Flying Dutchmen Fans

I thought they did an amazing job. I'm actually going to e-mail them later to tell them so. All of the signage and decorations with the balloons, the other decorations with HOFSTRA letters lit up, and other pictures from the celebration in D.C., the chance for people to hold the trophy, the net, and "Ticket Punched" card, the food, all of it, made it the really festive and fun event it should have been. I expected a lot gonig in and it surpassed my expectations. It really could not have been done any better. I guess it would've been nice in The Mack, but there was also a nice charm to the whole event being done in the Student Center room. The turnout was very good. Very strong yet not overly crowded - perfect from that standpoint.

Two things though:

1) I wish they had kind of taken the time to push program support through home game attendance and season tickets with all of those people there. I'm not sure, but I got the sense that a lot of people who showed up were there to jump the bandwagon and aren't there for Iona in November, for Elon in January, or for NC A&T in February. Now is the time to capitalize on success. Try to get the public involved and to convince to be a part of the success going forward while they're showing up to support a conference champion now. To that end though, they did have several signs hinting at such in terms of donating to the program for NIL, with QR codes to scan. So that was good, but I think when Speedy spoke before the Selection Show, maybe if he mentioned something about everyone there in an attendance getting on board for next year with season tickets, and for those people to encourage friends to do the same, that's how they could be a part of sustaining this type of success moving forward.

2) Although it was very safe (thank goodness), there was absolutely no security and anyone seeking to do harm could have done so very easily to any one in attendance (it's not something I even thought about until after it was over, but it's true). We have already seen far too much in this crazy world to be so lax with that. It's nice to not have to do that and have the event be as safe as it was, but all it takes is one oversight for disaster. I would have liked to see them at least make people walk through a monitored screener. On that note, they always let me walk right through at The Mack when they see my media pass, even though I always offer backpack for them to check (to kind of make the point that they should). Yes, that's more convenient and quicker for me, but I wish they wouldn't do that. I wish they would take security a lot more seriously. It only takes one time for a disaster. They do seriously check fans coming into games though, from what I see.

I think they also missed an opportunity having the bookstore open - or at least some merch stand on the way in - at least a few people I spoke to were looking for stuff to buy. That said, fully agree on the staff doing an amazing job and it being a tremendous event, and the right venue to hold it based on the turnout.

I can tell you all it looked awesome on TV - CBS showed you multiple times, and it looked full, fun, exciting, and professional - we were absolutely one of the better ones to be quite honest - have to give credit where it's due - a few of the others showed were shockingly lackadaisical and small. There were a couple that were totally rocking (Tennessee State, Akron, Queens University, couple others), but HU was right up there looking strong.

I also fully agree that some key opportunities were missed, and this is where our leaderships inexperience shows - I said from the minute we won the championship we should be leveraging this rare excitement to capture funding and support - every single touch point should include opportunities for fans to engage more deeply and to show support tangibly. This is the time to strike.

Definitely interesting to hear people just walked in lol - I love the openness in terms of allowing all fans in (as it should be, can't keep doing this season ticket holder only nonsense), but again that's where there should been both a 'check in' to capture fan information for future communication and engagement, and just at least point for security to monitor (but not slow down).

Overall, kudos to the folks involved, it's not perfect and there are opps still on the table, but it's better than expected, so that's a start! This should be a HUGE week of promotion by HU, culminating with awesome opportunities on game day. We finally caught lightening, gotta ride it!

Polito wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2026 12:13 pm I also fully agree that some key opportunities were missed, and this is where our leaderships inexperience shows - I said from the minute we won the championship we should be leveraging this rare excitement to capture funding and support - every single touch point should include opportunities for fans to engage more deeply and to show support tangibly. This is the time to strike.

Definitely interesting to hear people just walked in lol - I love the openness in terms of allowing all fans in (as it should be, can't keep doing this season ticket holder only nonsense), but again that's where there should been both a 'check in' to capture fan information for future communication and engagement, and just at least point for security to monitor (but not slow down).

