Bear Down Wildcats

Who's going?

Tix on pre-sale now via: https://www.axs.com/events/344417/2018- ... aaa2606cdd" target="_blank

code to get access: MBBT2018

I'm staying at Monte Carlo for the first time, as it seemed the easiest access to the arena. Anyone stayed there before?

I will be there. Stayed at MC last yr and it was fine. We will be staying again, and Im pretty stoked like always.

We're in. Been going every year since it moved to Vegas and can't recommend it enough to anyone who hasn't been, yet. Went with Aria this time as a buddy was able to get a really good deal for us. Haven't stayed at Monte Carlo. Understand their pool/outdoor area is under renovation and may not be open by the spring if that sort of thing matters, but have heard it's as good or better than NYNY or MGM otherwise.

I chose it strictly for the access to the arena. Stayed at Mandalay last year and it was a bit of a hike to the arena especially with all the fans congregating on the one entrance. I hated that it took forever to get inside. Hopefully they look at that this year and make access easier, but I doubt it considering what Vegas has been dealing with.

Yeah, that's going to be interesting. Didn't have the congestion issues last year getting into T-Mobile, really...we came at it from the east side main plaza area so maybe that's the difference. Might have to shave a beer off the pre-game routine so's not to miss any action.

Lots of construction going on inside the Monte Carlo. Being rebranded to The Park MGM by the end of next year. If all the construction doesn't bother you then either that or NYNY are the two best hotels to stay at.

Getting into the arena takes some time with what went on here. I've been to a hockey game at the T-Mobile and it did take some time. They have the X-ray scanners outside the arena and then once inside they have someone with a hand scan scanning you again. Then they have the ticket takers. Took about 20-25 minutes to get in.

I'm not sure how it'll be for the tournament but for the hockey games, NYNY, Monte Carlo, Aria, and now Excalibur and the MGM charged event prices for parking. Also, if anyone wants to get out of the normal parking fees, get an mLife credit card. It automatically bumps you up a tier level and you get free parking.

And if anyone wants a Friends & Family discount for some of the hotels, send me a PM.

Also, if you know if you're going for sure, might want to get your hotel rooms soon. Last year it was the same weekend as NASCAR and hotel prices were insane. They haven't come out with next years NASCAR schedule yet but it could be the same weekend again.

VegasCatFan always with the hookup. Much appreciated brutha...

I'm going but I'll get tickets from resale market. Did that last year (first time in Vegas) and it was great. Not sure where we're staying yet, possibly Excalibur. I keep seeing "Days Inn At Wild Wild West Gambling Hall" pop up, has anyone ever heard of it or been there? Dirt cheap, across I-15 from T-Mobile (but appears to be same walking distance as Monte Carlo, Excalibur, etc).

prh wrote:I'm going but I'll get tickets from resale market. Did that last year (first time in Vegas) and it was great. Not sure where we're staying yet, possibly Excalibur. I keep seeing "Days Inn At Wild Wild West Gambling Hall" pop up, has anyone ever heard of it or been there? Dirt cheap, across I-15 from T-Mobile (but appears to be same walking distance as Monte Carlo, Excalibur, etc).

The Wild Wild West is kind of dumpy. Rooms are cheap but you get what you pay for. It's about a half mile to the T-Mobile. I think it's used by a lot of truckers as there's a lot for semis right next to it.

prh wrote:I'm going but I'll get tickets from resale market. Did that last year (first time in Vegas) and it was great.

Planning on the same. How good of seats did you get and how much?

Jefe wrote:

prh wrote:I'm going but I'll get tickets from resale market. Did that last year (first time in Vegas) and it was great.

Planning on the same. How good of seats did you get and how much?

Went to semis (both games one session): top level, off-center baseline, 3rd row (sec 212 row C if you want to look)-- 2 seats for 180 (total incl fees)
Championship: top level, center court, 2nd row-- 2 seats, approx 150 total (buddy purchased so just an estimate)

One thing to remember is that since T-Mo is a hockey arena, the seating goes straight up, so the upper level is much closer to the court than it is at most places (including McKale). The first 4 rows on the top level are actually pretty nice seats for the price.

