Big Ten's to move away from "on-campus" Hosting of Big Ten's?

[ItalianLion]

I was listening to the latest episode (March 3) of The Lion Country Kia Goon & Ironhead Show on YouTube when JB mentioned that in the next year or two, the Big Ten is looking to bid out the Big Ten Wrestling tournament ("like Basketball") to Cities looking to host. Has anyone else heard anything like this?

The specific timestamp & transcript is: (Jeff Beyers speaking) ...

• [1h 46m 45s]: "It's always just rotated through now 14 schools. So you get you just you know once every 14 years you're hosting."
• [1h 46m 57s]: "They're going to a bidding uh format much like uh basketball."
• [1h 47m 10s]: "I can't remember now uh if it's if this goes into effect next year or starts next year or it's the following year, but they will... cities will bid on the Big 10 Wrestling Championships."
• [1h 47m 35s]: "Which I think will be neat uh as well, but you you know miss out on the the home campus feel uh potentially of the uh the championships then uh moving forward."

I sort of like the campus environments, but I'm sure it will allow more folks to attend, albeit, at likely higher ticket prices!

Given that we were readded to the rotation at the end of the current rotation, it could be as early as next year's tournament

Nota bene: In the pinned schedule post above, there is a tab that has always forecasted out the future NCAAs (based on announcements) and the B1Gs (based on rotation hosting) now noted with the potential change.

 

[Nitlion1986]

I was listening to the latest episode of The Lion Country Kia Goon & Ironhead Show on YouTube when JB mentioned that in the next year or two, the Big Ten is looking to bid out the Big Ten Wrestling tournament ("like Basketball") to Cities looking to host. Has anyone else heard anything like this?

The specific timestamp & transcript is: (Jeff Beyers speaking) ...

• [1h 46m 45s]: "It's always just rotated through now 14 schools. So you get you just you know once every 14 years you're hosting."
• [1h 46m 57s]: "They're going to a bidding uh format much like uh basketball."
• [1h 47m 10s]: "I can't remember now uh if it's if this goes into effect next year or starts next year or it's the following year, but they will... cities will bid on the Big 10 Wrestling Championships."
• [1h 47m 35s]: "Which I think will be neat uh as well, but you you know miss out on the the home campus feel uh potentially of the uh the championships then uh moving forward."

I sort of like the campus environments, but I'm sure it will allow more folks to attend, albeit, at likely higher ticket prices!

Given that we were readded to the rotation at the end of the current rotation, it could be as early as next year's tournament

Nota bene: In the pinned schedule post above, there is a tab that has always forecasted out the future NCAAs (based on announcements) and the B1Gs (based on rotation hosting) now noted with the potential change.

That is terrible news. In 48 years Penn State has yet to figure out how to outbid Hershey for the PIAA wrestling championships. I can't imagine they will figure out how to outbid the rest of the Big10.

 

[OldMatCoach]

I guess that means Columbus every year.

 

[El_Jefe]

That is terrible news. In 48 years Penn State has yet to figure out how to outbid Hershey for the PIAA wrestling championships. I can't imagine they will figure out how to outbid the rest of the Big10.

If this happens, PSU won't get to outbid the other schools because none of them are contenders.

B10 is looking for big city exposure. Just like when NCAAs outgrew campuses. Or like the B10 football title game not being in any of the world's largest stadiums.

 

[tullfan68]

I was listening to the latest episode (March 3) of The Lion Country Kia Goon & Ironhead Show on YouTube when JB mentioned that in the next year or two, the Big Ten is looking to bid out the Big Ten Wrestling tournament ("like Basketball") to Cities looking to host. Has anyone else heard anything like this?

The specific timestamp & transcript is: (Jeff Beyers speaking) ...

