NCAA Tournament in Jax in March

[Tripoli1711]

I didn't go because I am not living in Jacksonville at the moment.  I watched on TV/Computer and yes, it looked like a good atmosphere.  Atmosphere doesn't change the numbers.  None of the sessions sold out.  My comment was directed at the perceived unfairness in comparing our numbers with that of larger arenas.  It is troubling that none of the sessions sold out with what I am sure was as good as can be expected support from at least two of the fan bases.

[reednavy]

Another possible fact could be that given the fact you have only a few days notice of the games and their respective locations, many fans probably couldn't get off work and/or make plans in time.

[Tripoli1711]

But it was known months in advance that the tournament would be here.  Yes, the teams were unknown.  It goes back to my first point, Jacksonville got lucky getting Duke and Wisconsin.  If it would have been a bunch of teams similar to Temple and Cornell, I don't think even the 12k would have been there.  The issue isn't with the fans who traveled, its with the people of Northeast Florida having a pretty noticeable track record for being pretty unreliable to buy tickets to major sporting events.

[cline]

The issue isn't with the fans who traveled, its with the people of Northeast Florida having a pretty noticeable track record for being pretty unreliable to buy tickets to major sporting events.

Not if the sporting event involves the Florida Gators or a monster truck rally.

[reednavy]

Not everyone is a fan of basketball though, I'm not, so I wouldn't waste my money on something that doesn't interest me. I'm sure many feel the same way, and also, not everyone is a fan of the teams that played here and didn't want to waste their money on teams that mean nothing to them.

Comparing this event to Jags games is not really the same thing.

[Tripoli1711]

It's fine if you don't like basketball, you certainly should not go.  If you do, I don't think it's a waste of money to go.  The point remains that the number of tickets needed to sell out this one time only (essentially) event, which people knew about for months in advance, is roughly the same as one Jaguars home game.  I know basketball isn't as popular as football and it isn't the "home team", but I think it isn't entirely apples and oranges.  Its just disconcerting that yet another major sporting event could not be supported by a sell out.

[tufsu1]

But it was known months in advance that the tournament would be here.  Yes, the teams were unknown.  It goes back to my first point, Jacksonville got lucky getting Duke and Wisconsin.  If it would have been a bunch of teams similar to Temple and Cornell, I don't think even the 12k would have been there.  

Actually there were just as many Cornell fans (if not more) than Wisconsin fans on Friday...but the winner for the first session was Wofford....they brought a bunch of folks!

Also remember that the general public tickets that were on sale for several months were for the whole weekend...for $220....which is quite steep when you don't know what teams are coming to town.

[CityLife]

But it was known months in advance that the tournament would be here.  Yes, the teams were unknown.  It goes back to my first point, Jacksonville got lucky getting Duke and Wisconsin.  If it would have been a bunch of teams similar to Temple and Cornell, I don't think even the 12k would have been there.  

Actually there were just as many Cornell fans (if not more) than Wisconsin fans on Friday...but the winner for the first session was Wofford....they brought a bunch of folks!

Also remember that the general public tickets that were on sale for several months were for the whole weekend...for $220....which is quite steep when you don't know what teams are coming to town.

I went to 4 of the 6 games this weekend. All but the Friday night sessions, as I'm a glutton for agony and wanted to stay home and watch my Noles blow it.

I couldn't believe how many fans Wofford brought. Very impressive showing from those guys, despite the excessive amount of Bama Bangs.

Cornell had a very good showing attendance wise, as did Duke and Wisconsin. I heard that Louisville brought quite a few as well.

One thing that benefited Jax for this draw was that we had some excellent academic schools, which equates to more high rollers. I would imagine that the Duke and Cornell alums dropped quite a few $$$ around town Friday and Saturday.

[urbanlibertarian]

^^Kris at Northstar Substation said he was slammed Friday night.  FL/GA level business.  With the cheer competition DT as well, it must have been a good weekend for the businesses that were open.