BonfireBrian

This is the best news I've heard in a while.

So, how long have you been waiting to break out this list?

No, say it ain't so!

I ordered my tickets a few weeks ago, and didn't have any issues getting mine. Not sure how many we have sold. Does anyone know how many tickets each school is given?

I'll definately be there. Wouldn't want to miss this game.

MeanGreenSoho and I are staying at the Austin, which is right next to the arena, maybe a 5 minute walk. The men's team is staying there as well; in fact, I called them and was able to get the same rate that they gave the team, around $85/night. It's within walking distance of the official Mean Green Hot Springs Headquarters, Lucky's Bar and Grill (great job by the athletic dept. in getting this set up). I agree with Tasty in that you will want to see all of the men's games that you can. Really, nothing beats tournament basketball. We watched quite a few of the women's games last year too, but really enjoyed all of the men's games, even when we weren't playing.

Western Kentucky and Arkansas State are the 2 teams I hope we can avoid until as late as possible. Arkansas St. destroyed us both times we played them this season and Western Kentucky is red hot.

I'm curious for what a Saturday afternoon affair does for attendance. I know I'll still be there.

I would have liked for the entire men's tourney to be at Summit Arena and have the first 2 rounds of the women's tourney at the Convention Center Arena, but that's just me. I don't think they wanted to show any favoritism and this way, you won't have one school's men's and women's team playing at the same time (except for the possibility at the 2:30 time slot on Saturday). One ticket will get you in to both games, and you'll be able to walk back and forth whenever you want. I do like have all of the teams going to Hot Springs though. I think it will make overall attendance better.

Crowds were OK, most games probably had a few thousand. When UALR played, it was probably closer to 4K. Middle Tennesee and W. Kentucky traveled pretty well. UNT had a decent showing. UALR and Arkansas St. too, but most other schools brought few fans. It was the highest men's tourney attendance since 2003 and the highest ever for the women's tournament. I'm expecting bigger crowds this year since we know that all teams will be playing at least one game. I thought the atmosphere was great. You can feel the intensity of a one-loss-and-you're-done tourney. It's really fun visiting with all of the other fans at the local bars/restaurants and inside the arena. Every fan I met from other schools were very nice. I highly recommend making the trip.

I had to call the Austin to get the special rate, $85 a night I think. It's the same rate the team has as Soho said. I hear the Austin is a little run down and old, but it's where the men's team stayed last year too, so I figured it can't be too bad. The Austin and Embassy Suites are by far the two with the best location.

I don't think anyone looked at our tickets the whole tournament last time. We only sat behind the teams bench during the UNT games - the other games, we just sat somewhere else in the arena.

Yeah, that is a scary statistic. Great win though.

Anybody have any info?

Nice catch. This is also available on Ch. 300 on Verizon Fios.

The UNT Dancers are doing a fundraiser on Sunday for their trip to Nationals in Daytona. If you happen to be in Lewisville on Sunday, swing by the Sonic by Vista Ridge Mall and grab a bite to eat. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2897...7657&ref=nf

I think attendance has picked up in recent years. When I was a student from 2002-2006, student attendance was pretty bad, usually not more than several hundred people. It seems larger now, and the crowd is more in to the game. Tonight is the first conference game with school being in, two factors that seem to help attendance. The Pit Crew has done an amazing job!!! They have not only brought more people to the games, but they are getting the students in to the game more. I also think the band has improved in recent years (as far as being in to the game, the music has always been outstanding). I work southeast of downtown Dallas (44 mile trip). Contrary to popular belief, you really can make a 7 PM game in time if you are able to leave around 5 - 5:30 from downtown.

Sad to see the tournament go. I went to several games when I lived in Denton. I'm not sure if it helped us land recruits, but I'm sure it didn't hurt.

Hoping for a good crowd tonight... First week of class usually equals a pretty good student turnout... Will the alums represent? I'll be there.

Get them drunk (not the child) and tell them that this is the only place in town serving alcohol.

That's good to hear. I'm working to bring several people with me. Let's all do the same. This is our biggest home game of the season so far.

Although completely off topic, probably one of the funniest posts I've read in a while. And sadly true.

Great win. All good out of town scores too, except maybe WKU winning (althought that was expected). See ya at the Pit on Saturday night!

Never too early for a roll call. MeanGreenSoho and I will be in Hot Springs for the tourney. We went last year, and it really is a great time. I'm not sure if we'll be staying at the Baymont, but we'll definately be there for the tournament. If you didn't go to Hot Springs last year, I highly recommend the trip. It's a short drive for those of us in DFW.

Definately good stuff. Nice to have 2 automatic bowl ties rather than just hoping that a Sun Belt team can pick up when another conference can't fill their spots.