BE and ACC at MSG at the same time?

[xudash]

Anyone worried about conference tournament attendance for the BE moving forward?

How about this outcome...http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=425&f=1323&t=11512790

It seems like it would be a logistical nightmare, but some crossover traffic probably would result from it, at least from the real hoops junkies.

It's the off-season, so...


BTW, a tribal casino in Connecticut is bidding to host the men's and women's basketball tournaments for the new American Athletic Conference. Nice.

[LA Muskie]

Anyone worried about conference tournament attendance for the BE moving forward?

How about this outcome...http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=425&f=1323&t=11512790

It seems like it would be a logistical nightmare, but some crossover traffic probably would result from it, at least from the real hoops junkies.

It's the off-season, so...


BTW, a tribal casino in Connecticut is bidding to host the men's and women's basketball tournaments for the new American Athletic Conference. Nice.
I don't know if it can be done logistically, but if it could I think it would be freaking awesome.

[DC Muskie]

No way you could do it. Unless you played games at 9 am.

[LA Muskie]

No way you could do it. Unless you played games at 9 am.
I think you theoretically could if you separated the earlier rounds. In other words:

Tuesday: Big East 1st Round (2 games)
Wednesday: ACC 1st Round (4 games)
Thursday: Big East Quarters (4 games)
Friday: ACC Quarters (4 games)
Saturday: Big East & ACC Semis (4 games)
Sunday: Big East & ACC Finals (2 games)

Admittedly it would be a bit unusual and create some inconveniences for both conferences (days off being the biggest in my mind), but sometimes the media creates strange bedfellows.

[DC Muskie]

I think you theoretically could if you separated the earlier rounds. In other words:

Tuesday: Big East 1st Round (2 games)
Wednesday: ACC 1st Round (4 games)
Thursday: Big East Quarters (4 games)
Friday: ACC Quarters (4 games)
Saturday: Big East & ACC Semis (4 games)
Sunday: Big East & ACC Finals (2 games)

Admittedly it would be a bit unusual and create some inconveniences for both conferences (days off being the biggest in my mind), but sometimes the media creates strange bedfellows.

That would be a disaster.

[LA Muskie]

That would be a disaster.

It would be for the first few days. But Saturday and Sunday would be epic.

[DC Muskie]

It would be for the first few days. But Saturday and Sunday would be epic.

The disaster would be two different networks basically ignoring another conference tournament.

It's a terrible idea. Great for MSG, because of the money they will make. But terrible for each conference. It will be hilarious if the ACC goes to MSG.

[XU '11]

I think you theoretically could if you separated the earlier rounds. In other words:

Tuesday: Big East 1st Round (2 games)
Wednesday: ACC 1st Round (4 games)
Thursday: Big East Quarters (4 games)
Friday: ACC Quarters (4 games)
Saturday: Big East & ACC Semis (4 games)
Sunday: Big East & ACC Finals (2 games)

Admittedly it would be a bit unusual and create some inconveniences for both conferences (days off being the biggest in my mind), but sometimes the media creates strange bedfellows.

ACC is going to be 15 teams. They need another round with 3 more games in it.

[ballyhoohoo]

It would be for the first few days. But Saturday and Sunday would be epic.

It would increase hotel tax revenue for the city

[LA Muskie]

ACC is going to be 15 teams. They need another round with 3 more games in it.
You're right. I subtracted Maryland but forgot to add Louisville. Regardless, I don't see the ACC going to a 5-round conference tourney. At 15 schools I think you'll see 12 eligible teams play (I don't see them leaving just one in the cold). That means:

1st Round: 4 games / 8 teams (4 have auto byes to Quarters)
Quarterfinals: 4 games / 8 teams
Semis: 2 games / 4 teams
Finals: 1 game / 2 teams

[LA Muskie]

You're right. I subtracted Maryland but forgot to add Louisville. Regardless, I don't see the ACC going to a 5-round conference tourney. At 15 schools I think you'll see 12 eligible teams play (I don't see them leaving just one in the cold). That means:

1st Round: 4 games / 8 teams (4 have auto byes to Quarters)
Quarterfinals: 4 games / 8 teams
Semis: 2 games / 4 teams
Finals: 1 game / 2 teams
Then again the "old" Big East had 5 rounds. And we all know the TV partners want their inventory. So what the hell am I talking about? You're probably right -- 5 rounds. And I agree that would make sharing MSG nearly impossible.

