Why do UK fans like the SEC tourney so much?

[cardkilla]

This is the best explanation I've seen. I'd quibble with the "getting tickets to rump is hard" point (I disagree, especially if you don't care where you sit), but the rest of it makes perfect sense.

Question - why not go to the first weekend of the NCAAT instead?

I will second this. As an 'old timer' (hitting 50 this month) the SEC tournament was a chance to watch the Cats in a jacked up (non blue hairs) environment in a city that was inundated by UK fans. I got to go one year in Atlanta and its still one of my most cherished UK memories (and that includes my trip to the FF/Championship in 2012). Maybe it doesn't make sense in this new era of expansion and a higher number of games but it is an experience that I believe helped UK create a nationwide fanbase unparalleled in the sport

 

[michaeluk26]

I will second this. As an 'old timer' (hitting 50 this month) the SEC tournament was a chance to watch the Cats in a jacked up (non blue hairs) environment in a city that was inundated by UK fans. I got to go one year in Atlanta and its still one of my most cherished UK memories (and that includes my trip to the FF/Championship in 2012). Maybe it doesn't make sense in this new era of expansion and a higher number of games but it is an experience that I believe helped UK create a nationwide fanbase unparalleled in the sport

Did OSU fans, who we knocked out in the S16 when they were overall #1 seed the year prior, along with KU and Louisville fans, join together in cheering against us in the final four? And out of 100, what % did UK fans makeup in the actual arena? I'm genuinely very curious.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

Did OSU fans, who we knocked out in the S16 when they were overall #1 seed the year prior, along with KU and Louisville fans, join together in cheering against us in the final four? And out of 100, what % did UK fans makeup in the actual arena? I'm genuinely very curious.

They absolutely did. It's the same at the SEC. All the other schools go against UK. You will find a few that don't. But the overwhelming majority pull for whomever is playing UK. The FF is a different crowd than other tournament games and far different than the SEC.

But UK will still have close to half the crowd at the FF whenever in it. In Indy in 2015 we somehow ended up in the coaches section. All the coaches from around the country and administrators. The Alabama AD sat right in front of us. They all seemed to watch the game like they were scouting it. If they cared if UK or Wisc won they didn't show it.

FF crowds are more like super bowl crowds. The game is almost secondary.

 

[Blue_2_the_bone]

It’s an excuse to party and watch basketball.

 

[michaeluk26]

They absolutely did. It's the same at the SEC. All the other schools go against UK. You will find a few that don't. But the overwhelming majority pull for whomever is playing UK. The FF is a different crowd than other tournament games and far different than the SEC.

But UK will still have close to half the crowd at the FF whenever in it. In Indy in 2015 we somehow ended up in the coaches section. All the coaches from around the country and administrators. The Alabama AD sat right in front of us. They all seemed to watch the game like they were scouting it. If they cared if UK or Wisc won they didn't show it.

FF crowds are more like super bowl crowds. The game is almost secondary.

Wow, I had no idea honestly. I've never been to a final four but thank you for the info about how the crowds are. Also sorry you had to witness that in person, I'd of gotten arrested if I was there. I remember seeing the red color scheme on the court and immediately got a sick feeling. But thanks again UKbb4ever, it's appreciated.

 

[LmdCat]

I'll probably be tarred and feathered for this, but I hate the SEC tournament. I watch it, and root for UK to win it, but it has always puzzled me as to why UK fans worship it.

It's a meaningless money grab by our greedy conference. The committee has shown us time and again that the results don't matter, especially on Sunday.

I would much rather attend NCAA tourney games, as each and every one is hugely meaningful. I know the SECT is a good chance to party in a cool town for 2-4 days, but otherwise, I don't get it.

Cal, you still haven't figured it out?

 

[backinky2018]

I think the vast majority would rather go to the NCAAT, but that’s easier said than done. Where/when you are playing doesn’t get announced until the Sunday before, then you have to scramble to buy tickets, accommodations, travel, etc. Unless you are the run away top seed, it’s all up in the air and prices can be high.

Compare that to a set location that people can plan for well in advance and it’s not shocking many use that as their opportunity to see the Cats.

I understand this sentiment but it's not usually the case. It's true that trips to the final four are VERY expensive. But, I've found that trips to the second weekend are usually very reasonable. UK is almost always playing in the eastern half of the country, tickets are usually not horrible. First and second round games are similarly decent unless UK is playing in Louisville or Nashville (check out the get in prices in Milwaukee this weekend, hotel prices decent, etc).

Also, hotel rates and ticket prices in Nashville are INSANE now, so it seems like the idea of the SECT being affordable is a thing of the past. It is true, however, that with the SECT, one can plan and make reservations far In advance.

 

[Deli owl]

Pretty simple. People like more basketball games, not less.

 

[Horhay961]

I've never been to the SEC tournament and have only been to Rupp once for a game. So to me, it's not about the accessibility of getting to go to the games. To me it's more of a measure of where we are just before the big tournament. To me, if a team can't at least make a run to the SEC championship then they don't have a real chance in making a run in the NCAA. So, it's exciting to see where we're at just before the big dance.