By David Thompson
Basketball and Las Vegas. Okay, while the two may not be as synonymous as Las Vegas and gambling or basketball and Hoosiers, they fit pretty well together. The truth is Las Vegas has been making a big push to add basketball to its long list of entertainers, and that happened when Las Vegas played host to the WCC Championships held March 6-9 at the Orleans Arena.
While some questioned the decision to move the tournament to the "City of Sin," there are three main reasons why the relationship between the West Coast Conference and Las Vegas works.
Neutrality
Following San Diego's run last year, people knew that neutrality was key in terms of where the tournament was held. The Toreros ended up winning both the men's and women's conference tournaments last year even though neither was seeded in the top two of the conference. A neutral site provides an equal chance for all schools to do their best. The Big East has had their conference tournament at Madison Square Garden for years, and there have been few complaints concerning home court advantage. The Big Ten has announced that it will move the conference tournament to a neutral site next season.
In terms of Las Vegas as that neutral site, it makes sense. Geographically it is quite closer to the California schools, but that did not have an influence on the tournament as about 85 percent of all the fans were Gonzaga fans. If you look at other cities that may be a host you have Reno, Boise, or Salt Lake City. Out of all of those, Las Vegas is by far the only logical choice in terms of a host.
Destination Spot.
It's not a question that Jamie Zaninovich, the commissioner of the WCC, saw an opportunity to take the WCC Championships to a place where people actually wanted to go. Yes, every eight years the tournament would be in San Diego or the Bay Area, but it would also be in Spokane every eight years. I'm sorry but Spokane is not a desirable spring break destination. It is kind of nice to leave the gloomy confines of the Pacific Northwest for the sunny, warm air of Las Vegas.
On top of that, Las Vegas appeals to the old and young. If your team loses in the first round, you can stay and enjoy all of the pleasures that Las Vegas has to offer. Either the number of shows or the tables and clubs, Las Vegas is truly America's playground.
Exposure.
The main reason that the WCC moved from a rotating host to a neutral site was definitely exposure. Coming off one of the most successful years for the WCC where three men's teams made it to the big dance, exposure was key. Tournament games were featured on ESPN and ESPN2. Basketball legends such as P.J. Carlisimo, Doug Christie and Pat Riley were all in attendance. Sports writers from all over the west were there to see the tournament. I even sat next to a number of NBA scouts and agents who were there to watch some key players.
While a lot of exposure came from such storylines as Patty Mills' wrist and Gonzaga's attempt at perfection, the city added the celebrity, the hype and the ambiance that tied it all together.
Overall, the decision to move the tournament to a natural site is a great one, and Las Vegas is a great venue with a lot to offer to everyone from a dedicated sports fan to a casual observer.