People were asked to register in advance for the event with an online form, but registrants were not verified at the event against any sort of list. They could just walk in. Hopefully, some follow-up and outreach for interest in season or single-game tickets is done with the information that was gathered through the online form.

And, like I said, they did have several cool signs with pics of players, etc. along the way (as people walked into the event) with messages to the extent of asking for donations and support to help sustain program success, and with the QR codes on those signs to make it easy. That was smart and a good effort, but I think a more formal pitch from Speedy, Cole, both, whoever, at least when Speedy spoke to everyone before the show, could've doubled-down on that effort, and in a more engaging way that would maybe influenced more people more to hopefully get involved.

That's cool that it looked good on TV. I gathered that from what I could see on the screen, but it was hard to tell what was really coming through to those at home. For a mid-major program, it felt like a high-major event in person. Oh, the "Congratulations Men's Basketball Team" chocolate cake with blue and yellow icing was delicious.

My Dad just thought of this, put a deposit on HU tickets for 2026-2027 this week! This is the old get in now while the opportunity is fresh in the community's mind. Use the various publicity to pump up next season as a "March Madness HU Ticket Bonanza!" This is the type of forward thinking that our friend Polito has been looking for from the HU Athletic Department for so long. What do you all think of this idea?

Wags CBS= Cant broadcast Sports
While we are at it
NBC=Nothing but crap

If you wanted to get tickets to the game in Tampa, you had to place a down payment for tickets in ‘27 and you needed confirmation of a $100 pride club donation.

Definitely have to strike while the iron is hot, I expect further publicity for season tickets.

Wags wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2026 11:29 am
Two things though:

1) I wish they had kind of taken the time to push program support through home game attendance and season tickets with all of those people there. I'm not sure, but I got the sense that a lot of people who showed up were there to jump the bandwagon and aren't there for Iona in November, for Elon in January, or for NC A&T in February. Now is the time to capitalize on success. Try to get the public involved and to convince to be a part of the success going forward while they're showing up to support a conference champion now. To that end though, they did have several signs hinting at such in terms of donating to the program for NIL, with QR codes to scan. So that was good, but I think when Speedy spoke before the Selection Show, maybe if he mentioned something about everyone there in an attendance getting on board for next year with season tickets, and for those people to encourage friends to do the same, that's how they could be a part of sustaining this type of success moving forward.

As someone who doesn't live on Long Island I don't get the chance to go to many home games anymore. But for a free event (with food by the way) for something that hadn't happened in 25 years it was a no brainer for me. What I will say is when you see a baseball team's parade in November I doubt more than 10 % of the people at the parade go to many games in April. It's the rarity and celebratory (can't lose) aspect of it that draws the crowd, especially when they offer free food and meet and greet with team. One thing I will say though is when you see the crowd spread out in a 5,000+ seat arena it looks small where as in a room like that it feels much more crowded. The BEST marketing to me would be if they had CAA playoff games at campus sites spread out over a week. The "Hey Tuesday night is the CAA title game at the Mack" line would be a huge, huge draw. However rushing together a tournament in a mainly empty arena in a shady part of Washington D.C. to avoid a small amount of travel is what the conference wants. Nothing Hofstra can do about it, I know.

Hof_Judge99 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2026 4:28 pm

Wags wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2026 11:29 am
Two things though:

1) I wish they had kind of taken the time to push program support through home game attendance and season tickets with all of those people there. I'm not sure, but I got the sense that a lot of people who showed up were there to jump the bandwagon and aren't there for Iona in November, for Elon in January, or for NC A&T in February. Now is the time to capitalize on success. Try to get the public involved and to convince to be a part of the success going forward while they're showing up to support a conference champion now. To that end though, they did have several signs hinting at such in terms of donating to the program for NIL, with QR codes to scan. So that was good, but I think when Speedy spoke before the Selection Show, maybe if he mentioned something about everyone there in an attendance getting on board for next year with season tickets, and for those people to encourage friends to do the same, that's how they could be a part of sustaining this type of success moving forward.

