just has more it, and has more history. Both are grimy though and a ton of fun if you want to have it.

Good post.

 

[8893]

I lived there for four years. There is crime, just like there is in Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston or Chicago, but the chance you are a victim to it is close to zero. Have you seen harford's crime stats recently? Like Hartford most of the crime is in a few areas that you will not go too as there is no need to. I lived i. both downtown and midtown and never had an issue.

Is it cosmopalitan? No. The people that say Atlanta is though obviously have not travelled much.

The food is beyond excellent, the music is great, Beale street can be a blast, and if like music history it has it. Museums? Not so much outside of a great civil rights museum. There also great music related historical sites.

The city could use some sprucing up sure, but so can a lot of places. I lived in Hartford, and trust me it blows Hartford out of the water in terms of food and entertainment.

It is a poor city, but it is also the South, the cities are much different than northern cities.

It's smaller then New Orleans, has a lot of similarities, but to be honest Memphis is a lot safer. Both great food and music cities, New Orleans just has more it, and has more history. Both are grimy though and a ton of fun if you want to have it.

Thank you. Very insightful and evenhanded. Exactly what I was looking for.

 

[3rdbass]

I lived there for four years. There is crime, just like there is in Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston or Chicago, but the chance you are a victim to it is close to zero. Have you seen harford's crime stats recently? Like Hartford most of the crime is in a few areas that you will not go too as there is no need to. I lived i. both downtown and midtown and never had an issue.

Is it cosmopalitan? No. The people that say Atlanta is though obviously have not travelled much.

The food is beyond excellent, the music is great, Beale street can be a blast, and if like music history it has it. Museums? Not so much outside of a great civil rights museum. There also great music related historical sites.

The city could use some sprucing up sure, but so can a lot of places. I lived in Hartford, and trust me it blows Hartford out of the water in terms of food and entertainment.

It is a poor city, but it is also the South, the cities are much different than northern cities.

It's smaller then New Orleans, has a lot of similarities, but to be honest Memphis is a lot safer. Both great food and music cities, New Orleans just has more it, and has more history. Both are grimy though and a ton of fun if you want to have it.

All I said was Atlanta is more cosmopolitan then Memphis. Atlanta has some pretty cool areas in midtown and Buckhead. We have been turning into a more international city since then Olympics were here. We aren't Los Angeles, New York City, or even Chicago but we have a lot more going for us than Memphis. Great live music scene, live sporting events, great restaurants, and lots of great parks. I would rather go to New Orleans than Memphis.

Also, I have been all over the USA, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, London, Toronto, Paris, and Amsterdam so I have some basis to tell if Atlanta is more cosmopolitan city than Memphis.

 

[Jerry1714]

Never said Memphis was more cosmopolitan than Atlanta. I know it is not.

All I said is Atalanta isn't a cosmopolitan city in the grand scheme of things, and it is not.

 

[3rdbass]

Never said Memphis was more cosmopolitan than Atlanta. I know it is not.

All I said is Atalanta isn't a cosmopolitan. city in the grand scheme of things, and it is not.

When is the last time you have been here? Atlanta is changing fast and it definitely has the cosmopolitan feel in it. It isn't New York City by a long shot and probably never will get close due to the sprawled out layout of it. But to say it doesn't is not accurate as the city has a lot to offer for people who want some cosmopolitan feel from midtown to Buckhead. Don't judge Atlanta from the downtown area.

 

[Jerry1714]

When is the last time you have been here? Atlanta is changing fast and it definitely has a lot of cosmopolitan feel. It isn't New York City by a long shot and probably never will get close due to the sprawled out layout of it. But to say it doesn't is not accurate as the city has a lot to offer.

Was there in March and before that December. I have been to Atlanta close to if not more than 30 times. I am very very familiar with the city. Our firm has an office there and I have to go down a lot. Also, my best friend from college lives in Decatur so I go down there for visits to him and I dated a girl in college for a couple years who went to Lovett, she is from Buckhead.

I have been to Atlanta more than I have liked and promise you I know it a lot better then you know Memphis.

