Toughest Places to Play.......

[Court Jester]

In the Big 12. It's kind of slow around here today so I thought I would get everyone's opinions on this topic from 1-12. Combine all aspects of the game such as attendance, atmosphere, history of winning there, altitude factors, etc...

Should be interesting. Of course as always, homer picks are welcome! http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif

Here's mine: (as of this year)

1. Texas Tech/United Spirit Arena--Toughest place to get a win I believe because of the 13,000 fans screaming at you, and oh, the Lady Raiders aren't bad either.

2. Kansas State/Bramlage--Another tough place to get a win. Drawing more and more fans to games.

3. Iowa State/Hilton--ahhhhh, that Hilton magic. Yes, the Cyclones are down this year but as they proved against KSU, Hilton can be a very tough place to play. Another place with great fan support.

4. Texas/Frank Erwin Center--Has anyone won in Austin this year? A lot of that has to do with the Lady Longhorns. Jody is trying to bring back that great atmosphere in Austin. Working good so far!

5. Baylor/Ferrell Center--Lady Bears are coming off a great season and are trying to capitalize on the fan support built last year.

6. Oklahoma/Lloyd Noble--Also capitalizing off a great last year. It's getting tough to win in Norman.

7. Colorado/Coors Events Center--help!......can....I ....get....some.....oxygen..... http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif

8. Missouri/Hearns--They always pull and upset or 2 up in Missou!

9. Oklahoma State/Gallagher-Iba--They will also pull of an upset on the home floor in Stillwater.

10. Nebraska/DeVanney--Cornhusker fans still support a team in the down years.

11. Texas A&M/Reed--Not to many fans there but always watch out for the Aggies in College Station (right OU?)

12. Kansas/Allen--Not many fans in the biggest of the Big 12 arenas.

[JohnHenry]

In terms of pure mojo & atmosphere, i'd say it's hands down the Ames Hilton. Tech is pretty tough, too - but United Spirit just doesn't spook you the way the Hilton does.

[swok34]

United Spirit just doesn't spook you the way the Hilton does

I've heard some of the OU players say the same thing.

[RaiderPower1]

We'll see who's spooked on Feb 19th... http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/wink.gif

Actually, the only OU game in Lubbock that I thought had a great atmosphere was in 2000 when Tech won by 2 (84-82 I think). That was a nationally televised game on ESPN2. Great game and sellout atmosphere.

The best atmosphere I have been in when watching LR basketball was during the Rutgers game this year. I thought that that was the most electrifying atmosphere I had ever experienced watching Lady Raider basketball. Still, it ain't easy to win in Lubbock no matter how "un"electrifying the opposing team thinks it is.

[swok34]

Still, it ain't easy to win in Lubbock no matter how "un"electrifying the opposing team thinks it is

I agree.....I've never been to Hilton, but just listening to those Iowa State folks cheer in Kansas City with all those organized cheers they've got going on.......puke.....especially
when you can't beat them http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/frown.gif

Because of the acoustics in Norman, I'm not sure that with loud fans, it creates the same kind of atmosphere as say a Hilton..
or even at Baylor.....I love their arena.

And, the players who told me that aren't on the court http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by swok34 (edited 02-07-2003).]

[DblT81]

In 6 and a half years of Big 12 play, Tech has lost 5 games in Lubbock.
1997-Oklahoma St @ Municipal Coliseum
1998-nada MC
1999-nada MC
2000-nada USA
2001-Texas & Oklahoma @ USA
2002-Colorado and Oklahoma @ USA
2003-

The MC was spooky.

edit: This was in the Feb. 8th Lubbock newspaper-

"Tech is 50-4 overall in games played at the United Spirit Arena and has won all nine of its games at home this season."

This means that Tech has not lost a non-conference game at the USA in 4 years.


[This message has been edited by DblT81 (edited 02-08-2003).]

[Lone Star Grizzly]

My take on this that the USA is the toughest place to play in the Big 12 and this year Manhattan is also tough.

[DblT81]

dadgummit Grizzly, I think you hit on something there. The toughest places to play might just be where the better teams are. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/wink.gif

Seems like Lloyd Noble and the Ferrell Center were awfully mean venues last season.

The Drum, er, Erwin Center, is pretty rough this year.