Nebraska vs Oregon BB (December 15, 2007)

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 12:37 pm

Nebraska vs Oregon BB (December 15, 2007)

Looks like they are getting close to moving the Home Basketaball game with the Ducks to Omaha and the Qwest center next season. The article goes on to say that Doc would like to see 1 or 2 games a year played in Omaha. I for on with one of the games was a game with Creighton EVERY year in OMAHA and LINCOLN. I hope the talk that is simmoring on that can take hold and this can be a two game / year series all the time.

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=38&u_sid=2311994

LINCOLN - Nebraska is close to finalizing a deal to meet Oregon in basketball at Qwest Center Omaha next season, and coach Doc Sadler said he hopes that's not the only time the Huskers play in the state's largest city.

Sadler said he would be interested in one or two games a season in Omaha if dates could be arranged.

Roger Dixon, president of the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, said Thursday he, too, is interested.

Dixon said MECA has talked with NU Athletic Director Steve Pederson, as well as with officials from the arena's regular winter tenants - Creighton basketball and University of Nebraska at Omaha hockey.

With a goal of trying to get the Big 12 men's and women's basketball tournaments in Omaha, Dixon said, a Nebraska appearance at the Qwest Center makes sense.

"We need UNL's help on attracting the Big 12," he said. "We want to help them. And they've got to help us.

"Our primary concern is that UNO and Creighton have their selected dates, and then work with UNL as well."

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 5:46 pm

I would definitely go to this game.

Greg

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:27 pm

I think with the current state of both programs, a home-and-home makes sense. Hopefully, that's the only complaint from the Hilltop on this game.

OmahaJaysCU · Post by **OmahaJaysCU** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 9:16 pm

Many Jays fans seem upset about this. I'm really not, as long as they are happy playing on our Jays logo at center court.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 9:43 pm

I'm sure the game will at least be regionally televised (I think it was nationally this year on Fox Sports Net) and the Jays logo will be on TV. Plus it will be great to have another 15,000 people spending money at Qwest and Downtown.

Greg

OmahaJaysCU · Post by **OmahaJaysCU** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 10:10 pm

Oh, and this better not screw over Creighton scheduling wise, meaning we should get the first call at scheduling dates. Still, not as big of deal for Creighton as people keep wanting everyone to believe, its a city owned arena, not an on campus arena, why not.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 11:21 pm

This is complete and utter |expletive|. unl has there own dump of an arena to play in. Why do they need to play in the Qwest Center? What makes them think they can play more than one game there? That's all we |expletive| need is to have |expletive| unl playing in the Qwest Center for everyone on tv to see. It's Creighton's home court. Why don't the Royals go play a few games in Memorial Stadium? Why don't I start taking a dump at the Governor's Mansion?

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 2:55 am

Why do they need to play in the Qwest Center?

With a goal of trying to get the Big 12 men's and women's basketball tournaments in Omaha, Dixon said, a Nebraska appearance at the Qwest Center makes sense.

"We need UNL's help on attracting the Big 12," he said. "We want to help them. And they've got to help us.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 4:55 pm

The Royals have played at least 2 games at Haymarket Park.

I'll go see NU vs OU at Qwest.

Greg

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 5:30 pm

Uffda wrote:
Why do they need to play in the Qwest Center?

With a goal of trying to get the Big 12 men's and women's basketball tournaments in Omaha, Dixon said, a Nebraska appearance at the Qwest Center makes sense.

"We need UNL's help on attracting the Big 12," he said. "We want to help them. And they've got to help us.

We don't need |expletive| unl to play games in the Qwest Center to get the Big 12 Tournament. If the Qwest is good enough for the Olympics than it's good enough for the Big 12.

And I don't think unl and CU need to play twice a year. This year was a fluke but we'd just be beating them twice and year because they suck when CU could be playing a quality opponent.

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 5:45 pm

hey Dixon said it and he seems to more about that event stuff than you or me.

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 6:01 pm

D'Shawn, I realize your hatred of Nebraska is the real motivating factor here, but the fact is, the Qwest Center is Omaha's arena, not Creighton's... they are merely a tenant. And while I'm sure you hate the thought of it, there are FAR more Omahans who associate themselves with the Univesity of Nebraska... than Creighton. Subsequently, it shouldn't be any shock to see a few Nebraska games scheduled at the state's finest arena here in Omaha.

cp jay 07 · Post by **cp jay 07** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 8:34 pm

Why don't they just play at the Civic if they wanna play in Omaha so bad. Its going to be embarrassing to see the qwest center with about only 4000 people there.The civic will look better with the small crowd that NU will bring to Omaha. Cu averages about 14000 a night and nu averages about 4000 a night.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 8:41 pm

They're are football fans. Not that many basketball fans. If unl needs that big of an arena to play their games in they need to build their own. If unl basketball was so damn popular more people would drive from Omaha to Lincoln for it like football. The fact is they don't and the don't even draw that well at the Devaney center.