As someone who doesn't live on Long Island I don't get the chance to go to many home games anymore. But for a free event (with food by the way) for something that hadn't happened in 25 years it was a no brainer for me. What I will say is when you see a baseball team's parade in November I doubt more than 10 % of the people at the parade go to many games in April. It's the rarity and celebratory (can't lose) aspect of it that draws the crowd, especially when they offer free food and meet and greet with team. One thing I will say though is when you see the crowd spread out in a 5,000+ seat arena it looks small where as in a room like that it feels much more crowded. The BEST marketing to me would be if they had CAA playoff games at campus sites spread out over a week. The "Hey Tuesday night is the CAA title game at the Mack" line would be a huge, huge draw. However rushing together a tournament in a mainly empty arena in a shady part of Washington D.C. to avoid a small amount of travel is what the conference wants. Nothing Hofstra can do about it, I know.

Good to hear this perspective, and thanks for sharing. So, suppose the entire tournament (just for argument's sake, since we know, it won't change any time soon) were to suddenly switch exclusively to campus sites - that still wouldn't do much for season ticket sales or home game draws from November through February, nor would it do much for off-season or in-season NIL support (or other forms of program support).

Championship games and championships earned sell themselves. The sustaining issue has rather been generating enough interest and program support on the road to a conference championship (or toward other success) rather than only having people jump on the bandwagon after that journey has already been taken.

Wags wrote:

Hof_Judge99 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2026 4:28 pm

Wags wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2026 11:29 am
Two things though:

1) I wish they had kind of taken the time to push program support through home game attendance and season tickets with all of those people there. I'm not sure, but I got the sense that a lot of people who showed up were there to jump the bandwagon and aren't there for Iona in November, for Elon in January, or for NC A&T in February. Now is the time to capitalize on success. Try to get the public involved and to convince to be a part of the success going forward while they're showing up to support a conference champion now. To that end though, they did have several signs hinting at such in terms of donating to the program for NIL, with QR codes to scan. So that was good, but I think when Speedy spoke before the Selection Show, maybe if he mentioned something about everyone there in an attendance getting on board for next year with season tickets, and for those people to encourage friends to do the same, that's how they could be a part of sustaining this type of success moving forward.

As someone who doesn't live on Long Island I don't get the chance to go to many home games anymore. But for a free event (with food by the way) for something that hadn't happened in 25 years it was a no brainer for me. What I will say is when you see a baseball team's parade in November I doubt more than 10 % of the people at the parade go to many games in April. It's the rarity and celebratory (can't lose) aspect of it that draws the crowd, especially when they offer free food and meet and greet with team. One thing I will say though is when you see the crowd spread out in a 5,000+ seat arena it looks small where as in a room like that it feels much more crowded. The BEST marketing to me would be if they had CAA playoff games at campus sites spread out over a week. The "Hey Tuesday night is the CAA title game at the Mack" line would be a huge, huge draw. However rushing together a tournament in a mainly empty arena in a shady part of Washington D.C. to avoid a small amount of travel is what the conference wants. Nothing Hofstra can do about it, I know.

Good to hear this perspective, and thanks for sharing. So, suppose the entire tournament (just for argument's sake, since we know, it won't change any time soon) were to suddenly switch exclusively to campus sites - that still wouldn't do much for season ticket sales or home game draws from November through February, nor would it do much for off-season or in-season NIL support (or other forms of program support).

Championship games and championships earned sell themselves. The sustaining issue has rather been generating enough interest and program support on the road to a conference championship (or toward other success) rather than only having people jump on the bandwagon after that journey has already been taken.

I think if you’re in a rocking building and get to storm the court and take pictures on the floor with the trophy right after the game that could help in terms of bringing more fans in. Meaning it would be memorable and you’d associate Hofstra basketball with a memorable experience. I don’t think it would make a huge difference but it’s way better than the way they do the tournament now imo.