• [1h 46m 45s]: "It's always just rotated through now 14 schools. So you get you just you know once every 14 years you're hosting."
• [1h 46m 57s]: "They're going to a bidding uh format much like uh basketball."
• [1h 47m 10s]: "I can't remember now uh if it's if this goes into effect next year or starts next year or it's the following year, but they will... cities will bid on the Big 10 Wrestling Championships."
• [1h 47m 35s]: "Which I think will be neat uh as well, but you you know miss out on the the home campus feel uh potentially of the uh the championships then uh moving forward."

I sort of like the campus environments, but I'm sure it will allow more folks to attend, albeit, at likely higher ticket prices!

Given that we were readded to the rotation at the end of the current rotation, it could be as early as next year's tournament

Nota bene: In the pinned schedule post above, there is a tab that has always forecasted out the future NCAAs (based on announcements) and the B1Gs (based on rotation hosting) now noted with the potential change.

so they gonna move them to the highest bidder in the country? what the heck all about the money!

 

[tullfan68]

hate to say it but the BIG is making that former NCAA potus look like a genius!

 

[Bosco2]

They should just let the previous year's winner host it.

 

[mh-larch]

Big 12 has been off campus for a few years at least. Usually held at the BOK Center in Tulsa. Wonder if that is based on a bid, or they just selected it?

I like how the Big 12 has a dedicated finals Sunday evening. Consis done earlier. I guess the downside is a longer weekend for the wrestlers and getting back on campus later for classes, etc.

 

[GregPickel]

Big 12 has been off campus for a few years at least. Usually held at the BOK Center in Tulsa. Wonder if that is based on a bid, or they just selected it?

I like how the Big 12 has a dedicated finals Sunday evening. Consis done earlier. I guess the downside is a longer weekend for the wrestlers and getting back on campus later for classes, etc.

*Saturday evening this year, since it's a Friday-Saturday tournament, which, to your last point, could be why that's the case.

 

[ItalianLion]

Big 12 has been off campus for a few years at least. Usually held at the BOK Center in Tulsa. Wonder if that is based on a bid, or they just selected it?

I like how the Big 12 has a dedicated finals Sunday evening. Consis done earlier. I guess the downside is a longer weekend for the wrestlers and getting back on campus later for classes, etc.

I was talking to a Wyoming parent when the Lions were out there this year. He told me that they used to rotate, and the elevation when it was in Laramie was an advantage.... so the Pay.com money guy "locked up" the BOK... giving Ok State the annual advantage... Not my editorializing, all that parent's, so weight it how you will... but on the visible face of it, it does seem a bit "unfair" from a non-OK State fan's perspective.

 

[mh-larch]

*Saturday evening this year, since it's a Friday-Saturday tournament, which, to your last point, could be why that's the case.

Thanks for the heads up on this Greg! I was planning on watching the B12 finals Sunday after B10's. I always looked forward to that, but guess I'll miss it this year since it conflicts with B10 semis, etc

 

[GregPickel]

Thanks for the heads up on this Greg! I was planning on watching the B12 finals Sunday after B10's. I always looked forward to that, but guess I'll miss it this year since it conflicts with B10 semis, etc

No problem. I can't find anything out there regarding the why of Friday/Saturday instead of Saturday/Sun but if I do, I'll report back.

And, FWIW, generally to the convo, Big 12's is the only neutral site postseason conference tournament this season in college wrestling.

 

[J.E.B]

That is terrible news. In 48 years Penn State has yet to figure out how to outbid Hershey for the PIAA wrestling championships. I can't imagine they will figure out how to outbid the rest of the Big10.

I’ve been told that PSU and HV have tried for several years to grab PIAA Wrestling but Hershey has deep pockets and will not let it go. Same with BB. You are dealing with a major corporation who realizes the importance of having it in its own town!

 

[RoarLions1]

I'm interested in knowing more, but can't imagine much will come out any time soon. It does sadden me, as the Big Ten venues imo gives the tournament that on-campus feel that is hard for me to explain. Maybe the small venues like Rutgers' and Northwestern's have played a part as $$$'s are surely driving this. I have had the good fortune of making it to every Big Ten venue for the Big Ten Championships, and last season started my second go round at Northwestern, last attending there in 2011. Every university town has been a great experience aside from the wrestling too. I have memorable experiences outside the arenas that I doubt would happen otherwise.