[coasterville95]

But if it were possible - it would make NYC a hoops lovers dream! Big East, ACC, and A10 all in city.

If they do come up with some nightmare scenario - I hope Fox Sports 1 and the Big East put their foot down and say - we signed MSG first, so we gest FIRST rights on game times, practice times, the floor,(decals and what not), arena advertising (that can't be changed out easily on LCD/video boasrds), merchandiise booth locations, etc, etc, etc,

Make ACC do what the A10 women's league did this year - they can host their conference tourney the week prior. Or Sun/Mon/Tues/Wed BE: Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun.

[xubrew]

I was of the understanding that MSG had the rights to the Big East Tournament, but also had the right to pass on it if they chose to do so.

In other words, if they get the ACC, the BE will have to go elsewhere that year.

I have no source I can site for that. It's just what someone told me. Has anyone else heard that or been under that impression??

[xudash]

I was of the understanding that MSG had the rights to the Big East Tournament, but also had the right to pass on it if they chose to do so.

In other words, if they get the ACC, the BE will have to go elsewhere that year.

I have no source I can site for that. It's just what someone told me. Has anyone else heard that or been under that impression??

All I know from my quick read of the Fryers' board is that the BE agreement isn't locked up with MSG in the same manner as the the Fox agreement with the Big East is locked up. So, I believe you are onto something; MSG could pivot, based upon what the ACC decides to pursue.

[paulxu]

The 2013-15 ACC men's basketball tournaments will be held in Greensboro, but beyond that, the ACC is looking to move the tournament to a variety of cities.


The deadline to bid for the 2016-21 ACC tournaments was in September, and New York's Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn did not submit a bid.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8906054/acc-eyes-men-hoops-tournament-new-york-source-says

Note: this was before the breakup and recent GOR in the ACC

[XU-PA]

BTW, a tribal casino in Connecticut is bidding to host the men's and women's basketball tournaments for the new American Athletic Conference. Nice.

Might be the Mohegan casino? If so they have a pretty nice arena, the Conn Sun WNBA played there, not a small place.

[LA Muskie]

I was of the understanding that MSG had the rights to the Big East Tournament, but also had the right to pass on it if they chose to do so.

In other words, if they get the ACC, the BE will have to go elsewhere that year.

I have no source I can site for that. It's just what someone told me. Has anyone else heard that or been under that impression??
MSG had a contractual "out" because of the amount of turnover in the Big East conference. Theoretically they may have retained that "out" but I'd be absolutely shocked if Fox Sports would have given them such a big role in the press conference announcing their Big East deal if MSG hadn't already committed to the "new" iteration of the conference.

[xudash]

MSG had a contractual "out" because of the amount of turnover in the Big East conference. Theoretically they may have retained that "out" but I'd be absolutely shocked if Fox Sports would have given them such a big role in the press conference announcing their Big East deal if MSG hadn't already committed to the "new" iteration of the conference.

Good point.

[Muskie]

I bet Barclays would jump at the Big East.

[SM#24]

I was of the understanding that MSG had the rights to the Big East Tournament, but also had the right to pass on it if they chose to do so.

In other words, if they get the ACC, the BE will have to go elsewhere that year.

I have no source I can site for that. It's just what someone told me. Has anyone else heard that or been under that impression??
This has been my thinking all along.

[danaandvictory]

My strong suspicion is that this ends up with the Big East and ACC alternating MSG as a host site and going elsewhere in off years (most likely Washington and Atlanta).

[DC Muskie]

My strong suspicion is that this ends up with the Big East and ACC alternating MSG as a host site and going elsewhere in off years (most likely Washington and Atlanta).

I can see that as well. Which would suck.

[SM#24]

The disaster would be two different networks basically ignoring another conference tournament.