We tracked Seatgeek, StubHub, and Vivid the day of the games, watching prices steadily decline until about 90 minutes beforehand. I know in the past, a lot of people have bought all session passes off people leaving when their teams lose. I'm not sure if that's still a thing, but others here could probably answer that. I'd love to hear more tricks to this, since last year was my first time, and we were in town for a bachelor party and just decided to go to games. This year we are planning on going back just for the tourney fun.

Perfect, how full was it? Did you try and scoot down to better seats? I've done that for tons of Sun games.

I've talked to people that bought seats pretty cheap through Craigslist too.

Jefe wrote:Perfect, how full was it? Did you try and scoot down to better seats? I've done that for tons of Sun games.

Totally packed both nights. If I remember correctly (anyone care to help out...?), semis were nearly completely full and the championship was damn close. Didn't try to move down, because we'd have to go in a different entry on a different (lower) level, and I think they had ushers to check tickets just like pro events. Not like the tourneys of old. And being right at the front up top, it just wasn't worth the effort. It really is great views where we were. (Btw, with the resale market, there was a pretty big pricing gap between upper level and lower level. Upper level rows A-D provide awesome value.

It was very full Thrs-Sate and since they offer you upgrades when you enter the arena, they are extra mindful to ensure that you have the correct ticket or bought the upgrade. Wednesday is probably another story. But you would have to ask a Tempe State fan about that.

Ok...so 3 weeks from Thursday...am I allowed to get excited?

Also is it bad if my seats are in the Stanford section?

Olsondogg wrote:Ok...so 3 weeks from Thursday...am I allowed to get excited?

Also is it bad if my seats are in the Stanford section?

Those nerds aren't showing up in Vegas.

Might be the most competitive tourney to date. That Thursday set of games might be a bit wild as there should be some good matchups

I feel like after a down year in terms of the performance vs expectations this ESPN trash has united and energized the team and fanbase. If Trier can come back, I would hate to be any team going against the Cats

I take no responsibilities for my actions in that arena.

Olsondogg wrote:I take no responsibilities for my actions in that arena.

I will have your back.

I don’t know where the pre-game activity is going to be this year since Diablos has been torn down. The upstairs was always the hangout for Wildcat fans.

VegasCatFan wrote:I don’t know where the pre-game activity is going to be this year since Diablos has been torn down. The upstairs was always the hangout for Wildcat fans.

PBR Rock Bar at Planet Hollywood

Good to know where machina will be so that I won't.

What about a pep rally and ESPN bashing session Thursday?

PHXCATS wrote:What about a pep rally and ESPN bashing session Thursday?

Our game is at noon and we are probably playing ASSU. Going to be an early drinking day thats for sure. Not an easy one to start with either.

Projected seeds

1) AZ 14-4
2) USC 13-5
3)Utah 11-7
4)Udub 11-7
5)Furd 10-8
6) Oregon 10-8
7) UCLA 10-8
8) ASSU 9-9
9) CU 8-10
10) OSU 6-12
11) Wazzu 4-14
12) Cal 2-16

Assume they go chalk on Wednesday and we would have ASSU/AZ, Oregon/UDub, UCLA/USC, Furd/Utah

azcat49 wrote:

PHXCATS wrote:What about a pep rally and ESPN bashing session Thursday?

Our game is at noon and we are probably playing ASSU. Going to be an early drinking day thats for sure. Not an easy one to start with either.

Projected seeds

1) AZ 14-4
2) USC 13-5
3)Utah 11-7
4)Udub 11-7
5)Furd 10-8
6) Oregon 10-8
7) UCLA 10-8
8) ASSU 9-9
9) CU 8-10
10) OSU 6-12
11) Wazzu 4-14
12) Cal 2-16

Assume they go chalk on Wednesday and we would have ASSU/AZ, Oregon/UDub, UCLA/USC, Furd/Utah

What about taking over behind the pregame show before our game with signs and chants against ESPN?

