The City of Madison is attempting “sweeten the pot”, trying to entice the WIAA
Kohl Center
to keep the WIAA boys and girls basketball tournaments in Madison. With revenue’s at an estimated $9-million on the line, it would be difficult not to.
According to a report in today’s Wisconsin State Journal, UW-Madison is pursuing options to make the Kohl Center available on the WIAA’s preferred dates. Hotel’s are also said to be preparing a proposal to make the event more affordable to visitors.
Madison has played host to the boys tournament for 90 of the past 91 years and the girls event since its debut in 1976.
Green Bay’s package not only guaranteed the available dates for the tournaments at the Resch Center, they’ve also guaranteed no 2-night minimum hotel stays for fans. The city is also offering an attractive rental agreement with revenue sharing from concessions and parking.
Both cities presented proposals to the WIAA in Stevens Point last month. When Madison got wind that Green Bay’s offer appeared to be far superior, they’ve been spinning their wheels ever since, trying to come up with a competitive plan.
Coaches and players as well as some fans want the state tournament games played at the Kohl Center in Madison. But why couldn’t Madison have come to the meeting in Stevens Point with its best offer? If I’m the WIAA, I’m a little miffed at the fact that Madison walked in and offered considerably less in their proposal and now all of a sudden feel the need to sweeten the pot.
If I’m the WIAA, Madison’s new efforts had better be pretty good. I’m not sure if last month’s proposals were a 1-time deal, but it appears Green Bay really had all of their ducks in order and Madison is just trying to keep their boat afloat.