An outstanding home facility can make all the difference in college hoops. Take Missouri, my alma mater, for example: A perfect 17-0 at home; a painfully disappointing 2-8 on the road. Ouch. And these days, facilities are more impressive than ever as they become a major weapon in the recruiting arms race.
Here's how it works: Our bracket will start with the 16 home facilities corresponding to each of the teams that make up the NCAA's Sweet Sixteen. Once the matchups are set, things are in your hands. Vote on our Facebook page for the facilities you like best. Even if the team loses on the court, their facility can still advance. Will the NCAA Champions also lay claim to the best arena in the country?
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An outstanding home facility can make all the difference in college hoops. Take Missouri, my alma mater, for example: A perfect 17-0 at home; a painfully disappointing 2-8 on the road. Ouch. And these days, facilities are more impressive than ever as they become a major weapon in the recruiting arms race.
At Athletic Business, athletic facilities are what we know best. They're the focus of our magazine. We even devote every June issue to honoring the finest ones.
As the NCAA Tournament gets under way today, we're launching AB Facility Madness, a combination of two things we love: athletic facilities and the madness of NCAA Tournament time. That's why, as the sports analysts dissect every aspect of the human-component of the Sweet 16, AB will be bringing you head-to-head matchups of each team's home arena.
Here's how it works: Our bracket will start with the 16 home facilities corresponding to each of the teams that make up the NCAA's Sweet Sixteen. Once the matchups are set, things are in your hands. Vote on our Facebook page for the facilities you like best. Even if the team loses on the court, their facility can still advance. Will the NCAA Champions also lay claim to the best arena in the country?
We've already ruled out an all-fast food matchup between KFC Yum! Center (Louisville) and Taco Bell Arena (Boise State). Maybe we'll have an all-Assembly Hall showdown (Illinois and Indiana). Are you a fan of the old-school gyms like The Pit in New Mexico? Or do you opt for the plush amenities of a newly revamped arena like Michigan's Crisler Center? The results are up to you.
AB Facility Madness tips off Monday, March 25. Check out the matchups on our website, then head over to our Facebook page and cast your vote. Join the discussion on Twitter using the #ABTourney hashtag. Finally, be sure to check back here as we post info about all the facilities and update the bracket as winners are determined. May the best facility win.
