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Post by rf1 on Feb 4, 2020 14:57:31 GMT -5
Money talks these days with the NCAA. The DCU is very probably now too small at +- 13,000. Wake Forest's Joel Coliseum seats 14,600 ( 14,400 with press rows ) and has also hosted a Regional but not recently....also deemed too small. There's plenty of parking on site as well as via the lots at the football stadium next door. Winston-Salem does have at least 10 name motor inns / motels as well as 2-3 upscale hotels all within 2-3 miles of Joel. Nowadays, I believe the NCAA much prefers arenas seating 17-18,000+ for their regionals.
I don't think there is a hard and fast rule for venue capacity. Providence seats less than Worcester and has recently hosted. I think the NCAA always prefers larger venues and nearly all the sites for 2nd weekend regionals fit that bill. Some smaller first weekend sites however seem to make the rotation from time to time. Close by tournaments at Albany, Hartford, and Providence are examples. It had once routinely been in Providence in the 1970's and 1980's. It however stayed away for some two decades as the facility aged. It did not return to Providence until the downtown became more vibrant with more hotel rooms (some 2,800 today) and the DDC was completely renovated and physically connected to the convention center, hotels, and mall. It also didn't hurt Providence that Dan Gavitt (son of PC coach/AD who grew up in East Providence) had become the NCAA senior vice president in charge of men's basketball and the NCAA tournament.
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Post by Tom on Feb 4, 2020 15:13:24 GMT -5
Money talks these days with the NCAA. The DCU is very probably now too small at +- 13,000. Wake Forest's Joel Coliseum seats 14,600 ( 14,400 with press rows ) and has also hosted a Regional but not recently....also deemed too small. There's plenty of parking on site as well as via the lots at the football stadium next door. Winston-Salem does have at least 10 name motor inns / motels as well as 2-3 upscale hotels all within 2-3 miles of Joel. Nowadays, I believe the NCAA much prefers arenas seating 17-18,000+ for their regionals. No one is thinking of hosting the regionals. Boston Garden is a larger arena and they do host regionals periodically. The article was about 1st two rounds. Providence arena is about the same size as Worcester and has hosted a few times since 2005 -------------------------------------------------- There is a rule about 8 hotels of a certain size within a certain radius. That was a struggle for Worcester in 2005 with one of the hotels being in Marlboro. Things went from struggle to impossible when the Crowne Plaza in Lincoln Sq closed. Worcester simply didn't meet NCAA criteria. From 2005 until the hotel closed around 2010-ish, HC had the kind of problem I wish they had now. In 2005, the guys were playing in the NIT and the girls were playing in the NCAA. As the host school in Worcester, the athletic department had to provide all kinds of support for the tournament. Frankly they were spread a little too thin. I don't think HC was that interested in hosting between 2005 and 2010. The lack of tournament in Worcester is way more about NCAA rules about hotels than the roominess of the concourse at the Centrum |
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Post by longsuffering on Feb 4, 2020 15:18:35 GMT -5
I attended the 2005 tournament and had a ball. I can still picture TJ Sorrentine hitting a three point bomb "from the parking lot" in overtime to seal UVM's upset over Syracuse and the whole barn going nuts.
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Post by Non Alum Dave on Feb 4, 2020 16:04:40 GMT -5
Check out the Syracuse fan amongst the cheering throng at 1:14. I go back to this video from time to time just to get a look at his face.
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Post by Tom on Feb 4, 2020 16:30:48 GMT -5
I attended the 2005 tournament and had a ball. I can still picture TJ Sorrentine hitting a three point bomb "from the parking lot" in overtime to seal UVM's upset over Syracuse and the whole barn going nuts. I've been to the opening rounds at five different venues. I had a ball at all of them. Sadly, ticket prices have gone way up in the last few years |
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Feb 4, 2020 16:49:08 GMT -5
Does any city its size have as few decent hotels as Worcester?
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Post by timholycross on Feb 4, 2020 16:51:57 GMT -5
I remember crowds, and having to scramble to get dinner, but I didn't let it bother me because 1) I had such a great time watching Vermont crush the spirits of the obnoxious Syracuse fans, and 2) I was still on a high from an event earlier in the week in South Bend, IN, that I was fortunate enough to attend. Syracuse lost here in both tournaments, thanks for bringing that to mind. |
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Post by timholycross on Feb 4, 2020 16:55:36 GMT -5
And how many NCAA Men's basketball tournaments and at what sites have you been to? I have personally been to many in several cities which include Boston, Providence, and Worcester.
