New series with Baylor

[jcdshocker]

What some people don't realize is that some teams will not play us at the Round House. The only way we get them to play in Wichita is IBA.

[UCONN_Husky]

For us outsiders...why is the fan-base so anti-IBA? Is it more than just being a less hostile crowd? I'd imagine any sell-out pro-WSU arena would be tough on any opponent.

[ShockerFever]

Yes they do and I'm glad they are able to do that. On the same note not everyone is able to afford season tickets led alone the saso donation. So a game or even two that gives those fans a chance to see them live isn't a bad thing. But I've read plenty of grumblings from the season ticket folks on playing and seating at intrust.

I'm an out of towner so I don't have that much game financially in the system but support them as best I can from affar.

I have no problem with an additional game or two at IBA. As a season ticket holder, they better adjust prices accordingly if they're going to take an additional game or two out of my already pricey season ticket package. And obviously, season ticket holders would still receive first crack at presale tickets.

IBA is great and I love a new environment. I would rather it be used only as a non-con opponent enticement and no have conference games played there. CKA is the best college basketball atmosphere and greatest homecourt advantage in the country. Why would we wanna waste that for a few extra thousand in a more bland and less intimidating environment?

[ShockerFever]

What some people don't realize is that some teams will not play us at the Round House. The only way we get them to play in Wichita is IBA.

And that's why it's ok in those instances when it's used as leverage to get home and homes with high-level programs. Conference games though shouldn't be in consideration IMO.

[ShoxRoxMySox]

I'm starting to wonder if the tables have turned and HCGM is actually on his own purposeful plan to play the entire Big 12 conference OTHER than KU and KSU.

That would be the most 3G thing ever!

[The Mad Hatter]

I have no problem with an additional game or two at IBA. As a season ticket holder, they better adjust prices accordingly if they're going to take an additional game or two out of my already pricey season ticket package. And obviously, season ticket holders would still receive first crack at presale tickets.

IBA is great and I love a new environment. I would rather it be used only as a non-con opponent enticement and no have conference games played there. CKA is the best college basketball atmosphere and greatest homecourt advantage in the country. Why would we wanna waste that for a few extra thousand in a more bland and less intimidating environment?

I wouldn't hold my breath on more IBA meaning cheaper season tickets. Moving to the AAC means more departmental expenses and more IBA games in addition to season ticket sales will be part of paying those expenses.

The consolation for season ticket holders is an overall increase in the quality if teams coming into CKA, even if it means fewer overall games there.

[1972Shocker]

Maybe. Though some of the bigger recent games in CKA still don't have the same feel. The Arena just has that bigger feel (because it is bigger). Walking the concourses, the fact that there is alcohol. It's just a different feel.

I have had beer served to me at Koch Arena. In the Champions Room for Volleyball Match Club member and WBB High Hoops Club member functions or halftime hospitality. So they have some kind of authority to serve alcohol on the premises. Although they do not let you take any food or drink served in the Champions Club out of the Club. Not sure if beer is available in the Champions Club at Men's Basketball games either prior to the game or at halftime but their is a reason a lot of the high dollar seats don't fill up until right at tipoff. Have never been in the Champions Club during Men's basketbal.

Personally, the availability of alcohol is of little consequence to me one way or the other but obviously it is of great interest to more than a few fans.

[ShoxRoxMySox]

I wonder if WSU is finally reaching that tipping point where most teams outside of Lawrence are okay with a home and home arrangement because losing to Wichita State these days isn't a bad look. Testament to how far we've come.

[The Mad Hatter]

For us outsiders...why is the fan-base so anti-IBA? Is it more than just being a less hostile crowd? I'd imagine any sell-out pro-WSU arena would be tough on any opponent.

From my perspective it is mostly an atmosphere thing. The Roundhouse has some if the best acoustics for crowd noise in the nation and I find it more fun to watch a game in that environment.

[ShockerFever]

I wouldn't hold my breath on more IBA meaning cheaper season tickets. Moving to the AAC means more departmental expenses and more IBA games in addition to season ticket sales will be part of paying those expenses.

The consolation for season ticket holders is an overall increase in the quality if teams coming into CKA, even if it means fewer overall games there.

That makes sense. Then I wouldn't expect any major increases if we lose more games because of IBA.

[ShockerFever]

For us outsiders...why is the fan-base so anti-IBA? Is it more than just being a less hostile crowd? I'd imagine any sell-out pro-WSU arena would be tough on any opponent.

More people but less atmosphere. It's noticeably quieter for games at IBA than at CKA. It's your standard, bland arena. It would be WAY less intimidating than Koch. Not even a question.

For a couple games, I don't mind it as it's something different and it gets more fans that aren't able to go to Koch to see a game. But in general, it just isn't the same.

[Anthroshock]

For us outsiders...why is the fan-base so anti-IBA? Is it more than just being a less hostile crowd? I'd imagine any sell-out pro-WSU arena would be tough on any opponent.

How do you feel about moving between Gampel and the XL?

[UCONN_Husky]

How do you feel about moving between Gampel and the XL?

This is why I asked the question. Our fan-base changes based on where we play. Gampel is more of a student environment while the XL Center is older/family oriented. The XL is also easier to get to and allows more of our fans across the state to see the game. I honestly enjoy both equally and regularly attend games at each. I was just wondering if there was something more to it than just the environment...which I understand.

[1972Shocker]

I wouldn't hold my breath on more IBA meaning cheaper season tickets. Moving to the AAC means more departmental expenses and more IBA games in addition to season ticket sales will be part of paying those expenses.

The consolation for season ticket holders is an overall increase in the quality if teams coming into CKA, even if it means fewer overall games there.

I don't see anything being cheaper. ADDB has made a point of mentioning the importance of MONEY in both the AAC acceptance press conference and in his interview with Mike Kennedy. Now the the source of the additional revenue remains to be seen. Hopefully, everything will be more in demand but since MBB is essentially sold out that means selling more tickets for Volleyball, WBB, Baseball, Softball, Tennis and the relatively few Track and Field meets in addition to other support such as the Match Club, High Hoops Club, Battery Club (do we still have that?) etc. Ultimately it all goes into the same pot. Hopefully, the AAC will be able to rise to the occasion and improve its TV revenues which would be a great help. Time will tell.

[WuShock16]

For us outsiders...why is the fan-base so anti-IBA? Is it more than just being a less hostile crowd? I'd imagine any sell-out pro-WSU arena would be tough on any opponent.

The other interesting thing is that Koch Arena is a round building. I'll let engineers and others more knowledgeable than me explain in more detail, but the round setup forces all the sound to go straight to the arena floor. The crowd noise doesn't bounce around in corners of the building.

Please, please, PLEASE...someone needs to get a decibel reader placed on press row next year. I'd be interested to see how stupid loud it will get at a key moment against Cincinnati next year.