All very good concerns and suggestions. This event offers some unique hurdles that large "individual" type tournaments don't. Some of the items below are
certainly pointing out the obvious while other constraints have to be negotiated by the event organizers. As one person pointed out, the event is dealing with "growing
pains" which, from the event organizers' perspective, is a good thing (as opposed to hosting an event that no one cares about), but we do know this causes inconveniences
for teams and fans along the way. Do know that we make every attempt each year to address issues/concerns; plan for growth; and meet the teams' needs.
* This event is unique because a balance has to be struck between fan seating and floor space for mats. Most arenas are good for fan seating but can't hold the
required number of mats. As already noted in an earlier post, we know we could put down 12 mats in some form and fashion in a large high school (but seating is limited)
We have tossed around in previous years going to a "multiple gym/site" format (which spreads the teams and fans out). Most feedback we get though is that fans, in
general, want to be able to watch all 3 classes in one venue versus having to walk to another gym or drive a mile to another building. The Indy Convention
Center was way out of our price range when we checked into it last year. We will certainly check again, but it is doubtful we could afford it.
* I think most people recognize that we try to schedule around current holiday tournaments to the best of our ability, but it is challenging to say the least. We are
tip toeing around 1)current holiday tournaments 2)Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's and 3) facility availability. The Ft. Wayne Coliseum hosts many,
many events of all kinds year round. It is next to impossible to simply say "we want THIS date" because it is likely that the facility has already been booked.
We were lucky this year that it was available on the date we were looking at. Next year will be quite tricky. Christmas Eve is on Saturday, Dec. 24 and
New Year's Eve will be on the next Saturday (Dec. 31).
* I, like others, am disappointed in how Ball State and the Coliseum handles their restroom and concessions. On multiple occasions, I specifically pointed out these
areas to both institutions. They grin, nod and say "we will have all of that covered." Then when our event and crowd hits, they seem to be overwhelmed and
ill-prepared. The IHSWCA makes no revenue off of their concessions, but we feel that these facilities should be prepared to service our crowd (but they
don't seem to be).
* We modeled this year's mat arrangement off of the Mat Mayhem from last year. If we would go back to Ft. Wayne next year, we would certainly attempt to make adjustments.
We, and the Coliseum, think we could pull it off. To my understanding, they didn't "pull out the bleachers more" this year because the Coliseum has many codes and public
safety features/distances that they must adhere to. But again, we think positive changes would be possible in that area.
We will certainly evaluate this year's event, take feedback and begin the planning process for next year's event. We think people do want to see this event happen. The
IHSWCA will do its best to research appropriate facilities, make adjustments and plan for a 5th annual event next season.
Coach McCormick