 

[3rdbass]

Was there in March and before that December. I have been to Atlanta close to if not more than 30 times. I am very very familiar with the city. Our firm has an office there and I have to go down a lot. Also, my best friend from college lives in Decatur so I go down there for visits to him and I dated a girl in college for a couple years who went to Lovett, she is from Buckhead.

I have been to Atlanta more than I have liked and promise you I know it a lot better then you know Memphis.

Well then you know we are growing fast with a good Russian, Brazilian, Korean, Ethiopian,Indian, Greek, and Caribbean population. Atlanta is a lot more interesting than Memphis.

 

[Jerry1714]

Well then you know we are growing fast with a good Russian, Brazilian, Korean, Ethiopian,Indian, Greek, and Caribbean population. Atlanta is a lot more interesting than Memphis.

no one is arguing that, Atlanta is not an option though, neither is Boston where I live, which is a lot more interesting then Memphis as well.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

I use to live in Memphis, to be honest not sure I would ever move back, with that being said I still think Memphis is very good choice, it is a very under rated city with great food, bars, casino, golf and the Madison and Peabody are great hotels.

Is there no Commodore Hotel?

 

[Marat]

Decision expected in next 2 weeks ... probably for 1 year. Mohegan Sun is the only one mentioned ...
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/9326236/former-big-east-decide-tourney-sites-soon

 

[8893]

Decision expected in next 2 weeks ... probably for 1 year. Mohegan Sun is the only one mentioned ...
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/9326236/former-big-east-decide-tourney-sites-soon

Interesting. Other than the convenience factor for me if it is at the casino, I'd rather it be in Memphis. Not a fan of either the casino or the giant shopping mall complex that houses it. The faux everything setting is more gross to me than any southern city could be.

 

[BlueAndGray]

Hi! Memphis fan here! I come in peace! Haha I was reading through some of the posts on here about what people think/have heard Memphis is like. I must admit, I got a good chuckle reading some of them. To the whole crime/murder part, all of that happens in a few certain areas around the city where they all kill each other over a game of cards gone wrong! But none of you will be anywhere near those areas when you come! If the tournament is in fact held here in Memphis, I really hope you all make the trip! Our city really has a lot to offer. We have Graceland, Beale street, Mud Island (no, it's not an island of mud). We have a river walk and plenty of beautiful parks downtown and along the river. We have the Peabody Hotel where you can go to the rooftop and see the tradition of seeing the ducks do their thing. We have a great music scene. And we have GREAT food, especially barbecue! Best in the world. The Rendevouz is where it's at. Shaq and Charles Barkley were actually there about a week ago. And the FedEx Forum is a beautiful venue. And you won't have to worry about empty seats on TV. During Memphis' session, the place will be packed. Same with Louisville. And when everybody else is playing, Memphis fans will still come close to packing the place. Doesn't matter who is playing. We just love basketball! So I really hope you all can make the trip! If you do, you will see that the view that you have always had in your mind of Memphis is 100% false!

 

[huskyblooz]

Hi! Memphis fan here! I come in peace! Haha I was reading through some of the posts on here about what people think/have heard Memphis is like. I must admit, I got a good chuckle reading some of them. To the whole crime/murder part, all of that happens in a few certain areas around the city where they all kill each other over a game of cards gone wrong! But none of you will be anywhere near those areas when you come! If the tournament is in fact held here in Memphis, I really hope you all make the trip! Our city really has a lot to offer. We have Graceland, Beale street, Mud Island (no, it's not an island of mud). We have a river walk and plenty of beautiful parks downtown and along the river. We have the Peabody Hotel where you can go to the rooftop and see the tradition of seeing the ducks do their thing. We have a great music scene. And we have GREAT food, especially barbecue! Best in the world. The Rendevouz is where it's at. Shaq and Charles Barkley were actually there about a week ago. And the FedEx Forum is a beautiful venue. And you won't have to worry about empty seats on TV. During Memphis' session, the place will be packed. Same with Louisville. And when everybody else is playing, Memphis fans will still come close to packing the place. Doesn't matter who is playing. We just love basketball! So I really hope you all can make the trip! If you do, you will see that the view that you have always had in your mind of Memphis is 100% false!

and not to mention the blooz!

 

[Waquoit]

Sounds good, Blue.