Yes the Qwest Center may not be CU's arena but it's still their home court. I really don't think it makes a bit of difference if unl plays a few games there to attract the Big 12 Tournament. I can't remember if it was American Airlines Arena or Reunion Arena in Dallas but neither one has a Big 12 tenant. Neither do the Ford Center in OKC, or Kemper or the Sprint Center in KC but they've all hosted the tournament. It's Dixon's job to say things like that.

OmahaJaysCU · Post by **OmahaJaysCU** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:51 pm

DTO, I hate Nebraska just as much as you do, but honestly is this going to matter that much? Let them do what they want. It is a public facility. If this was an on-campus arena I'd be upset, but its not. There is no harm done in this, they will use a different locker room, they will be playing our court, our basketball banners will be hanging, our jerseys will still be hanging in the club room, and most importantly, there will be barely anyone there to witness the game, so what difference does it make?

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:58 pm

The vast majority of those attending Creighton games... are Omahans who want to see good basketball... and have climbed onto the Creighton bandwagon (including many Nebraska fans, such as myself)... which is very easy to do given the success which Dana has brought. Creighton basketball is Omaha's alternative to professional basketball. Be happy that Creighton has brought a big time game atmosphere to the Qwest Center. But don't ever take for granted the fact that one man has made this possible... and as quickly as it has come, it could disappear.

When Nebraska comes to Omaha, to play a major conference team like Oregon, Omahans will once again fill the Qwest Center, because there are more University of Nebraska fans HERE than the rest of Nebraska combined, the games proximity to them, and a new exciting brand of basketball which Doc Sadler has brought to the Huskers.

Do Nebraska fans (like most collegiate fans) want to follow teams that win? You bet. But you need only look as far as the Nebraska volleyball games at the Qwest Center, and the Nebraska baseball games at Rosenblatt (where Creighton fans are outnumbered by at least 5 to 1)... to see what the potential is.

At a minimum... be happy that these games in Omaha present the opportunity for more restaurant/retail/tax revenue for Omaha.

Post by **Brad** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:59 pm

DTO, I really think the people that should be most upset are Husker fans. They have to go play on someone elses court to help get their program going. Omaha people should just be happy the The Qwect Center is such a success that people want to come to Omaha to play their home games there. The court is still going to be blue and still say Creighton and still say Omaha.

flyOMA · Post by **flyOMA** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 3:03 am

I hate UNL as much as any Creighton fan, but have no problem with this game. I think it will be hilarious to see NU play in a 1/4 full Qwest Center. Plus, it will be fun watching them lose twice there next year. ;)

It is true (sadly) that the majority of Omahan's associate themselves with UNL instead of Creighton, but not when it comes to basketball. How many people are truly Husker basketball fans? It's almost funny saying those words, really...

custudent · Post by **custudent** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 4:09 am

Creighton isn't "just a tenant", they are the tenant that has consistently been bringing in 12k, then 13k, now 15-16k a night and all the ticket taxes, parking fees, concession revenue and other profits that brings in. Not to mention, the national attention, TV appearances, etc.

The success of the Qwest Center was never a sure deal and both MECA and the City were very lucky to have Creighton not only willing to move, but make the investment and commitment to put a quality, attractive and winning product on the court on a game in and game out basis.

Outside of the Creighton game, Nebraska has had a difficult time putting even moderate sized crowds in the stands this year and the idea that NU would attract a large crowd even in a one-time event is very much an open question, let alone on a 1-2 game a year basis.

It would do Dixon and MECA a lot of good not to cause undue consternation with that reliable, consistent, profitable and primary tenant. Also, you don't want to make that tenant believe you're not willing to act in good faith and give them reason to explore options for the future.

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 4:41 am

What's that supposed to mean? Creighton is going to build a 16,000 seat arena of their own? Fat chance.

UNOstudent · Post by **UNOstudent** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 6:51 am

this argument is pretty ridiculous. there are many positives that can come from nu playing oregon at the qwest

1. itll probably be a regional, if not nationally, televised game which will showcase omaha and the qwest. more tv exposure and games against teams from major conferences (the big 12 and pac 10 recently signed a deal to begin next year, similar to the acc/big 10 challenge) will also help nu with recruiting. better recruiting will produce a better product. if nu and cu can improve and maintain a high level of play itll help bring more ncaa bball tourneys to omaha. its not by coincidence that theres a tourney site in north carolina every other year.
2. nu will be able to see how nice the qwest is and use it as a model to either improve devany or if lincoln/unl build a new arena.
3. college teams play at the arena of the states largest city all the time: oklahoma had a game in okc, texas played a game in houston, arizona played a game in phoenix, california plays games at the oakland arena, uconn plays games in hartford, villanova plays games at the wachovia center, etc. maryland played a game this year at the verizon center in washington dc, which is the homecourt of georgetown. missouri played a game at the scottrade center, which is the homecourt to SLU. all these games are played in public arenas just like the qwest.....its not like the qwest is a allen fieldhouse, cameron indoor stadium, or pauley pavillion.
4. lastly its another event on the calendar thatll bring people to downtown omaha. also a few hotel rooms will have to be used by oregon players/staff and the media.

Finn · Post by **Finn** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 7:54 am

It is really ridiculous to complain about this. And the reliable, consistent, profitable and primary tenant has no other options but won't be upset by this anyway! As a Creighton alum, I give my blessing!

