IBA is Big-Time, A Big Time Waste of Potential.

[newshock1234]

The only complaints I have about the IBA is im not impressed with the speakers (the music was either way too loud or not loud enough) and the seats are extremely uncomfortable

[SB Shock]

Look, this was not a home game. The sooner the fine folks of wichita realize this fact, the sooner they will start to appreciate being able to attend a neutral site game so close to their home.

But for all intents and purposes this was a home game (just wasn't held a Koch Arena). And this is the really only problem with playing at IBA - not the same environment.

"It would have been 40 over there. I'm glad we played here instead of over there, because if we couldn't handle this situation, it would have been really crazy -- UAB Coach

But that being said it was a good time. Had good seats and a good dinner down in old town. It was a good decision by the Athletic Department to step away from the ticketing. It allowed people to get the seat they wanted and could afford.

[Fredster]

I had only three complaints about last night. My clam chowder at Larkspur wasn't very good, it drizzled on us on the way out, and a white SUV almost ran down my children crossing Douglas with the light. Other than that, big, bright, loud, NBA experience sums it up for me. And, there is the beer thing. I like that too, although I did not have one at the arena last night.

Here is a truth. There will never be a story about IBA in the Wichita Eagle that does not have a negative angle to it. I saw 11,200 people having a good time last night, watching a fun team take big win from an NCAA team. Even the Lutz column, which supports playing one game a year at IBA had the negative angle. I'm tired of that. Having a promoter do the game is win, win for everyone. I frankly like the idea of many non season ticket holders getting to see a game. They are generally younger, and more boisterous than the Koch crowd. I love Koch. AND I love playing one game downtown. Let's get a major opponent next year, and fill the place. Perhaps have the game on a Saturday night, also.

[Speed]

Look, this was not a home game. The sooner the fine folks of wichita realize this fact, the sooner they will start to appreciate being able to attend a neutral site game so close to their home. Just because the game is played inside the wichita city limits does not afford every regular shocker game attendee the same comforts and conveniences of the games at comfy koch arena. Would it be better if this game were to be played in kansas city? I know a lot of people would take the trek up there and we'd probably not hear any complaints about it. Take it for what it is and enjoy being able to see one extra game in wichita. If you dont like it, don't go.

Home game or neutral site game, either way its irrelevant. Its Wichita's arena. As Wichitans we have an expensive building that is great in many ways.
This isn't Wrigley field where we need to adjust for historical significance. In this case the bldg is nice but mgmt isn't so great.

[Speed]

Buses to & from the baseball field were great. They were fun, clean & drivers friendly. But clearly marked loading zones would be nice.
There is some confusion about where to form a line. A mob forms & as the bus pulls up, the mob moves to the bus. A line would work & the drivers could just pull up to various loading zones. Easy & efficient for the bus drivers, rather city or Ivan's & the crowd.

[AJShock]

I don't know about you guys, but I personally liked the game, we played better, shot better free throws, and everyone on the bench besides baker played.

[Anthroshock]

Here is a truth. There will never be a story about IBA in the Wichita Eagle that does not have a negative angle to it. I saw 11,200 people having a good time last night, watching a fun team take big win from an NCAA team. Even the Lutz column, which supports playing one game a year at IBA had the negative angle. I'm tired of that. Having a promoter do the game is win, win for everyone. I frankly like the idea of many non season ticket holders getting to see a game. They are generally younger, and more boisterous than the Koch crowd. I love Koch. AND I love playing one game downtown. Let's get a major opponent next year, and fill the place. Perhaps have the game on a Saturday night, also.

I get the feeling that if Wichitans took a dump and found their toilet full of gold they would complain that something was wrong with their ****.

[shockar25]

I get the feeling that if Wichitans took a dump and found their toilet full of gold they would complain that something was wrong with their ****.

Some folks will always complain. Overall I thought the experience was enjoyable. The ticket prices were a little steep, but there were price points for a variety of budgets. We sat a lot higher than last year but the view was actually better. I think the experience would be even better with a more name opponent, because selling out would be more likely.

[Speed]

The 1st time a downtown arena failed, I favored it. I worked as a Chamber Ambassador to promote the idea. I voted in an election in favor of the arena. I took my family to the open house tour of the facility.
I got my grandparents to the coliseum. I had no complaints. I went to WSU in the Cohen era. As a student, I could not support the team for a few reasons. I was re-sold on the team in the coliseum year.
IBA could be & should be special. WSU recognizes it, or they wouldn't schedule. WSU has a special arena. Mike Davis recognizes this. IBA could be electric but its not.
I know people who've gone to various events who won't go back. I'm not one of those people.
I've been to speedways & arenas, attended many events for "big-time" than my beloved WSU basketball team.
IBA's profits are declining. I have grown a small business in this economy. Yes the economy sucks, yes its effects don't produce ideal results, but I've done ok by enhancing the customer experience.
IBA has no product other than the customer experience & they aren't producing it.

[proshox]

Last year, the Tulsa game atmosphere was awesome. Last night, the atmosphere would have sucked at Koch for a game that played out like last night's. I have been to snooze fest games at Koch (at least five a year).

[ShockerFever]

This thread is a big time waste of potential.

I just knew one of these would pop up and lo and behold, Speed delivered.


Small, easy-to-close umbrellas, from what I have been told, are likely to clear the security screens. Big, gigantic, golfing-type umbrellas will get denied for obvious reasons. People just can't expect to carry whatever the hell they want in and expect to get away with it. Clearly, Speed believes he is above the rules and is blaming his grumpiness and foul attitude on life on IBA.

Try getting in to ANY professional venue and see how many times you get away with bringing in large objects that could be a security or safety risk. It's not gonna happen so don't act like this is JUST AN IBA ISSUE, because it's not. If you have items that don't meet the guidelines, you can normally check them at Guest Services and pick them up after the game. You probably flipped a ***** too quick to even get to this option.

I encourage you to stay home to your confines from now on Speed. It's admirable that your grandfather at 96 years of age has been a season ticket holder for so long and that he can still attend basketball games, but don't expect events like these to be walks in the park for his age group. IBA is not a nursing home facility. It sounds like to me if you were complaining about seating locations, you either waited too long to get your seats or paid for the cheapest ones. Sorry.

99% of those who attended I'm sure had a great time and enjoyed the change for one game. If this game is really crimping your style and you weren't able to be above everybody else in your mind, then it's time to just stay at home and rule the one domain you actually can control, your home.

[shox1989]

Maybe 11,204 at IBA for a game against UAB isn't so bad after all.

UNLV just beat #1 North Carolina at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas (about 5 miles from campus). Coming into the game UNLV was undefeated and on the verge of breaking into the top 25. The box score lists the attendance at 7523.

The AP story after the game says "...Even though the game was played at the Orleans Arena, five miles from the UNLV campus, there seemed to be just slightly more UNLV fans as Tar Heels supporters in the 8,000-seat arena."

I would think that IBA would have been sold out in just a few hours if WSU had been playing the number 1 team in the country.

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=313300153

[pinstripers]

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[pinstripers]

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[rjl]

Good grief. There are some sad sack muthers in Wichita anymore. Seriously.

The seats are less comfortable than at Koch? Are you kidding me? My season tickets were in primo seats at Koch before I moved away, and my seats for the game last night were barcoloungers in comparison.

As much as I think that many on Shockernet don't get out nearly enough, I think I'll have to reverse that logic and recommend some people just stay home. I mean it. The world is just too complicated and exciting for you.