Tickets---anyone who bought off a secondary market the week leading up to the games got ripped off. I saw tickets going for $40 a little before session 1 and before session 2, I overheard someone say....'I may not even be able to give these away'. That said, 'scum-bag' scalpers from other cities were obviously trying to feast off the new event here in Des Moines. The secondary market was over-saturated. You could pick the non-local 'scalpers' out of the crowd.
Approximately 50% of those attending seemed to be 'locals', or at least from Iowa. Of those, it seemed evenly split between Iowa and ISU based upon attire. Saw 2 UNI fans and 1 Drake fan, FWIW.
Kansas had the most fans amongst the competing schools, probably by a 10-1 margin. Kentucky was next, then probably Indiana. Stony Brook seemed to bring a lot of people, or maybe others were cheering for them as they seemed loud. Austin Peay and UT Chattanooga had a few folks. From there, CU and UConn basically had 'friends and family' attending and that was about it.
Empty seats---again, this seems to common here in Des Moines as well (See first comment above, as they could be related). First NCAA game in the history of the city and game 1 had a 1/2 empty arena until mid-way through the 1st half. I don't think at any point were seats 90% occupied during any particular game.
Game-updates. The ribbon showing other scores of other NCAA games was about 20 minutes behind and didn't provide any time left in the half/game. Just stated 1st or 2nd half. Anyway, Internet access was spotty, so it was tough to follow real-time scores of other games. Not sure who was controlling the scoring updates, but sloooooooow.
Concessions. TERRIBLE experience, to say the least. WF arena staffing was un-prepared for the number of people attempting to purchase food. Note to Global Spectrum, the guy or gal taking your money shouldn't have to walk and get your order for you. One person taking the money, one person as the gopher it works everyone where else. Long lines, frustrated customers and poor food (cold).
Restrooms----no sure who designed WF arena. 3 ladies restrooms on the upper level and 2 mens, one of which had 2 urinals and 3 stools. Thankfully beer wasn't being sold or I would still be in line.
Fan Experience. Eh----it wasn't what I was expecting. While 3 of the 4 games were blow-outs, the crowds never got excessively loud, nor did the average spectator seemed to be energized by nice plays, dunks, etc. Just kind of ho-hum experience.
Approximately 50% of those attending seemed to be 'locals', or at least from Iowa. Of those, it seemed evenly split between Iowa and ISU based upon attire. Saw 2 UNI fans and 1 Drake fan, FWIW.
Kansas had the most fans amongst the competing schools, probably by a 10-1 margin. Kentucky was next, then probably Indiana. Stony Brook seemed to bring a lot of people, or maybe others were cheering for them as they seemed loud. Austin Peay and UT Chattanooga had a few folks. From there, CU and UConn basically had 'friends and family' attending and that was about it.
Empty seats---again, this seems to common here in Des Moines as well (See first comment above, as they could be related). First NCAA game in the history of the city and game 1 had a 1/2 empty arena until mid-way through the 1st half. I don't think at any point were seats 90% occupied during any particular game.
Game-updates. The ribbon showing other scores of other NCAA games was about 20 minutes behind and didn't provide any time left in the half/game. Just stated 1st or 2nd half. Anyway, Internet access was spotty, so it was tough to follow real-time scores of other games. Not sure who was controlling the scoring updates, but sloooooooow.
Concessions. TERRIBLE experience, to say the least. WF arena staffing was un-prepared for the number of people attempting to purchase food. Note to Global Spectrum, the guy or gal taking your money shouldn't have to walk and get your order for you. One person taking the money, one person as the gopher it works everyone where else. Long lines, frustrated customers and poor food (cold).
Restrooms----no sure who designed WF arena. 3 ladies restrooms on the upper level and 2 mens, one of which had 2 urinals and 3 stools. Thankfully beer wasn't being sold or I would still be in line.
Fan Experience. Eh----it wasn't what I was expecting. While 3 of the 4 games were blow-outs, the crowds never got excessively loud, nor did the average spectator seemed to be energized by nice plays, dunks, etc. Just kind of ho-hum experience.