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:54 pm

NU vs. Oregon will put at least 14k in the Qwest Center. I'll go on record with that prediction. We can refer back to this next fall when it happens.

Greg

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 11:05 pm

Cute, but Nebraska has never given up Omaha. I mean for crying out loud, the Creighton men still have yet to outdraw the UNL volleyball team.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 11:13 pm

That's a load of |expletive|. If unl volleyball was so popular they'd have their own arena that big but guess what? It's not. Total up all of the attendance of unl volleyball and CU Basketball and you'll see which is more popular.

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 11:34 pm

I think it's funny that you take this so personally more from the standpoint of being a Nebraska hater... than a CU fan.

Don't worry, I'm sure if Creighton doesn't surpass the 17,000 mark this year, they'll do it when Nebraska comes to town next year.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 11:42 pm

If by unl you mean Wichita.

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 11:56 pm

unl volleyball was so popular they'd have their own arena

well they do their own arena something the Creighton BB team doesn't have

You just have to come to accept that the QWEST is a public facility and they can rent out the open dates to whomever they feel will make it profitable for them.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 12:01 am

They'd have their own arena the size of the Qwest Center.

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 12:14 am

For as few as 16-20 games a year? No they wouldn't... they're smarter than that.

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 1:01 am

Some of you newcomers to the Bluejay bandwagon have forgotten what it looked like when Nebraska and Creighton would play at the Civic. 6,000 Husker fans and 2,000 Jays fans made it a "Hus-Ker Home Game (clap) (clap) (clap-clap-clap)" It's great that Dana has brought Creighton up to the level that they currently are, but during the 80's and 90's, Nebraska dominated this series both on the scoreboard as well as in attendance.

OmahaJaysCU · Post by **OmahaJaysCU** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 1:13 am

Stargazer wrote:Cute, but Nebraska has never given up Omaha. I mean for crying out loud, the Creighton men still have yet to outdraw the UNL volleyball team.

That's not even fair, it was the freaking final 4, you can't tell me that if Creighton played in the final four in Omaha the place wouldn't be packed.

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 1:16 am

Oh give it up, I was just rubbing your Creighton (or at least D'Shawn's ANTI-Nebraska) noses in that number in jest.

OmahaJaysCU · Post by **OmahaJaysCU** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 1:18 am

HskrFanMike wrote:Some of you newcomers to the Bluejay bandwagon have forgotten what it looked like when Nebraska and Creighton would play at the Civic. 6,000 Husker fans and 2,000 Jays fans made it a "Hus-Ker Home Game (clap) (clap) (clap-clap-clap)" It's great that Dana has brought Creighton up to the level that they currently are, but during the 80's and 90's, Nebraska dominated this series both on the scoreboard as well as in attendance.

Trust me, no one forgets that, it honestly makes me realize how far we've come every time I hear the attendance at the Qwest. Me and my buddy always respond it WOW, because, well, we were there when it was only 1,000. We've come a long way.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 1:51 am

OmahaJaysCU wrote:
HskrFanMike wrote:Some of you newcomers to the Bluejay bandwagon have forgotten what it looked like when Nebraska and Creighton would play at the Civic. 6,000 Husker fans and 2,000 Jays fans made it a "Hus-Ker Home Game (clap) (clap) (clap-clap-clap)" It's great that Dana has brought Creighton up to the level that they currently are, but during the 80's and 90's, Nebraska dominated this series both on the scoreboard as well as in attendance.
Trust me, no one forgets that, it honestly makes me realize how far we've come every time I hear the attendance at the Qwest. Me and my buddy always respond it WOW, because, well, we were there when it was only 1,000. We've come a long way.

Well - some people here are not CU newsomers. My father graduated from CU then CU law school in the 50's. I started to attend CU games in the late 60's. NU was not even a glimpse on the horizen of opponents. WSU and Marquette - especially Marquette were the enemy. I attended a CU v Marquette game at Boystown were I met Bob Gibson for the first time in early 70. NU v CU is a recent rivalry. I watched as Larry Bird lit CU up with the long ball.

Before Dana there were many capable Coaches. Remember CU made Eddie Sutton. So don't put a CU come lately label here. Tell me. What year did Nebraska win its first game at the dance? Hmmm?

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:15 am

Coyote wrote: Tell me. What year did Nebraska win its first game at the dance? Hmmm?

VERY good question..

..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

OmahaJaysCU · Post by **OmahaJaysCU** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:55 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote:
Coyote wrote: Tell me. What year did Nebraska win its first game at the dance? Hmmm?
VERY good question..

..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

Great Question...

OmahaBen · Post by **OmahaBen** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:25 am

HskrFanMike wrote:but during the 80's and 90's, Nebraska dominated this series both on the scoreboard as well as in attendance.

And in the 60's and 70's it was the reverse, at least in terms of success and attendance - Unfortunately Nebraska didn't play Creighton at that time. Nebraska basketball still doesn't have anything close to the "Larry Bird game" in terms of mystique like Creighton does.

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:56 am

Nice.