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Hof_Judge99 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2026 9:09 pm I think if you’re in a rocking building and get to storm the court and take pictures on the floor with the trophy right after the game that could help in terms of bringing more fans in. Meaning it would be memorable and you’d associate Hofstra basketball with a memorable experience. I don’t think it would make a huge difference but it’s way better than the way they do the tournament now imo.

I actually did that for the America East championships. In 2000 and 2001. I was one of the ones storming the court in a packed house. It was a blast.

And I was also there in D.C. in 2020 and last week (also great and a lot of fun, but yes, different than at home).

So, I can tell you from personal experience, twice in each location now, what it's like to experience both, and I can agree with you that winning a conference championship is more fun at home than at a neutral location in another city, but I can also say that both are amazing.

But here's the thing about the ones at home - yes, they will always be very memorable, but for how long? And what does it mean for future attendance? It's extremely short-lived around here and means almost nothing with regard to attendance.

Here you go: https://fau_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/sports/m-baskbl/stats/111701aab.html

After winning consecutive America East titles on their home floor in 2000 and 2001, the attendance on Opening Night for the 2001-02 season at Hofstra Arena, on 11/17/01, for a close, 67-65 Hofstra win over Florida Atlantic:

All of 1,633.

Sadly, no effect whatsoever. It takes a much larger, much wider, much more sustained effort to consistently draw good home crowds throughout the season, and even campus site tournaments and championships in prior years wouldn't do that in Hempstead.

Wags wrote:

Hof_Judge99 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2026 9:09 pm I think if you’re in a rocking building and get to storm the court and take pictures on the floor with the trophy right after the game that could help in terms of bringing more fans in. Meaning it would be memorable and you’d associate Hofstra basketball with a memorable experience. I don’t think it would make a huge difference but it’s way better than the way they do the tournament now imo.

I actually did that for the America East championships. In 2000 and 2001. I was one of the ones storming the court in a packed house. It was a blast.

And I was also there in D.C. in 2020 and last week (also great and a lot of fun, but yes, different than at home).

So, I can tell you from personal experience, twice in each location now, what it's like to experience both, and I can agree with you that winning a conference championship is more fun at home than at a neutral location in another city, and that both are amazing.

But here's the thing about the ones at home - yes, they will always be very memorable, but for how long? And what does it mean for furutre attendance? It means almost nothing in that regard.

Here you go: https://fau_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/sports/m-baskbl/stats/111701aab.html

After winning consecutive America East titles on their home floor in 2000 and 2001, the attendance on Opening Night for the 2001-02 season at Hofstra Arena, on 11/17/01, for a close, 67-65 Hofstra win over Florida Atlantic:

All of 1,633.

Sadly, no effect whatsoever. It takes a much larger, much wider, much more sustained effort to consistently draw good home crowds throughout the season, and even campus site tournaments and championships in prior years wouldn't do that in Hempstead.

That’s just 2 months after 9/11/01 with the NY area still in shambles. Not a great example. Plus in the social media era I feel it means more now, especially with live stream, banner ceremonies, etc. And whether it draws more fans the following season or not it would certainly be more full in the CAA final than it was in DC, no question.


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Hof_Judge99 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2026 11:44 pm

Wags wrote:

Hof_Judge99 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2026 9:09 pm I think if you’re in a rocking building and get to storm the court and take pictures on the floor with the trophy right after the game that could help in terms of bringing more fans in. Meaning it would be memorable and you’d associate Hofstra basketball with a memorable experience. I don’t think it would make a huge difference but it’s way better than the way they do the tournament now imo.

I actually did that for the America East championships. In 2000 and 2001. I was one of the ones storming the court in a packed house. It was a blast.

And I was also there in D.C. in 2020 and last week (also great and a lot of fun, but yes, different than at home).

