[olldflame]

I've been looking into going to this tournament, and was pleasantly surprised to find both a flight and lodging (in a nice hostel with great reviews) are affordable. Thinking I just may just do it. Anyone else planning to go?

[Cider Jim]

What kind of hotel prices, oldflame?

[olldflame]

check your PMs

[olldflame]

For anyone who may be thinking about it, here is some info on costs I have picked up so far. Everything is based on a 4 day trip departing on 11/21 and returning on 11/25. I would expect some might consider a longer stay while you are there. You will need a passport. The Bahamas actually does not require it for entry, but since 2009, US citizens traveling abroad by air need one to re-enter the country.

Airfare: My situation is unique, but for those in the Burg/VA/Carolinas the round trip fare from RDU to Nassau on American Airlines is as low as $342.

Admission: All sessions pass for up to 12 games is $40.

Lodging: Rooms in the "official" tournament resort start at $215/night. Unlimited bus pass to and from the tourney site from there is $40. As one may expect in a tourist destination like this, there is a HUGE choice, and a lot depends on how particular you are, but overall, it is not cheap. In looking at "budget" hotels (for me under $100/night) almost all of them are dumps based on reviews. I would say you could probably get something pretty nice for 150-200, but that really wasn't an option for me. I have used hostels in the past, and never had a bad experience, so I looked into that, and found a couple of places that had excellent reviews where a bed in a dormitory situation is under $50. Not for everyone, but if I pull the trigger on this, that's the way I will go.

Transportation: Still looking into public transportation options. Some higher-end hotels provide free airport transfers. Otherwise you are looking at $30 and up each way for a taxi. Car rentals from the airport start at $60/day for a compact. If I had at least 1 other person to split the cost, I would definately rent a car.

[mlschubert]

I plan to be there ..

[Purple Haize]

I remember when we played in the Bahamas over Christmas back in the day. Those stories were and are legendary at my school. Ha

[olldflame]

This tournament just got a lot more interesting. The Evansville team that beat #1 Kentucky last night is in the field. I'd love to see us play them.

[olldflame]

Evansville is actually playing ECU in their opening round game. If we meet them, it would be in the final.

[LU Grad 11]

Rice would be a good second round match-up; they're sitting at 4-1. Would arguably be our toughest game to that point.

[ATrain]

Rice would be a good second round match-up; they're sitting at 4-1. Would arguably be our toughest game to that point.

Let's get past Navy first.

[LU Grad 11]

Rice would be a good second round match-up; they're sitting at 4-1. Would arguably be our toughest game to that point.

Let's get past Navy first.

Obviously, and Morgan State in the first round of the showcase. Rice would have to get past Milwaukee, as well.

[olldflame]

Rice would be a good second round match-up; they're sitting at 4-1. Would arguably be our toughest game to that point.

Let's get past Navy first.

The thread is about the Bahamas Showcase. It IS permissible to discuss future matchups.

[olldflame]

Because the original venue is still being used to house people from other islands displaced by Dorian, the tourney will now be played in an actual ballroom at the BahaMar Resort.

"Intimate" Nice spin. Maybe it's just me, but that ceiling looks awfully low. Seating won't be an issue. Crowds are always sparse for these things, except for maybe the big ones in Hawaii.

In looking at my options, I decided going to the tourney was not a wise use of my resources. Since I actually have a view of the Caribbean from my front door, the beach and weather don't mean a lot to me. I would have been going for the basketball. I'm excited about (weather permitting) going to see the Vanderbilt game on the 14th, which is a 5 hour drive from my sister's house, where I will be spending 3 weeks over the holidays. It will be the first Liberty game of any sport I have seen in person in years.

[Jonathan Carone]

That drop ceiling has to come out, right?

[thepostman]

I would think. The picture was taken in a way that makes the ceiling looked lower than it is, but I still think it is too low.

[Cider Jim]

If the drop ceiling comes out, wouldn't you lose most of your lighting. This sounds like a problem for Ballcoach and his sources to figure out.

[olldflame]

That drop ceiling has to come out, right?

Not sure if that's possible, but if it is, I would think they would have done it BEFORE laying the basketball floor. They will have to have some "ground rules" for what happens if a ball hits the ceiling.

[flamehunter]

Looking at the door frames on the far wall I estimate that ceiling to be about 18-20 ft high tops. That's pretty low. I honestly think it's more like 16 ft.

[thepostman]

Here is an updated photo. It's super low.

[Jonathan Carone]

Am I wrong to think this tournament looks and feels like a joke now?

[olldflame]

Am I wrong to think this tournament looks and feels like a joke now?

The field is certainly no joke. The venue situation is unfortunate, but it was out the organizer's control. I highly doubt the resort would have agreed to temporarily house the hurricane victims staying at the original venue so the games could be played there.

[Jonathan Carone]

I know the field isn’t a joke. The venue just makes it feel illegitimate. I get the reason for it and totally understand, but it’s all but guaranteed some weird bounce off the ceiling is going to mess up at least one game. And who knows what it’ll be like to shoot in there.

I guess what I’m most bummed about is this was going to be some really good basketball and now it feels like that’ll be taken away because of the venue.

[Cider Jim]

There's no way that ceiling is high enough to shoot a 3-ball or maybe even a three throw.

[Kricket]

I know the field isn’t a joke. The venue just makes it feel illegitimate. I get the reason for it and totally understand, but it’s all but guaranteed some weird bounce off the ceiling is going to mess up at least one game. And who knows what it’ll be like to shoot in there.

I guess what I’m most bummed about is this was going to be some really good basketball and now it feels like that’ll be taken away because of the venue.

Agreed. There's gotta be a better option than that you'd think.

[LU 57]

A local HS or athletic club would be better. Shoot, setting up the floor in a parking lot might be better.