It's a terrible idea. Great for MSG, because of the money they will make. But terrible for each conference. It will be hilarious if the ACC goes to MSG.
Not sure what would be hilarious about the ACC ending up at MSG.

Anyway, the way I look at it is the Big East has two years to put on a good show and pack MSG or as I've mentioned before on other threads, I could see MSG not locking into one conference but rather alternating between ACC, BE, B1G and NCAA tourney games.

I've never been to the Big East tourney, but I've been told that the largest fan bases were Syr, UConn and St John's, and two are gone.

[DC Muskie]

Not sure what would be hilarious about the ACC ending up at MSG.

UNC and Duke accommodating Syracuse is pretty funny. That's the only reason why the ACC and MSG is even being discussed.

Not sure why the Big ten would go to MSG. When did MSG become the most prized place to play a college basketball tournament?

[SM#24]

UNC and Duke accommodating Syracuse is pretty funny. That's the only reason why the ACC and MSG is even being discussed.

Not sure why the Big ten would go to MSG. When did MSG become the most prized place to play a college basketball tournament?

Preaching to the choir; I personally have not bought into this "mecca" of basketball BS, but it seems plenty of people have. Heck on this board alone, everyone is talking how awesome it is that the BE tourney is at MSG. Personally, I could are less whether it's there, Barclays, DC, even Atlantic City, the venue has no affect on whether I will attend or not. But it seems everywhere I turn, everyone else thinks it's a big deal. So maybe it is, it just isn't to me.

Which is why I think it's the NYC market exposure and being able to tell recruits we play at MSG that UNC/Duke would seek moreso than placating Syr. Same with B1G, they now have a metro NY presence, plus the ton of Penn St alum in the area (even though none give a shit about bball). I could see then looking to play at MSG every 4-5 years.

[PMI]

Preaching to the choir; I personally have not bought into this "mecca" of basketball BS, but it seems plenty of people have. Heck on this board alone, everyone is talking how awesome it is that the BE tourney is at MSG. Personally, I could are less whether it's there, Barclays, DC, even Atlantic City, the venue has no affect on whether I will attend or not. But it seems everywhere I turn, everyone else thinks it's a big deal. So maybe it is, it just isn't to me.

Which is why I think it's the NYC market exposure and being able to tell recruits we play at MSG that UNC/Duke would seek moreso than placating Syr. Same with B1G, they now have a metro NY presence, plus the ton of Penn St alum in the area (even though none give a shit about bball). I could see then looking to play at MSG every 4-5 years.

Regardless of how any of us feel about MSG, (I agree it's no mecca; I actually think it's an overrated, shitty old building) try telling a recruit that there's no difference between MSG and Boardwalk Hall.

[DC Muskie]

Preaching to the choir; I personally have not bought into this "mecca" of basketball BS, but it seems plenty of people have. Heck on this board alone, everyone is talking how awesome it is that the BE tourney is at MSG. Personally, I could are less whether it's there, Barclays, DC, even Atlantic City, the venue has no affect on whether I will attend or not. But it seems everywhere I turn, everyone else thinks it's a big deal. So maybe it is, it just isn't to me.

Which is why I think it's the NYC market exposure and being able to tell recruits we play at MSG that UNC/Duke would seek moreso than placating Syr. Same with B1G, they now have a metro NY presence, plus the ton of Penn St alum in the area (even though none give a shit about bball). I could see then looking to play at MSG every 4-5 years.

Duke and Carolina don't need exposure to NYC for a few days in march to get recruits. If that were the case, they would have been trying to get inroads into NYC for some time now. Instead they have kept their conference tournament in Greensboro and not worried about anything like that. They would move because Syracuse, ND and Louisville really would like to stay at MSG.

As for the Big Ten, they have presence in NYC strictly because of cable, not because of adding Rutgers into a tournament fold. They would draw very poorly for the conference tournament compared to Chicago or Indy. I just can't see MSG and the Big Ten getting together for a conference tournament.

But I agree with the idea that we need a great start to our tournament, in terms of play and especially attendance and nip the idea of another conference coming in and filling the spot in the bud.