So, I can tell you from personal experience, twice in each location now, what it's like to experience both, and I can agree with you that winning a conference championship is more fun at home than at a neutral location in another city, and that both are amazing.

But here's the thing about the ones at home - yes, they will always be very memorable, but for how long? And what does it mean for furutre attendance? It means almost nothing in that regard.

Here you go: https://fau_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/sports/m-baskbl/stats/111701aab.html

After winning consecutive America East titles on their home floor in 2000 and 2001, the attendance on Opening Night for the 2001-02 season at Hofstra Arena, on 11/17/01, for a close, 67-65 Hofstra win over Florida Atlantic:

All of 1,633.

Sadly, no effect whatsoever. It takes a much larger, much wider, much more sustained effort to consistently draw good home crowds throughout the season, and even campus site tournaments and championships in prior years wouldn't do that in Hempstead.

That’s an NFL Sunday at 1 pm just 2 months after 9/11/01 and the massive cleanup going on just miles away. Not a great example. Plus in the social media era I feel it means more, especially with live stream, etc.

LOL, come on, there's always an excuse!

Who are you telling here, lol? I have actually been there and have seen it for myself for a long time. I was at ALL the home games with season tickets for the first seven years after the arena opened and have covered the team since shortly after that. Many games that were not on NFL Sundays before 9/11, and for several years, well after 9/11, none of that made a difference. People only packed the house a handful of times over those years - NIT games, St. John's, when Mason was in the Top 25, the two America East titles, and other select games (especially during the Jenkins era). Otherwise, not too often over many years.

I guarantee, had Hofstra won the CAA title at The Mack instead of at CareFirst Arena last week, the attendance next season wouldn't be much different at all.

This is the main thing in this area: most people don't want to run alongside for the duration of the marathon. They only want to run through the tape at the very end, and then celebrate along with those who ran the entire race (just like Newsday - which is why they're only covering now after being absent all season, because that reflects the majority of the public around here).

Wags wrote: ↑Tue Mar 17, 2026 12:01 am

Hof_Judge99 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2026 11:44 pm

Wags wrote: I actually did that for the America East championships. In 2000 and 2001. I was one of the ones storming the court in a packed house. It was a blast.

And I was also there in D.C. in 2020 and last week (also great and a lot of fun, but yes, different than at home).

So, I can tell you from personal experience, twice in each location now, what it's like to experience both, and I can agree with you that winning a conference championship is more fun at home than at a neutral location in another city, and that both are amazing.

But here's the thing about the ones at home - yes, they will always be very memorable, but for how long? And what does it mean for furutre attendance? It means almost nothing in that regard.

Here you go: https://fau_ftp.sidearmsports.com/custompages/sports/m-baskbl/stats/111701aab.html

After winning consecutive America East titles on their home floor in 2000 and 2001, the attendance on Opening Night for the 2001-02 season at Hofstra Arena, on 11/17/01, for a close, 67-65 Hofstra win over Florida Atlantic:

All of 1,633.

Sadly, no effect whatsoever. It takes a much larger, much wider, much more sustained effort to consistently draw good home crowds throughout the season, and even campus site tournaments and championships in prior years wouldn't do that in Hempstead.

That’s an NFL Sunday at 1 pm just 2 months after 9/11/01 and the massive cleanup going on just miles away. Not a great example. Plus in the social media era I feel it means more, especially with live stream, etc.

LOL, come on, there's always an excuse!

Who are you telling here, lol? I have actually been there and have seen it for myself for a long time. I was at ALL the home games with season tickets for the first seven years after the arena opened and have covered the team since shortly after that. Many games that were not on NFL Sundays before 9/11, and for several years, well after 9/11, none of that made a difference. People only packed the house a handful of times over those years - NIT games, St. John's, when Mason was in the Top 25, the two America East titles, and other select games (especially during the Jenkins era). Otherwise, not too often over many years.

