Before we jump into CIS Nationals chat, as previously mentioned, Howard Tsumura from the Vancouver Province does an unbelievable job covering CIS basketball and he's at it again. One of the limitations of CIS coverage across the country in general that I found is the lack of pre-game articles that set the stage and generate interest. Howard addresses this with the following articles previewing some of this weekend's action in Canada West in Victoria and Vancouver.
Trinity Western at UVic Preview Trinity Men Await Starters Pistol
Simon Fraser / UBC home-and-home preview Paint Crashers to Miss Hoops Party
Clan, Birds Ready to Renew Rivalry (Women's Games)
For other game previews Click here
A couple of interesting items that I'd like to share with you that involve the CIS Nationals. First off, as of today 6,200 tickets have been sold and only 2 private boxes on the lower level remain for the inaugural Capital Hoops Classic at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007 when cross-town rivals Carleton Ravens and Ottawa Gee-Gees meet for the first time. All prime seating in the first two bowls is sold (third level bowl will be closed at this point). With the expected heavy promotion for this game not yet started, conservative estimates have 7,000 or more fans attending, a tremendous number for this first event. Organizers wisely teamed with the strong sales and marketing team at Scotiabank Place to push this event and the numbers speak for themselves. Ottawa Senator season ticket holders had the option of purchasing tickets with their plan and likely this had something to do with the large numbers to date however expect large numbers of students to make the trip out to Kanata for this game, which organizers will use as a dry run for hosting the event at the end of next season.
The debate on the CIS accepting Carleton's bid with an automatic entry for the host Ravens continues (don't blame Carleton) however without question these early numbers auger well for CIS basketball. Many are sorry to see the Nationals not in Halifax because of how Atlantic Canada culturally embraces the event and CIS basketball in general but if this first step is any indicator, Carleton and the City of Ottawa will do a splendid job as well. The encouraging gate numbers for January 23rd are the first step in ensuring that gate, sponsorship and other ancillary revenues will cover and exceed the seemingly large costs put into Carleton's bid and help CIS basketball grow to a more prominent place on Canada's sporting landscape.
Congratulations and continued success to the organizers of this game and the Nationals.
On another note, here is an article by Chris Cochrane from the Halifax Chronicle-Herald quoting Phil Currie regarding this year's tournament in Halifax and looking at future years Currie's case is a valid one
Good News for Mac Marauders as two potentially key players are added to their roster for the second half, adding much needed depth. Once again, Larry Moko from the Hamilton Spectator details and much thanks to John Willock, CIS bball enthusiast for pointing out this article to us today. Mac adds Lokmanis and welcomes DeCosta
An article on Mac's new Athletic Facility here
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