[xubrew]

Duke and UNC don't want the tournament in NYC. They'd love for it to be in Greensboro, Asheville or Charlotte. If you think MSG is a mecca, then you just haven't been to the Greensboro Coliseum. Anyway, it's the rest of the league and MSG who want the ACC Tournament at MSG. Duke and UNC are the detractors.

I've never heard of MSG being interested in the Big Ten. I've never heard of the Big Ten being interested in MSG. I could be wrong, but I've never heard any interest at all from either side, much less mutual interest.

....and speaking of the glorious mecca that is MSG!!! As I'm sure you know, they will be hosting the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight games for next year's 2014 NCAA Tournament. Tickets are already on sale, and are starting at the low low price of $1300!!!

http://www.ticketmastervip.com/e/Sports/East-Regional-All-Sessions-Ticket-and-Hospitality/Madison-Square-Garden/March-28-2014-1000099141

As a Xavier fan, I would be very upset to be placed in the NYC East Region next year. Pardon my English, but Fuck That!!!!!

[xudash]

Notwithstanding the additions of Rutgers and Maryland, the B1G seems very clearly established for Chicago and perhaps Indy from time to time. I cannot imagine the B1G taking its tournament show to NY.

The ACC? Again, the long time pillars of the league aren't going to look at things the same way that 'cuse and Pitt see them. I'm leaving UL out of this, because UL probably is flexible on this issue, given its more southern orientation. At any rate, the ACC probably is feeling sufficiently full of itself again, following the GOR announcement, that it's moved itself back towards or fully to its heritage way of thinking, and that means somewhere in Carolina, but certainly somewhere in the South.

Finally, I actually do believe MSG is a mecca, because I've been in New York City enough to know that the city is THE SHOW. It's intergalactic headquarters for the media. Though we now move forward with a different BE, we still move forward with the BE brand, and we do so with a NY presence and with our tournament in MSG. Anyone who would be perfectly fine with having the tournament somewhere else, especially a toilet like Atlantic City, may not totally grasp what NY and MSG are capable of facilitating in terms of brand and league perception.

Assuming the Big East holds relative serve with attendance for next year's conference tournament, the needle - the perception of the conference as a national player - stays more closely positioned to the BCS conferences than not.

[PMI]

If we did switch between MSG and another place like the Barclay's Center, Verizon Center, etc. every other year, I'd say we came out in great shape. Bottom line, this tournament will be played under the spotlights in NBA arenas, and it will be some great, great basketball.

[SM#24]

Anyone who would be perfectly fine with having the tournament somewhere else, especially a toilet like Atlantic City, may not totally grasp what NY and MSG are capable of facilitating in terms of brand and league perception.

To me personally, a tournament should be able to stand on its own merits regardless of location. The quality of the schools, the quality of the play shouldn't be any more or less if it's played at MSG, Barclays, DC or Milwaukee.

I get it, but I guess I find it annoying that there does seem to be this thing with the media that if it's in NYC, and at MSG, then it must be important, so I'm going to talk about it. Personally I think that is stupid. But I guess it's there.

So yes, having our new conference tournament in NYC at MSG does give it some legitimacy, no matter how "false" in reality it is (not to say in reality we do not have a legitimately quality conference, I'm just referring to the bump that NYC/MSG bring to it).

So given this NYC/MSG thing, why wouldn't the ACC and B1G want to bring their tourneys to MSG ?
Wouldn't it give them more exposure from a media standpoint, get more people talking about their conferences in this media capital and thus create better marketing for their conference and their TV networks. Hell, NASCAR has it awards dinner in NYC for this reason.
I agree, B1G will not abandon its Chicago/Indy roots, nor will the ACC its Carolina roots, but having their tourney in NYC/MSG every 4 years is not a possibility ?

And if you're MSG, you would rather have the BE there every year than B1G or ACC on a rotating basis ?

[xudash]

To me personally, a tournament should be able to stand on its own merits regardless of location. The quality of the schools, the quality of the play shouldn't be any more or less if it's played at MSG, Barclays, DC or Milwaukee.