EDIT: After thinking more about this...I have seen the attendance numbers rise at the Big Ten Wrestling Championships, but being sold out at the BJC does not equate to sell-outs anywhere else in the country, especially neutral sites with large arenas. One element is losing "locals" that don't have to pay for travel and lodging. That may not sound like a big deal, but I can tell you that friends and family staying near State College to attend the championships in addition to the locals is a thing. A neutral site has no captive audience and a built-in core of attendees. Also the B1G is so spread out that a "central" town/venue doesn't sound like a great idea for a blue collar sport.

It wasn't that long ago that there were plenty of seats at the conference championships everywhere I attended.

 

[manatree]

Surprised that it has taken this long.

As for PIAA, the BIC did host the basketball championships for two or three years in the 2000s

 

[El_Jefe]

I was talking to a Wyoming parent when the Lions were out there this year. He told me that they used to rotate, and the elevation when it was in Laramie was an advantage.... so the Pay.com money guy "locked up" the BOK... giving Ok State the annual advantage... Not my editorializing, all that parent's, so weight it how you will... but on the visible face of it, it does seem a bit "unfair" from a non-OK State fan's perspective.

He was whining. B12s moved to Tulsa in 2017.

 

[Shifty15]

That is terrible news. In 48 years Penn State has yet to figure out how to outbid Hershey for the PIAA wrestling championships. I can't imagine they will figure out how to outbid the rest of the Big1

If this happens, PSU won't get to outbid the other schools because none of them are contenders.

B10 is looking for big city exposure. Just like when NCAAs outgrew campuses. Or like the B10 football title game not being in any of the world's largest stadiums.

The world in a nutshell…all about money and screw the fans!

 

[El_Jefe]

I’ve been told that PSU and HV have tried for several years to grab PIAA Wrestling but Hershey has deep pockets and will not let it go. Same with BB. You are dealing with a major corporation who realizes the importance of having it in its own town!

And this just shows that Wyoming doesn't have a monopoly on conspiracy theory whining.

While it's true that Hershey badly wants to keep PA states, it's also true that PSU will price itself out of any competition.

Hershey lost PIAA Football to Cumberland Valley High School, so it's not like they have a stranglehold on PIAA. BTW, PSU also bid on it and was by far the most expensive candidate.

And The Corporation for Penn State doesn't have deep pockets?

 

[El_Jefe]

The world in a nutshell…all about money and screw the fans!

Sport loses money every year, everywhere.

Find revenue to keep it around? It must be screwing the fans.

 

[CTStall]

My guess Big 10 higher-ups will require venues to have minimum capacity of 12 -15 k. If school doesn't have on-campus facility big enough the school makes arrangements(seeks bids) at nearby city to host. Years ago this was done in the NCAA tournament.
1984 Princeton was host school for Nationals, the tournament was held at the Meadowlands

 

[Misalorales]

I'm interested in knowing more, but can't imagine much will come out any time soon. It does sadden me, as the Big Ten venues imo gives the tournament that on-campus feel that is hard for me to explain. Maybe the small venues like Rutgers' and Northwestern's have played a part as $$$'s are surely driving this. I have had the good fortune of making it to every Big Ten venue for the Big Ten Championships, and last season started my second go round at Northwestern, last attending there in 2011. Every university town has been a great experience aside from the wrestling too. I have memorable experiences outside the arenas that I doubt would happen otherwise.

EDIT: After thinking more about this...I have seen the attendance numbers rise at the Big Ten Wrestling Championships, but being sold out at the BJC does not equate to sell-outs anywhere else in the country, especially neutral sites with large arenas. One element is losing "locals" that don't have to pay for travel and lodging. That may not sound like a big deal, but I can tell you that friends and family staying near State College to attend the championships in addition to the locals is a thing. A neutral site has no captive audience and a built-in core of attendees. Also the B1G is so spread out that a "central" town/venue doesn't sound like a great idea for a blue collar sport.