I guarantee, had Hofstra won the CAA title at The Mack instead of at CareFirst Arena last week, the attendance next season wouldn't be much different at all.

This is the main thing in this area: most people don't want to run alongside for the duration of the marathon. They only want to run through the tape at the very end, and then celebrate along with those who ran the entire race (just like Newsday - which is why they're only covering now after being absent all season, because that reflects the majority of the public around here).

Maybe not so much the next year but during the tournament itself the Mack would be a lot more full than the building in DC and would bring in more revenue for the program. It would all in all be a much better experience for sure.

Hof_Judge99 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 17, 2026 10:45 am

Wags wrote: ↑Tue Mar 17, 2026 12:01 am

Hof_Judge99 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2026 11:44 pm
That’s an NFL Sunday at 1 pm just 2 months after 9/11/01 and the massive cleanup going on just miles away. Not a great example. Plus in the social media era I feel it means more, especially with live stream, etc.

LOL, come on, there's always an excuse!

Who are you telling here, lol? I have actually been there and have seen it for myself for a long time. I was at ALL the home games with season tickets for the first seven years after the arena opened and have covered the team since shortly after that. Many games that were not on NFL Sundays before 9/11, and for several years, well after 9/11, none of that made a difference. People only packed the house a handful of times over those years - NIT games, St. John's, when Mason was in the Top 25, the two America East titles, and other select games (especially during the Jenkins era). Otherwise, not too often over many years.

I guarantee, had Hofstra won the CAA title at The Mack instead of at CareFirst Arena last week, the attendance next season wouldn't be much different at all.

This is the main thing in this area: most people don't want to run alongside for the duration of the marathon. They only want to run through the tape at the very end, and then celebrate along with those who ran the entire race (just like Newsday - which is why they're only covering now after being absent all season, because that reflects the majority of the public around here).

Maybe not so much the next year but during the tournament itself the Mack would be a lot more full than the building in DC and would bring in more revenue for the program. It would all in all be a much better experience for sure.

Absolutely, that's obvious. And yes, bringing revenue (for a few days) would be another benefit. But I think we were really talking about sustainability with attendance and a certain environment, right?

First, playing the tournament at campus sites assumes you keep getting home games, which won't happen every time, even if you're one of the top seeds. If you're a 3 seed, even if you ultimately win the championship, you may only get one home game and may have to play a 2 seed and then a 1 seed both on the road, so revenue-wise and environment-wise, it only helps them, not you. And then you just made it a whole lot tougher to get to the NCAA tournament, trying to beat higher seeds on the road rather than winning a neutral-site tournament. Pretty decent chance that UNCW (15-3 at home this year) is repping the CAA in the NCAA tourney instead of Hofstra this week had the Seahawks played the CAA tourney at home instead of in D.C. (so, be careful what you wish for).

Second, it seems like you're agreeing that it doesn't translate. It's great that we're hearing some buzz with Poser and increased season ticket sales for next year, but past experience shows that winning a conference title didn't translate much at all to future attendance, and it remains to be seen what types of crowds The Mack will have next year off of the team's current success (we would all love to see it, but I remain skeptical on that until I see it, because for way too long, we haven't seen it, even after mostly putting a good product on the floor over many years, even after past conference titles and a lot of very marketable star players, people just don't show up unless swooping in at the end to celebrate bigger success).

Wags wrote: ↑Tue Mar 17, 2026 11:09 am

Hof_Judge99 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 17, 2026 10:45 am

Wags wrote: ↑Tue Mar 17, 2026 12:01 am
LOL, come on, there's always an excuse!

Who are you telling here, lol? I have actually been there and have seen it for myself for a long time. I was at ALL the home games with season tickets for the first seven years after the arena opened and have covered the team since shortly after that. Many games that were not on NFL Sundays before 9/11, and for several years, well after 9/11, none of that made a difference. People only packed the house a handful of times over those years - NIT games, St. John's, when Mason was in the Top 25, the two America East titles, and other select games (especially during the Jenkins era). Otherwise, not too often over many years.