Boston and Worcester. I’ll watch a game any time at the DCU over the Garden. Much better sight lines. Don’t need binoculars to watch the game. Next I saw the high school championships* there a few years ago. Have to agree w/those who say the place needs work. Don't take that as throwing cold water on the effort to bring the tournament back. Hopefully those trying to make it happen will understand that. *happy that it's back although the Hart was a great host last year. |
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Post by Ray on Feb 4, 2020 17:00:38 GMT -5
Money talks these days with the NCAA. The DCU is very probably now too small at +- 13,000. Wake Forest's Joel Coliseum seats 14,600 ( 14,400 with press rows ) and has also hosted a Regional but not recently....also deemed too small. There's plenty of parking on site as well as via the lots at the football stadium next door. Winston-Salem does have at least 10 name motor inns / motels as well as 2-3 upscale hotels all within 2-3 miles of Joel. Nowadays, I believe the NCAA much prefers arenas seating 17-18,000+ for their regionals.
I had this thought too, but the DCU capacity is actually listed at 14,800, and the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence (as noted above, a site for NCAAs in 2021) is only 12,400.
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Post by hchoops on Feb 4, 2020 17:51:49 GMT -5
I attended the 2005 tournament and had a ball. I can still picture TJ Sorrentine hitting a three point bomb "from the parking lot" in overtime to seal UVM's upset over Syracuse and the whole barn going nuts. I've been to the opening rounds at five different venues. I had a ball at all of them. Sadly, ticket prices have gone way up in the last few years I will divert from the topic to ticket prices(blame Tom.) The CHEAPEST ticket at MSG for the Seton Hall- St. John’s game recently was $85. My son intended to take my grandsons, until he saw the price regular season. Totally ridiculous. Attendance -10,000+ Capacity -19,000+ |
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Post by A Clock Tower Purple on Feb 4, 2020 18:10:05 GMT -5
Had no issues whatsoever in '92 or '05; but the best NCAA tourney venue in New England when encompassing all the trappings over 2 days is Prov, and second is not even close.
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Post by rickii on Feb 4, 2020 18:10:47 GMT -5
Ray -
I'm pretty sure 14,800 is for fights/wrestling stuff.
13,000 for hoops, 12,000 somethin' for hockey.
ALL venues hosting NCAA lose seats to working press....usually 200-300 depending on seating lay-outs. So DCU would probably be 12,800+-.
Tom -
Understand HC looking at first 2 rounds....was loosely using 'regionals' reference.
Just looked and DD Center says 14,300 for hoops versus 13,000 for DCU....didn't know that.
8 venues for 1st two rounds this year....Albany 15,230, St Louis 22,000, Tampa 20,500, Greensboro 22,000, Omaha 18,300, Sacramento 17,600, Cleveland 19,400 and Spokane 12,200*
* might now be just under 15,000....expansion ?? approved but can't find if completed.
Dayton Arena always hosts the play-in games....13,400. Suspect they get this annually due to central location vis a vis travel selection.
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Post by Ray on Feb 4, 2020 18:20:41 GMT -5
Ray - I'm pretty sure 14,800 is for fights/wrestling stuff. 13,000 for hoops, 12,000 somethin' for hockey. ALL venues hosting NCAA lose seats to working press....usually 200-300 depending on seating lay-outs. So DCU would probably be 12,800+-. NCAA reported 2005 Worcester attendance as 13,008.
NCAA reported 2016 Providence attendance as 11,600.
But keep telling me I'm wrong....
