Two tournaments, one town, where do you end up this weekend? Perhaps both?
If you were planning to check out both Siena and UAlbany Saturday, you fans can thank the America East, the tournament that was first to book its 2009 tournament here. They waited until the found out Siena's seed and time slot before seting the America East schedule. This kept the two teams from playing at the same time. (UAlbany 12pm, Siena 5pm)
Both tournaments are planning fan fests. The MAAC is in the atrium at the Times Union Center; the America East's is inside the PE Building, adjacent to SEFCU Arena.
On a weekend that offers so much for Capital Region basketball fans, it's a shame the AEC and MAAC couldn't have figured out a way to cross-promote their event. Perhaps offer a ticket discount to one event if you bring a ticket for another. Another idea would have been to coordinate with CTDA or a private bus company to offer a shuttle between the two venues.
UAlbany Vice President of Athletics Rick Coe told us the other day the conferences have a good relationship, but did not pursue any cooperative effort.
I have not yet asked that question to anyone from the MAAC, but I will.
They two tournaments will each enjoy great weekends, no doubt. As of last night, UAlbany had already sold 64% of its house for the first three sessions (Friday, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening). The MAAC has some snazzy new court side seating for its corporate sponsors, each hoping to pry as many dollars as they can out of a very soft economy.
So back to the original question - where is your money going and why is it going there. Would love to hear what you have to say. Post a comment here or send an e-mail to richbecker@fox23news.com .
Regardless of where you end up - enjoy the weekend.