It wasn't that long ago that there were plenty of seats at the conference championships everywhere I attended.

Maybe I'm alone on this but having a set site that is in a location with more lodging is a good thing. You can talk about the locals near State college getting to take advantage but what of us that don't live near State college and have to try and find a hotel room or Airbnb in or around State college? Hell of a lot more options and easier and cheaper travel and lodging in a place like Cleveland or Pittsburgh or Indianapolis or Columbus etc. I'm being selfish here BUT for me, I'd like if it were in one of those places every year and I didn't have to try and find ways to get to whatever random campus and find lodging and all the rest.

 

[Nitlion1986]

I'm interested in knowing more, but can't imagine much will come out any time soon. It does sadden me, as the Big Ten venues imo gives the tournament that on-campus feel that is hard for me to explain. Maybe the small venues like Rutgers' and Northwestern's have played a part as $$$'s are surely driving this. I have had the good fortune of making it to every Big Ten venue for the Big Ten Championships, and last season started my second go round at Northwestern, last attending there in 2011. Every university town has been a great experience aside from the wrestling too. I have memorable experiences outside the arenas that I doubt would happen otherwise.

EDIT: After thinking more about this...I have seen the attendance numbers rise at the Big Ten Wrestling Championships, but being sold out at the BJC does not equate to sell-outs anywhere else in the country, especially neutral sites with large arenas. One element is losing "locals" that don't have to pay for travel and lodging. That may not sound like a big deal, but I can tell you that friends and family staying near State College to attend the championships in addition to the locals is a thing. A neutral site has no captive audience and a built-in core of attendees. Also the B1G is so spread out that a "central" town/venue doesn't sound like a great idea for a blue collar sport.

It wasn't that long ago that there were plenty of seats at the conference championships everywhere I attended.

Every year, the guy who sits behind me at Rec Hall asks if I am ready to pack Cael up and send him back to Utah so we can go back to having lots of leg room for the matches. Not yet I keep telling him.
Everything associated with NCAA wrestling attendance and costs has changed dramatically with PSU's ascension.

I agree with you though, moving off campus is not a necessity. They would have sold the BJC out with tickets that cost twice as much.

 

[RoarLions1]

Maybe I'm alone on this but having a set site that is in a location with more lodging is a good thing. You can talk about the locals near State college getting to take advantage but what of us that don't live near State college and have to try and find a hotel room or Airbnb in or around State college? Hell of a lot more options and easier and cheaper travel and lodging in a place like Cleveland or Pittsburgh or Indianapolis or Columbus etc. I'm being selfish here BUT for me, I'd like if it were in one of those places every year and I didn't have to try and find ways to get to whatever random campus and find lodging and all the rest.

My comment was a question of attendance, especially with the NCAA Championships less than two weeks later. I do believe every Big Ten venue counts on folks that live close by for a portion of their attendance for B1G's. Season ticket holders as an example. A neutral venue (large arena) will struggle to get the numbers we see today, I believe.

 

[creamery freak]

How about a 3 year B10 rotation between Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Hershey. That would work for me and most PSU fans!

 

[Dobsie]

I was talking to a Wyoming parent when the Lions were out there this year. He told me that they used to rotate, and the elevation when it was in Laramie was an advantage.... so the Pay.com money guy "locked up" the BOK... giving Ok State the annual advantage... Not my editorializing, all that parent's, so weight it how you will... but on the visible face of it, it does seem a bit "unfair" from a non-OK State fan's perspective.

Wyoming joined the Big XII in wrestling in 2015/2016 the Big XII tournament has never been in Wyoming. It's been at the BOK for over the last 10 years. It was held 1 year at the KC Spirit Center. Before that it rotated to the Big 8 Campuses that have wrestling programs.

