Final Four Locations

[huntz]

Maybe everybody else would hate this, but I would really like to see a final four here in Provo.

Another idea would be to hold it in Arizona where the high schools have it but the universities don't. It's not that far from California, and it might help us get a D1 program in the state.

[fingrbustr]

Provo could be a possibility. UCI could fall apart, BYU could destroy UH in their series. It'll be interesting, no doubt.

I'm pulling for UCI myself...I'd like to see too (sorry to be selfish).

You know, I was talking to a couple of AZ club coaches (Primal, Club Cactus) at SCVA's boys JO bid event earlier this year (MLK wkend), and they said there are a ton of boys that want to get involved but just don't have an in-state outlet past HS/club. AZ produced Hildebrand...I don't doubt there's talent out there.

[Mac]

Sorry, but I would cringe if it were in Provo with that altitude. Takes a little getting used to. Not to anyone's advantage there except BYU.

[volleydog]

Other than Penn State, where is the advantage there?

[volleydog]

BYU could do a good job with it. They sell out more than anyone.

[roy]

I think the only other problem with Provo is that the Final Four might conflict with the school schedule or something. I am sure a BYU fan might be able to clarify or correct me but I recall an issue a few years ago that lead to the MPSF tournament being nearly empty because school was on break or something. It might not have been BYU but I recall an issue with this before.

The one redeeming factor is that there might be a decent amount of tickets sold. I am not sure if BYU can have it in their smaller gym but their larger arena (sorry, can’t remember the names) should be a fairly good venue. However, BYU would need to do a very good job of promoting the event. BYU seems to have the majority of their fan base as students and it could lead to an empty arena if BYU isn’t a part of the Final Four. Penn State did a great job in 2002. Even though Penn State was eliminated in the semi-finals, there was still a very good turnout for the finals.

[volleydog]

BYU had over 2,000 when Cal Baptist was there - with no school in session.

[ICB4U]

Hawaii would be nice also.
When was the last time it was there?

[sponge13]

Not sure Provo could meet the minimum requirements by the NCAA for available hotel rooms, convention and meeting spaces so long as the AVCA convention is done at the same time. Attendance may be good (or average to the past few championships), but many other factors also are involved in the bid process.

[strangedesign]

it was in hawaii in 2004. Last year it was UCLA, year before that it was Hawaii, Before that Long Beach i think, then Penn State before that. I think this is right, but i could be wrong.

[fingrbustr]

Hawaii did host in 2004, good memory strangedesign. A recent history recap:

2005 @ UCLA, Pepp 3-2 vs UCLA...awesome match...Pauley was rockin! Rooney would not be denied, despite the individual brilliance of Acosta.

2004 @ HAW, BYU 3-2 vs Beach...wasn't there, but I watched...too bad Touzinsky hit the antenna

2003 @ LBSU, Lewis 3-2 vs BYU...this one is my favorite in recent memory. 2nd semi (PSU-BYU) went to MIDNIGHT at the pyramid. Incredible matches all around...Gustavo, Martins and Fabiano brought Int'l flavor against BYU's Moreno and Paal. 1st game of the final was 44-42, if memory serves me. Stuntz was the real MVP!

2002 @ PSU, Haw 3-1 over Pepp...Keenan and co. couldn't stop Costas and co. Rooney was MPSF frosh of the year, but his passing severely broke down in the final (poor kid). Walker could fly, but so could Ching. Too bad for UH it go stripped

[huntz]

Salt Lake City/Provo did host the Olympics in 2002, they would have no problem with having enough hotel rooms and convention space for any NCAA event.

The Smith Fieldhouse holds 1,000 more people than the Pyramid at Long Beach State, but if that isn't good enough the Marriott Center holds 22,900, and they have had 15,000 in there for a men's volleyball match before.

The last time the MSPF Championship was held in Provo 3,175 people showed up to the championship match, and yes that was when school was out. However, the Spring term started the following week which is when the NCAA Championships were held. Too bad it was in Hawaii.

[mikesmith]

Too much of an advantage for BYU.

[swingaway]

With all their connections in Cuba, perhaps BYU can get us a neutral court there.

[rocky_too]

swingaway said:

With all their connections in Cuba, perhaps BYU can get us a neutral court there.

LOL...wouldn't that be ironic...BYU couldn't bring their 23 year old freshman.