Tournament Suggestions Requested

[Daniel Morris]

The last time I posted this, it mysteriously disappeared and no one knows why, so I am posting it again.

As MCLA National Tournment Director, I am solicting innovative, creative, and thoughtful ideas to make this year's championships the best we have seen. I am looking for suggestions that will create an unforgettable experience, both on and off the field, and will set a new standard for collegiate competition. Considering this is our first year as the MCLA, we have a lot to prove and there are many people out there expecting us to fall on our faces. So take this seriously, I know we all are, but don't limit your imaginations.

Note: the tournament will be in the Dallas area. Field location is still being finalized. The WDIA will be in Denver, so there will not be any competition for resources.

Two conditions:
1. We already know we need better fields, more bathrooms, etc. I am looking for unique ideas, such as Sonny's radio broadcast or the inclusion of Kyle Harrison's halftime clinic, that will generate excitement in the area and bring something special to the festivities, without turning the week into a carnival.

2. Don't disparage previous years' tournaments without offering up good ideas of your own. It is very easy to knock something, but to come up with your own suggestions isn't. If you are using an example from the previous years to illustrate a point, that is acceptable.

Thanks everyone. As you all know, we have a dedicated and passionate fanbase on these forums. By putting our minds together, we can accomplish something truly special this year.

Good luck!

[Sonny]

Sorry about that Dan.

Here is a suggestion: Stage the Two Men's Finals (A & B) back to back in the main stadium with about 60 or 75 minutes in between the two games. Have a rock band lined up to play in between the two games to keep the crowd entertained. Start the Div. B game at like 5pm and the A game at like 8pm.

[Daniel Morris]

No problem Sonny, it must have been a glitch. If it happens again, I boycott the site.

Like the idea. Definitely want the games back-to-back now that we don't have to schedule in the women's finals.

One question, during the 60-75 minutes when the band would be playing, would the other teams be warming up? Or warmup after the band finishes? Most teams want about 45 minutes of warm-up at least.

[Beta]

Is it possible to include some of the "bigger" local high school teams? Like a midday game b/w 2 rivals? It could generate a buzz in the area...and in turn those teams could bring attention to themselves as well. Would be a recruiting boost as well for everyone, and boost sales all around.

[Daniel Morris]

Another good idea. We have had some luck with that on the local level, including a youth game inbetween our PCLL Div A & B championships brought us more spectators and provided a family atmosphere.

Something I will definitely inquire about.

[CyLaxKeeper00]

zz top is a texas band

[Sonny]

No problem Sonny, it must have been a glitch. If it happens again, I boycott the site.

Like the idea. Definitely want the games back-to-back now that we don't have to schedule in the women's finals.

One question, during the 60-75 minutes when the band would be playing, would the other teams be warming up? Or warmup after the band finishes? Most teams want about 45 minutes of warm-up at least.

I've heard that some facilities have alternate staging areas. The band could be set up somewhere else (off the main field).

[CATLAX MAN]

Now that the women are in a different location, I would suggest that the games start earlier. Having attended when championship games were in the late afternoon and also in the evening, I know my preference was to have them earlier. One thing that I noticed in St. Louis was that a good percentage of the players on the teams out of the last day stuck around for the afternoon championship game. I can't say the same was true when the game was in the evening.

[bste_lax]

Is it possible to include some of the "bigger" local high school teams? Like a midday game b/w 2 rivals? It could generate a buzz in the area...and in turn those teams could bring attention to themselves as well. Would be a recruiting boost as well for everyone, and boost sales all around.

I don't know if that would fully work as Texas High Schools are ending right around that same week if my memory serves me correctly. Also, the State Finals/Semifinals might be going on at that time or already over with.

[mholtz]

I remember this post from earlier, and replying to it... hmm... I wonder where it went.

Anyhow..

One big key to making this work is to get more people out there. The MSU vs UofM game has seen nearly 5000 people in 2 of the last 3 years(20 degrees and 5" of snow the other year).

One key is having a youth through high-school "jamboree" that leads up to the final game. This builds in an automaticly interested crowd.

[laxfan25]

Is it possible to include some of the "bigger" local high school teams? Like a midday game b/w 2 rivals? It could generate a buzz in the area...and in turn those teams could bring attention to themselves as well. Would be a recruiting boost as well for everyone, and boost sales all around.

I don't know if that would fully work as Texas High Schools are ending right around that same week if my memory serves me correctly. Also, the State Finals/Semifinals might be going on at that time or already over with.

Why not try to have the State finals at the same location on the same day?
Also, for a band you could bring in Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys!

[Beta]

Is it possible to include some of the "bigger" local high school teams? Like a midday game b/w 2 rivals? It could generate a buzz in the area...and in turn those teams could bring attention to themselves as well. Would be a recruiting boost as well for everyone, and boost sales all around.

I don't know if that would fully work as Texas High Schools are ending right around that same week if my memory serves me correctly. Also, the State Finals/Semifinals might be going on at that time or already over with.

Why not try to have the State finals at the same location on the same day?
Also, for a band you could bring in Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys!

Perhaps a high school all star game then? We did one of those for high school hockey before an NHL game. It was pretty cool and a TON of people showed up and stayed for the game afterwards. Prolly bought a lotta stuff too...hmm...

[Daniel Morris]

These are great ideas, keep'em rolling guys!

[OAKS]

Spring Football? We'd pack the stadium then.

[Beta]

Spring Football? We'd pack the stadium then.

Eh...not sure of the Texas rules but in GA that'd violate an offseason rule of "no touch". Conditioning is ok...but remember this fall league how coaches really weren't supposed to have contact for games?

Back to the all-star game, I think an all-star game would be great. Maybe a 3+ team high school regional all star "team tourny" (I dont know anything about Texas lacrosse) North Tex vs South Tex, East Tex vs West Tex, North Tex vs. East Tex, etc etc. Or bring in out of state high school teams.

1) Brings more people...a lot of people. 2, 20 man teams plus parents, plus siblings/family, plus friends and friends of friends. n turn, means more money for concessions, MCLA merch (hint hint Sonny), team merchandise, lacrosse vendors too.
2) The kids would love it, playing at a big venue in front of college guys and people.
3) Help the perception of ugh...the dreaded c-l-u-b word with some viewing of good lacrosse. Perhaps help Texas' in-state recruiting by drawing away kids that would normally go to small schools out of state for lacrosse (parent's would thank you on that one too )

HUGE
4) Fill the stands for our games. More fans = more fun. Im sure the hotels in the area wouldn't mind as much either.