I get it, but I guess I find it annoying that there does seem to be this thing with the media that if it's in NYC, and at MSG, then it must be important, so I'm going to talk about it. Personally I think that is stupid. But I guess it's there.

So yes, having our new conference tournament in NYC at MSG does give it some legitimacy, no matter how "false" in reality it is (not to say in reality we do not have a legitimately quality conference, I'm just referring to the bump that NYC/MSG bring to it).

So given this NYC/MSG thing, why wouldn't the ACC and B1G want to bring their tourneys to MSG ?
Wouldn't it give them more exposure from a media standpoint, get more people talking about their conferences in this media capital and thus create better marketing for their conference and their TV networks. Hell, NASCAR has it awards dinner in NYC for this reason.
I agree, B1G will not abandon its Chicago/Indy roots, nor will the ACC its Carolina roots, but having their tourney in NYC/MSG every 4 years is not a possibility ?

And if you're MSG, you would rather have the BE there every year than B1G or ACC on a rotating basis ?

The primary answer has to do with the fact that a tournament site still has to make geographic sense for a conference's tournament, and from every constituent's perspective: school administrators, coaches and teams; fans; media, etc.

In that regard, the Big East has the good fortune of actually being located in the EAST, and more to the point, with New York as a natural location for it (i.e. member school is located there, other member schools in close proximity).

The B1G has Chicago. It's heritage is tied to the Midwest. Rutgers and Maryland will not move the B1G to move its tournament site.

Otherwise, I can assure you, based on my present life experiences, that the War of Northern Aggression isn't over yet with some people. In other words, the Pac 12 Tournament has a better chance making it to New York before the ACC Tournament makes it there. Most of the ACC crowd will freak if their gig ends up north of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Last comment about your comments: there is nothing false about it. I understand what you're saying and I understand your sentiment, but this one actually worked out for US this time. Atlantic City - now Brooklyn - and the A10 or New York and the Big East in Madison Square Garden...what's to debate?

[SM#24]

I agree that NYC/MSG is better, and it's only because of this NYC/MSG thing or buzz created by the media. I'm guessing we would feel mostly indifferent if the BE tourney was to be held in DC, Phil or Chicago, or even at Barclays (probably all better or at least equal facilities to MSG) other than your own personal travel convenience. But for some reason, if it's at MSG it's newsworthy (or more newsworthy anyway). That's what I mean about false, the teams haven't changed; it's only real if you fully believe perception is reality. Personally for me reality is reality and perception is someone's best guess at reality.
This thing with the media, and yes NYC is the media capital, could just be laziness. Why go cover the ACC in Greensboro or B1G in Chicago/Indy when I can stay home and cover the BE here. But is our BE enough to keep the media put ? We'll see.

As far as natural location, is there such a thing anymore ? The BE is now eveny split between East Coast and MW, why isn't Chicago a natural location, we have an underperforming school there as well.

And I don't think B1G or the ACC will move their tourney to just placate their eastern members, but for rather the opportunity to play at MSG in NYC to get that buzz or additional media coverage (you don't think ESPN wouldn't be hyping the crap out of the tourney being in NYC, trying to make you believe it is more watchable now). Again for all the reasons we're happy the BE is there, why wouldn't B1G or the ACC want the same thing ? Neither conference has a traditional tourney home. And while UNC may not want to go to NYC, I'm willing to bet Duke does and Syracuse and Pitino and ND; and I don't think anyone else really has a say when it comes to hoops outside those five.

Again, we better put on a pretty good show these next two years.

[GoMuskies]

Remember the media buzz when Xavier got throttled by Mississippi State in front of several hundred people in MSG in David West's senior year? Me neither.

[DC Muskie]

Remember the media buzz when Xavier got throttled by Mississippi State in front of several hundred people in MSG in David West's senior year? Me neither.

I was at the game.

I think.

[Emp]

I was at the game.

I think.

I WAS at that game, somewhere behind the basket. West got handled for one of the few bomb games of his career.

