It's the last Five Out before we turn the page into the WNBA season...so let's run it back one time for the one time. Thoughts for the week of April 7, 2025.
As someone who attended all 6 games in Spokane, I disagree that it didn’t feel like a “big deal.” Maybe because UConn, USC, and LSU were all there, but crowds were large, active, and engaged. I don’t know what it was like logistically for the coaches and players, but I know I enjoyed the experience. It’s hard because I want the women’s tournament to be as financially successful and sustainable as the men, but at the same time I was able to see 6 games of basketball for only a little more than folks in Seattle were paying for one session. So it’s a tough thing to consider
I definitely don't think Spokane's atmosphere was lacking. Truth be told, it's a great host city with a really good WBB fanbase. The issue I have is that the NCAA is kind of talking out of both sides of their mouths. They centralize the regionals to maximize the audience but then have them in non hub cities which can impact the attendance. It's a weird spot to be in and tbh it's a reasonable concern that smaller cities will lose out on host shots they used to have.
Very good article and well written.
As someone who attended all 6 games in Spokane, I disagree that it didn’t feel like a “big deal.” Maybe because UConn, USC, and LSU were all there, but crowds were large, active, and engaged. I don’t know what it was like logistically for the coaches and players, but I know I enjoyed the experience. It’s hard because I want the women’s tournament to be as financially successful and sustainable as the men, but at the same time I was able to see 6 games of basketball for only a little more than folks in Seattle were paying for one session. So it’s a tough thing to consider
I definitely don't think Spokane's atmosphere was lacking. Truth be told, it's a great host city with a really good WBB fanbase. The issue I have is that the NCAA is kind of talking out of both sides of their mouths. They centralize the regionals to maximize the audience but then have them in non hub cities which can impact the attendance. It's a weird spot to be in and tbh it's a reasonable concern that smaller cities will lose out on host shots they used to have.