I guarantee, had Hofstra won the CAA title at The Mack instead of at CareFirst Arena last week, the attendance next season wouldn't be much different at all.

This is the main thing in this area: most people don't want to run alongside for the duration of the marathon. They only want to run through the tape at the very end, and then celebrate along with those who ran the entire race (just like Newsday - which is why they're only covering now after being absent all season, because that reflects the majority of the public around here).

Maybe not so much the next year but during the tournament itself the Mack would be a lot more full than the building in DC and would bring in more revenue for the program. It would all in all be a much better experience for sure.

Absolutely, that's obvious. And yes, bringing revenue (for a few days) would be another benefit. But I think we were really talking about sustainability with attendance and a certain environment, right?

First, playing the tournament at campus sites assumes you keep getting home games, which won't happen every time, even if you're one of the top seeds. If you're a 3 seed, even if you ultimately win the championship, you may only get one home game and may have to play a 2 seed and then a 1 seed both on the road, so revenue-wise and environment-wise, it only helps them, not you. And then you just made it a whole lot tougher to get to the NCAA tournament, trying to beat higher seeds on the road rather than winning a neutral-site tournament. Pretty decent chance that UNCW (15-3 at home this year) is repping the CAA in the NCAA tourney instead of Hofstra this week had the Seahawks played the CAA tourney at home instead of in D.C. (so, be careful what you wish for).

As far as next year goes we really have nothing but outdated data to look at so it's hard to say. Of course it depends who the higher seed is but it also adds incentive to do better in the regular season. It would also allow for re seeding, and more build up/ attention to games. I hate the 3 games in 3 days format as it becomes as much a battle of attrition as it does real basketball. I also think only the top 8 seeds should make the CAA tournament but no one asked my opinion so I'll stop on this. Look at the format of the NEC for example, aside from teams being ineligible that's what I like. I know the teams aren't as spread out in that conference but an extra trip of two is not insane to ask.

Hof_Judge99 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 17, 2026 11:35 am As far as next year goes we really have nothing but outdated data to look at so it's hard to say.

Sure, in terms of what the team has gone through over the past week and how that may (or may not translate to attendance), that's fair. It had obviously been awhile, so we're comparing to a long time ago with that. However, there were still plenty of other good reasons since then, over a long period of time, to draw good crowds and they largely haven't. Based on that, I wouldn't expect much of a bump later from this NCAAT trip (would love to be wrong but there's valid reason for skepticism there).

Hof_Judge99 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 17, 2026 11:35 am Of course it depends who the higher seed is but it also adds incentive to do better in the regular season. It would also allow for re seeding, and more build up/ attention to games. I hate the 3 games in 3 days format as it becomes as much a battle of attrition as it does real basketball. I also think only the top 8 seeds should make the CAA tournament but no one asked my opinion so I'll stop on this. Look at the format of the NEC for example, aside from teams being ineligible that's what I like. I know the teams aren't as spread out in that conference but an extra trip of two is not insane to ask.

That's your preference and that's all well and good. I wouldn't say it's more attrition than "real basketball" though. I saw some very intense, hard-fought play and good basketball on both sides in Hofstra's last two games in D.C. It wasn't about attrition at all. Just Hofstra, Towson, and Monmouth all playing good ball and battling, regardless of how many games they played the days prior, the same as they would have played with days off in between (maybe even better ball than that).

And again, you really want to risk not making the NCAA tournament because you might have to play a higher seed on the road rather than play a tournament in D.C.? It wouldn't be too much fun right now if instead of getting ready to see Hofstra play Alabama on Friday, we're sitting here wondering why Hofstra came up short again in the CAA tourney because Campbell lost at Trask in the quarterfinals and then Hofstra lost another close one at Trask in the CAA finals (like they did in the regular season a month ago). It's already difficult to get there, we don't need to make it more so.