Duke plays a game in NYC almost every year, including the blitzing they handed us at the Izod some years back (at that one, too.) to satisfy the NY area recruits. I dont think the base of ACC fans down in the Carolinas and further south would like to pay NYC air fares, hotel room rates, restaurant tabs in the middle of March when they can load up the winnebago and tailgate in Greensboro or Atlanta.

[SM#24]

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/9278832/acc-investigating-playing-conference-tournament-madison-square-garden-sources-say
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- The ACC is "thoroughly investigating" playing its men's basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.

One source was adamant that the ACC tournament eventually would be held in the World's Most Famous Arena, which would take it out of traditional ACC country for the first time.

"We'll be playing there," a source said. "It's just a matter of getting all the legal ramifications worked out."

That's because in March, the new Big East Conference and Madison Square Garden announced a 12-year deal through 2026. However, MSG executive vice president Joel Fisher was noncommittal about the ACC playing there.

"I don't want to speculate about (the ACC)," Fisher said in March.

Sources said MSG can get out of its deal before 2026 if the new Big East doesn't reach certain benchmarks. That would open the door for the ACC, which is holding its spring meetings in Amelia Island.

Besides Madison Square Garden, the ACC also has had discussions with the Barclays Center about holding its tournament in Brooklyn, a source said.

"There is real momentum to play the tournament at Madison Square Garden," a source said. "Why shouldn't the premier basketball conference play in the world's premier arena?"

Sources attending the meetings said the ACC should always look at ways to improve its product.

"No matter what business model you're in, if you're the best -- and our league is the best -- you should take it to New York," a source said.

The 2014 and '15 ACC men's basketball tournaments will be held in Greensboro, N.C., but no decision has been reached beyond that. The tournament has been played every year since 1954, but only 11 times has it moved outside the state of North Carolina, and it hasn't been farther north than Maryland and Washington, D.C. The tournament has also been held in Georgia and Florida.

Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Wednesday that he thinks "it would be difficult to overcome the tournament's Tobacco Road roots" and move the tournament, despite the fact he and Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim are among the proponents.

Pittsburgh and Syracuse are two of what will be seven former Big East schools in the 15-team ACC by 2014, along with Miami (Fla.), Virginia Tech, Boston College, Notre Dame and Louisville.

"I think (Madison Square Garden) would be the best thing for the conference," Dixon told the Post-Gazette. "I hope that's the way they're headed, but I don't know that it is."

The official deadline to bid for the 2016-21 ACC men's basketball tournaments was last September. Madison Square Garden did not submit a bid but still would be allowed to pursue future tournaments, a source said.

A decision is not expected for the 2016-21 ACC tournament sites when the ACC spring meetings conclude Thursday.

Since 1983, Madison Square Garden has hosted the Big East men's tournament. However, the former Big East schools are not the only ones within the league pushing for the ACC to play at Madison Square Garden, sources said.

Information from ESPN.com's Andy Katz was used in this report.

[GoMuskies]

I guess I have a hard time spending a lot of time worrying about what's going to happen to the Big East Tournament in 2022 and beyond.

[DC Muskie]

I love this line...

"I think (Madison Square Garden) would be the best thing for the conference," Dixon told the Post-Gazette. "I hope that's the way they're headed, but I don't know that it is."

Really Jamie? That's the best thing for the conference?

[SM#24]

I guess I have a hard time spending a lot of time worrying about what's going to happen to the Big East Tournament in 2022 and beyond.

"Madison Square Garden did not submit a bid but still would be allowed to pursue future tournaments, a source said." I took this to mean 2016+ is in play as well.

[LA Muskie]

"Madison Square Garden did not submit a bid but still would be allowed to pursue future tournaments, a source said." I took this to mean 2016+ is in play as well.

I agree. If the ACC wants MSG and if MSG wants the ACC, I don't think the bidding process is going to keep them apart for 6 years. The bidding process is for the conference's benefit, and they surely can alter the process if doing so is also to their benefit. They typically would have chosen the site(s) for 2016-2021 at the upcoming conference meetings but have chosen to delay that decision. That pretty much tells you everything you need to know about the bidding process issue.

[MHettel]

Honestly.

MSG is the biggest stage in the world. I get that. And it's an honor to play the conference tournament there.