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Post by hchoops on Feb 4, 2020 18:21:03 GMT -5
Ray - Dayton Arena always hosts the play-in games....13,400. Suspect they get this annually due to central location vis a vis travel selection. Your suspicions are totally accurate They have some of the most loyal hoops fans in the country. They fill it regardless of how many participating teams’ fans show up. |
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Post by gks on Feb 4, 2020 19:56:45 GMT -5
Ray - I'm pretty sure 14,800 is for fights/wrestling stuff. 13,000 for hoops, 12,000 somethin' for hockey. ALL venues hosting NCAA lose seats to working press....usually 200-300 depending on seating lay-outs. So DCU would probably be 12,800+-. Tom - Understand HC looking at first 2 rounds....was loosely using 'regionals' reference. Just looked and DD Center says 14,300 for hoops versus 13,000 for DCU....didn't know that. 8 venues for 1st two rounds this year....Albany 15,230, St Louis 22,000, Tampa 20,500, Greensboro 22,000, Omaha 18,300, Sacramento 17,600, Cleveland 19,400 and Spokane 12,200* * might now be just under 15,000....expansion ?? approved but can't find if completed. Dayton Arena always hosts the play-in games....13,400. Suspect they get this annually due to central location vis a vis travel selection. Dayton bids for First Four just like any other. I believe a couple of years ago they actually hosted First Four and Rounds 1 and 2. |
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Post by cmo on Feb 4, 2020 20:00:40 GMT -5
Had no issues whatsoever in '92 or '05; but the best NCAA tourney venue in New England when encompassing all the trappings over 2 days is Prov, and second is not even close. Agreed. Back there next year too. |
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Post by classof83 on Feb 4, 2020 21:32:10 GMT -5
Is Winston-Salem a dry town?
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Post by classof83 on Feb 4, 2020 21:35:37 GMT -5
Had no issues whatsoever in '92 or '05; but the best NCAA tourney venue in New England when encompassing all the trappings over 2 days is Prov, and second is not even close. Agreed. Back there next year too. I had no problems in 2005 and my son and I walked down to Shrewsbury St. between sessions to the Wonder Bar and had no problem getting a table for dinner |
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Post by rickii on Feb 5, 2020 10:58:27 GMT -5
Is Winston-Salem a dry town? No....but you can still get a carton of cigs for like 8 bucks as long as you purchase a full tank of gas 
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Post by Crosser on Feb 5, 2020 11:17:52 GMT -5
I had a great time in both ‘92 and ‘05. No serious logistical problems for me. Hope Worcester gets to host again soon!
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Post by rickii on Feb 5, 2020 11:42:44 GMT -5
Ray - I'm pretty sure 14,800 is for fights/wrestling stuff. 13,000 for hoops, 12,000 somethin' for hockey. ALL venues hosting NCAA lose seats to working press....usually 200-300 depending on seating lay-outs. So DCU would probably be 12,800+-. NCAA reported 2005 Worcester attendance as 13,008.
NCAA reported 2016 Providence attendance as 11,600.
But keep telling me I'm wrong....
You may recall when the old Centrum was completed, capacity for hoops was stated at 11,000. Several years later two small 1,000 seat sideline balconies ( 3rd level ) were added bringing hoops capacity up to 13,000.
Thus I don't think you are wrong. My guess is the 2005 attendance included those typical 200-300 press folks.
As to 11,600 for the DD in 2016 versus what the current web site states as 14,300 for hoops, I don't have a concrete answer. AIR, the DD has had some renovations....was anything done adding seats ? Is the bar/restaurant still in one upper endzone or was it removed in favor of more seats ? Maybe were more suites added ?
BTW, do you remember when the Centrum hosted a major prize fight....think it was Evander Hollafield(sp) vs somebody. AIR, reported attendance was an SRO 15,000+. The fire marshall probably had a coronary that night 
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Feb 5, 2020 12:52:49 GMT -5
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Post by alum on Feb 5, 2020 13:18:33 GMT -5
Per the wikipedia machine, it was Marvelous Marvin Hagler (of course) Boxing
On February 11, 1983, Marvelous Marvin Hagler retained his WBC, WBA and The Ring Middleweight titles against English boxer Tony Sibson at the arena. It was Hagler's 60th professional fight and his 56th win overall. The fight was the only time Hagler fought at the arena and was the last of 36 he fought in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. |
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Post by rickii on Feb 5, 2020 13:53:06 GMT -5
Thanks for the research alum....
Don't know about current times but 40-50 years ago I think Worcesterites were fans of boxing. Believe at one time the old Aud hosted regular Friday night fights on a regular basis. So I guess over 15,000 shelling out $$$ to see Hagler wasn't a big surprise. Also recall a ring being put up in the fieldhouse for some occasional student bouts that usually featured football players.
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Post by bringbackcaro on Feb 5, 2020 13:53:41 GMT -5
I had a great time in both ‘92 and ‘05. No serious logistical problems for me. Hope Worcester gets to host again soon! So to summarize the 2005 NCAA Tournament in Worcester: Had a bad time: rf1 & Jim Boeheim Had a good-to-great time: everyone else |
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