 

[Corby2]

What would people think if the big 10 tournament stopped being on college campuses?
And found a permanent home
Like maybe Indianapolis

 

[Dogwelder]

.. Like maybe Indianapolis

You like that emoji a lot. You might be a shrugaholic.

 

[CowbellMan]

What would people think if the big 10 tournament stopped being on college campuses?
And found a permanent home
Like maybe Indianapolis

Sudden and complete disinterest to attend from me.

 

[a_mshaffer]

What would people think if the big 10 tournament stopped being on college campuses?
And found a permanent home
Like maybe Indianapolis

I like the college campus aspect. Regardless, what would it mean for other conferences who do not have the attendance? Do we want a BIGTen/SEC football result that we are in now (big $$ decisions) with Big wrestling?

 

[Corby2]

I like the college campus aspect. Regardless, what would it mean for other conferences who do not have the attendance? Do we want a BIGTen/SEC football result that we are in now (big $$ decisions) with Big wrestling?

The Big has already decided to take bids on it. Sounds like it's not if it's when. Purdue is next and rumors are Indianapolis wants it so waiting to see if 2027 is at Purdue or in Indianapolis

 

[a_mshaffer]

The Big has already decided to take bids on it. Sounds like it's not if it's when. Purdue is next and rumors are Indianapolis wants it so waiting to see if 2027 is at Purdue or in Indianapolis

assume it would be in Bankers Field house? hope Lucas wouldn't win out as that is too large?

 

[BeerLion]

I'm against it.

1) I like visiting the other campuses. Going and looking at there merch and talking with their supporters since there are many you get a better feel about the school.
2) Ticket prices are still reasonable and I am able to take the family and not get a second mortgage and a second job. Can't do that with football.

My belief is that if it gets bid out the experience will not be as good and more than likely I will be priced out.

As it is now, I think it is the best college sport experience that exists.

 

[Corby2]

assume it would be in Bankers Field house? hope Lucas wouldn't win out as that is too large?

Not sure of the name but where the Pacers play

 

[Efejle]

No bids please

 

[a_mshaffer]

Not sure of the name but where the Pacers play

Bankers... so at least it wouldn't be a football stadium... but would rather visit a campus

 

[Matter7172]

assume it would be in Bankers Field house? hope Lucas wouldn't win out as that is too large?

I assume they will eventually move to a football stadium for Nationals. After all, 2020 was scheduled to be in one. B1G can't support a football stadium for its tourney. There were a lot of empty seats at BJC. Attendance for each session was a bit over 13000.

 

[a_mshaffer]

I assume they will eventually move to a football stadium for Nationals. After all, 2020 was scheduled to be in one. B1G can't support a football stadium for its tourney. There were a lot of empty seats at BJC. Attendance for each session was a bit over 13000.

I won't attend as that is too far away from the action. Getting old I guess. Like a good seat or none at all

 

[Tryingtodoitright]

No problem. I can't find anything out there regarding the why of Friday/Saturday instead of Saturday/Sun but if I do, I'll report back.

And, FWIW, generally to the convo, Big 12's is the only neutral site postseason conference tournament this season in college wrestling.

The BOK Center will eventually feel like/ become the Home mat of the Ok State Cowboys.

Home-conference finals are best, walking the halls of Big 10 schools, trophy cabinets, history, local favorite concessions; though there are downsides, parking, distance, ‘home mat’ officiating, but Dollars are the way of the future, unfortunately.

 

[CowbellMan]

I assume they will eventually move to a football stadium for Nationals. After all, 2020 was scheduled to be in one. B1G can't support a football stadium for its tourney. There were a lot of empty seats at BJC. Attendance for each session was a bit over 13000.

You are a soothsayer! It’s back in Minnesota’s stadium in 2028 where the Vikes play.

 

[Nitlion1986]

Bankers... so at least it wouldn't be a football stadium... but would rather visit a campus

Butler University is available for tours