But does anyone REALLY believe a 10 team newly configured Big East will fill that place up? No way. No way at all.

19,033 is the present capacity. Lets assume 10,000 casual fans. That leaves 9,033 die hard or alumni fans with a rooting interest for a specific team.

Does anyone here really beleive that 903 XU alumni are going to the games? Thats our share, 10%.

i just dont see it. I dont see 903 fans from Creighton, AND Marquette, AND XU, AND Providence, AND Seton Hall, etc showing up.

A 16 team Big East, which included some fairly large state schools with large alumni bases could fill that place up. How many seats each year will filled with Fans that made the drive from Syracuse? How many from Rutgers? How many from UConn? Those "local" teams are gone, replace with teams that are 1500 miles further away with 10% of the alumini.

Call me a nay-sayer, but I just dont see the BE / MSG arrangement being sustainable. I could envision an event where BOTH the ACC and BE share the venue. Play games all day long, alternating a BE game with an ACC game to keep all the fans interested (and keep them there). Might have to add a day to the Tournament(s) or possibly play an early round on campus.

Imagine the final 8 from each conference meeting in MSG.

Wednesday- 2 BE games, 2 ACC games. (the "better seeded" teams, the winners would get an off day).
Thursday- 2 BE games, 2 ACC games. (the "lower seeded" teams, the winners would have to play the next day).

Friday- BE winners from Wednesday Play BE winners from Thursday, Same with ACC. 4 games total.
Saturday- Fridays winner play each other in championship games. 2 games.

14 total games played over 4 days. Lots of mix of fans from 2 conferences....

[SM#24]

I agree in that I'm worrried about the BE's ability to fill up MSG. I don't think this sharing concept will ever come to fruition because I don't think either conference would go for it.

I'm still trying to figure out what makes MSG the "World's Most Famous Arena"; other than Ali-Frazier I what makes it so ?
It's not like their core tenants, Knicks and Rangers, are the Celtics/Lakers and Canadiens.

[xu95]

MSG will not kick out the BE for the ACC unless the ACC plays there every year. Not saying it won't happen but I would be very surprised if the ACC committed to a long term deal with MSG.

[Xavier07csm]

Does any one know what these benchmarks are the BIG EAST needs to stay in the Garden?
Do the deal with attendance of the tournament? OR Ranking conference (RPI/NCAA tournament wins/AP rankings)?

[Masterofreality]

Does any one know what these benchmarks are the BIG EAST needs to stay in the Garden?
Do the deal with attendance of the tournament? OR Ranking conference (RPI/NCAA tournament wins/AP rankings)?

Two words:

Money & Tickets

[SemajParlor]

Who cares what other conferences do, really? I'm pumped to sit down at MSG and watch Semaj be the best player in either conference.

Bring on both conferences at the same damn time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYpaRu7ZcJk

[xubrew]

Does any one know what these benchmarks are the BIG EAST needs to stay in the Garden?
Do the deal with attendance of the tournament? OR Ranking conference (RPI/NCAA tournament wins/AP rankings)?

This is an important question.

I don't know for sure, but I'd be surprised if ticket sales was not one of the bench marks. If MSG wants the ACC Tournament, the easiest way to get it would be to set the BE ticket prices to match what they would charge for the ACC Tournament. Once the BE failed to meet the bench mark, which they would, they'd claim they lost money and the BE would get the boot.

I'm in the group that isn't as excited about MSG as some others are. The ticket prices are going to probably be more than your typical NCAA Tournament ticket. I know the old Big East Tournament was not a cheap ticket. That will price out a lot of fans. MSG is hosting the Sweet Sixteen/Elite Eight this upcoming year, and tickets to that game are already four times as high as what a Final Four ticket goes for at face value. To me, it's not worth it. I think a lot of people will feel the same way, and it wouldn't surprise me if the attendance wasn't high.

MSG is a historic venue, but it does nothing in and of itself to make an event better or more important. Saint John's plays there. Their games aren't suddenly more important or more glamorous. In fact, there are plenty of seats available, and the TV ratings are nothing to write home about.