Stroh!!!!!!!!!

[falconfan1]

Money will not bring a big team. Only a willingness to be a part of an opening game will bring a big team. Those teams want no part of the game- without some BG connection between the parties and/or a willingness to be a part of it.

Nearly all big teams can make more money with another home game against nearly anyone. And most/nearly all head coaches do not want to be a part of this game- again without a connection somewhere or some sort of future multi game playing agreement that puts us in a very tough position.

We will work hard on this match up. But, particularly in men's basketball, many teams that you might think would be "perfect" for such a game will not return our calls. Period.

Doesn't mean we won't have a fine oppopnent. Just means that paying them to come in some way will not do it.

Go Falcons!

[BGSU33]

Does anyone know if the new arena is going to have a videoboard? I did not see one or any pictured in the basketball image for the venue:

http://bgsufalcons.com/images/2009/6/15 ... oh-700.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[i zig a zoomba]

yes there will be a video board.

[Tricky_Falcon]

Just heard Tom Izzo on the Dan Patrick Show and he said his team isn't afraid to play anyone on the road. Give him a call.

[Redwingtom]

Just heard Tom Izzo on the Dan Patrick Show and he said his team isn't afraid to play anyone on the road. Give him a call.

Doubt it will happen as the MSU AD will invoke the Jud Heathcoat clause.

[MacGuy]

I don't think over the long haul it will affect who we can schedule at home but for a one-shot deal to open a brand new arena I think we should be able to bring in a perennial top 20 team. If I recall correctly way back in the day Toledo opened Centennial Hall against the Indiana Hoosiers who were the defending national champs.

Toledo had UMass to open their renovated arena last year and Alabama at home this year, so I see no reason why BG couldn't come up with a high profile opening opponent.

[Lord_Byron]

Maybe Coach Orr can use his connections and get Syracuse.

[factman]

It seems the obvious would be to do a two for one type deal with a Michigan or OSU, so the return trip(s) would be rather inexpensive. Maybe that can't be done either!

[NWLB]

I don't think over the long haul it will affect who we can schedule at home but for a one-shot deal to open a brand new arena I think we should be able to bring in a perennial top 20 team. If I recall correctly way back in the day Toledo opened Centennial Hall against the Indiana Hoosiers who were the defending national champs.

Toledo had UMass to open their renovated arena last year and Alabama at home this year, so I see no reason why BG couldn't come up with a high profile opening opponent.

True, but Toledo has also shown a willingness to spend most anything for some of these big home games. At least in Football. Not sure about basketball.

[Falcon137]

I would love to see Dayton open the Stroh. UD played in the first game at the Doyt and BGSU played in the first game at UD Arena.

[Falcon137]

It all depends on how much money the athletic department is willing to spend on an opponent.

Money is not the issue for a "name" school coming here. Schools like, Dayton, Xavier, Butler don't take buy games to places like BG. I know Dayton pays MAC level opponents $750,000 for a buy game at UD. The only way a name school comes here is for a home and home (unlikely, considering BG going to Xavier or UD would be big $$$), or more than likely a 2 for 1 deal where BG would play 2 road games for 1 home game.

[NWLB]

To be honest, I'd rather have good games. Teams that present a challenge, but that are beatable. Not simply general blow-out fodder. Nor do I want big name teams coming in and blasting the Falcons on their own court.

[Falcon Commander]

Who was the first opponent in AA?

anyone 'exotic' ?

[Hdog]

I must admit....I'm actually getting choked up looking at the site of the Stroh going up.... looking at the OxBlue Construction Cam is worse than crack...

[falconfan1]

OSU/UM- those are schools who don't return calls. Amaker joined the Heathcoate parade when they got blown out of here and those ADs remember that stuff.

OSU will not play on a MAC floor. For a two for one or a three for one. Neutral court game like CSU at the Q inside a 2 for 1 maybe.

UT hosting UMass in the rededication opener illustrates the problem. UMass is a mid level A 10 team- not a big draw. Calipari is long gone and U Mass has no Midwest draw or allure. Alabama? It ain't football.

Now connections as noted with Coach Orr and our AD etc- that makes sense. Some one will come in- it will be fun and a great night.

But as noted a few posts above, the big guys just aren't coming in because it is an arena opening game. They will buy the extra home game vs Lipscomb before they will do that in general.

We'll be fine. But it takes two schools' ADs- with the other coach's approval- to get that contract done.

Go Falcons!