SUMG and I have been discussing the future viability of the CBI the last couple of days. From what I've been able to gather from visiting messageboards, most of the participating schools have kinda gotten into it(some more than others, but most seem pretty happy).

The few interviews I've seen with coaches were pretty complimentary(of course they have to try and sell it to their people).

The attendance in the 1st round was only 3812, so with that 60K guarantee from hos schools that is rough. The second round average was up to 5433(making to tourney avg 4352) - so unless the average ticket is about 12 bucks a head these schools probably aren't making much money(unless they make a killing on concessions).

I'm sure Gazelle is doing okay with the guaranteees and the TV deal(even though I bet it is just a share of commercial revenue). Still, it's probably gonna be finacially viable.

Oh, I like how 3 of the last 4 schools are from the non power leagues.

Further opinions?

Think about the cost (if you lose $$) as great advertising for your school.

In the Dallas and Ft. Worth papers.....the CBI is being given equal coverage...as the NIT.

That's a lot of coverage nationwide...for these CBI participating schools.

Also...Courtland....you've kept up with this more than I have---but some schools have hosted more than 1 game. Tulsa....has hosted 2....maybe 3...right?

So...I think if a school like that, thinks it's worthwhile...after hosting one...to host others.....that's the way we should look at it too.

Bradley hosted 2 times. Tulsa & Virginia are hosting their 3rd tonight.

I'm currently watching the NIT quarterfinal...but one of the guys on the UVA board posted a _link_ to the CBI for free...so I've watched a few minutes of FCS's coverage.

Bradley vs Tulsa in the CBI Championship series.

Tulsa had a great crowd tonight...I'll have to wait to see how many in the box score, but it looked like a full gym. And it was LOUD and into the game.

Tulsa has Homecourt advantage in the Best of 3. I'll be interested to see how a short series works in college....never had one before.

Tulsa won the series 2 games to 1.

http://tulsa.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=794100

Sounds to me like it'll probably be back next year.

I watched parts of all 3 games in the Championship series. Sorta reminded me of Mid-Major conference finals with nutso crowds. Both Bradley and Tulsa's fans brought it big time.

Here's some pictures.

http://tulsahurricane.cstv.com/view.gal?id=26642&template=p_layer__gallery

_link_ won't work on here because all the extra characters this site uses.

ugh.......I hate that. Hopefully it will be fixed in the next fireboard update.