Can others participate or this a private convo? jk lol

So not too long ago most had a bit of an issue with being in a conference that was so small it held tournament games onsite - it was viewed as small time, and having a conference that was 'mature' enough to hold their tournament in a neutral location was highly desired.

I'm still in that boat - I am not very interested in going back to the small time approach of on campus games.

That said, I do fully appreciate the coolness of it - I was also in the stands with my crew rocking the student section for 2000 and I was working security in the arena for 2001, and it was incredible - I'll never forget either. No question it provides a unique experience and unforgettable memories.

But even outside of the small-time vs more mature consideration, the sad reality is that today's world is fully money driven - there's just not enough profit for the leagues to miss out on a neutral site where they get to control tickets, advertising, marketing and promotions, etc. I don't fully get how the near empty arenas don't negate all that either, but the reality is it does or believe me they wouldn't bother. The leagues are making money and that's why it's done.

The only reason these conf tournaments even exist is a full on money grab across the country. There's really no need for them at any level, but it's more games and more opportunity for $ to exchange hands. It's the only reason football bowl games even continue to exist too - they are completely useless now that there's a playoff, yet they persist due to money. That may change, but for now it's the way it is, for better or for worse.

Wags wrote: ↑Tue Mar 17, 2026 12:04 pm
And again, you really want to risk not making the NCAA tournament because you might have to play a higher seed on the road rather than play a tournament in D.C.? It wouldn't be too much fun right now if instead of getting ready to see Hofstra play Alabama on Friday, we're sitting here wondering why Hofstra came up short again in the CAA tourney because Campbell lost at Trask in the quarterfinals and then Hofstra lost another close one at Trask in the CAA finals (like they did in the regular season a month ago). It's already difficult to get there, we don't need to make it more so.

What makes you think that lowers our chances? If anything we'd of been home in 2016, 2019 and 2023. We might have made it all those years if we were at home. It doesn't lower or raise anyone's chances, just makes it more fun if you ask me.

Polito wrote: ↑Tue Mar 17, 2026 3:51 pm Can others participate or this a private convo? jk lol

Sure, although I think we're way off topic from the Selection Sunday viewing party now.

Polito wrote: ↑Tue Mar 17, 2026 3:51 pm So not too long ago most had a bit of an issue with being in a conference that was so small it held tournament games onsite - it was viewed as small time, and having a conference that was 'mature' enough to hold their tournament in a neutral location was highly desired.

I'm still in that boat - I am not very interested in going back to the small time approach of on campus games.

That's exactly it. It's still seen that way now. Some small conferences still have onsite tournament games for part or all of their tournaments. Conferences that have become bigger than those, hold neutral site tourneys.

Polito wrote: ↑Tue Mar 17, 2026 3:51 pm But even outside of the small-time vs more mature consideration, the sad reality is that today's world is fully money driven - there's just not enough profit for the leagues to miss out on a neutral site where they get to control tickets, advertising, marketing and promotions, etc. I don't fully get how the near empty arenas don't negate all that either, but the reality is it does or believe me they wouldn't bother. The leagues are making money and that's why it's done.

The only reason these conf tournaments even exist is a full on money grab across the country. There's really no need for them at any level, but it's more games and more opportunity for $ to exchange hands. It's the only reason football bowl games even continue to exist too - they are completely useless now that there's a playoff, yet they persist due to money. That may change, but for now it's the way it is, for better or for worse.

Exactly (again). I suppose you're right that through advertising (?) they're making enough money to keep it going (or they would go to campus sites) in a league like the CAA, but I can't imagine that with sponsors like Hercules Tires and Air Force Reserve (each not so bad but not huge sponsors) that they're making that much when they struggle greatly just to halfway fill a 4,200-seat arena, even for championship games. If it's the Big East, ACC, even the MVC, of course. They're all making money. But the CAA tournament? I can't imagine they're doing too much better than breaking even. I can ask Joey D. about that.