That would be fun but we are talking about the PAC network so no one will see it LOL

I really really really hope that Oregon fans run their mouths like last year.

I'll respond simply: Google Altman and rape.

This is the second year in a row I am a groomsman at a stupid wedding during the Pac12 championship... Last year I had it on my phone under the table.

I've been 5 years in a row. Looking like I won't make it this year :/ Finances are tight for the folks I usually go with.

I’m in on Thursday night and can meet up somewhere

First Round / Wednesday, March 7
9 ASU 12:00 PM PT (1:00 PM AZ)
8 Colorado

12 Cal 2:30 PM PT (3:30 PM AZ)
5 Stanford

10 Oregon State 6:00 PM PT (7:00 PM PT)
7 Washington

11 Washington State 8:30 PM PT (9:30 PM PT)
6 Oregon


Quarterfinals / Thursday, March 8
9 ASU / 8 Colorado 12:00 PM PT (1:00 PM AZ)
1 UA

12 Cal / 5 Stanford 2:30 PM PT (3:30 PM AZ)
4 UCLA

10 Oregon State / 7 Washington 6:00 PM PT (7:00 PM AZ)
2 USC

11 Washington State / 6 Oregon 8:30 PM PT (9:30 PM AZ)
3 Utah


Semifinals / Friday, March 9
6:00 PM PT (7:00 PM AZ)
8:30 PM PT (9:30 PM AZ)


Final / Saturday, March 10
7:00 PM PT (8:00 PM AZ)


https://pac-12.com/mens-basketball/mens ... tournament" target="_blank

I would be an idiot to pass up free tickets and a free room right?

splitsecond wrote:I would be an idiot to pass up free tickets and a free room right?

Depends what she looks like.

I'm going for the first time - I arrive Thursday morning....

Would be cool to meet some folks

Well I am going, hopefully i do not bring my bad luck this time around. Staying at the Delano and will be parked at the Mandalay sports book for most of the off time.

I’ll be going to the entire tourney again. Got tickets in section 10. Not the best but not too bad.

For those that haven’t been here to Vegas lately, the casinos charge for parking. And if you need to drive to the games, during special events they charge even more at the casinos closest to T-Mobile. (Excalibur, NYNY, Monte Carlo/Park MGM, and for some events the Luxor and MGM sometimes charge more) Because I’m cheap I’ll be parking at the Bellagio and taking the free tram to Monte Carlo/Park MGM. You can also take a free tram from Mandalay Bay to Excalibur and walk across the bridge to get to the arena.

the whole paying for parking thing really blows my mind still.

splitsecond wrote:the whole paying for parking thing really blows my mind still.

The reasoning is that all major tourist cities charge for parking and Las Vegas never has so that’s the reason I was given. And they say all the money is supposed to go back into parking improvements. So,when everything has been improved in the next couple years, then of course it’ll all be revenue.

On another shitty note, resort fees went up a few dollars per night as of March 1. Nothing quite like getting nickel and dimed out here.

VegasCatFan wrote:

splitsecond wrote:the whole paying for parking thing really blows my mind still.

The reasoning is that all major tourist cities charge for parking and Las Vegas never has so that’s the reason I was given. And they say all the money is supposed to go back into parking improvements. So,when everything has been improved in the next couple years, then of course it’ll all be revenue.

On another shitty note, resort fees went up a few dollars per night as of March 1. Nothing quite like getting nickel and dimed out here.

I think parking is free if you have a players card at most places at least that was my understanding. It's just one more reason to fly instead of drive anyways. Sucks the most for locals I would guess.

splitsecond wrote:

VegasCatFan wrote:

splitsecond wrote:the whole paying for parking thing really blows my mind still.

The reasoning is that all major tourist cities charge for parking and Las Vegas never has so that’s the reason I was given. And they say all the money is supposed to go back into parking improvements. So,when everything has been improved in the next couple years, then of course it’ll all be revenue.

On another shitty note, resort fees went up a few dollars per night as of March 1. Nothing quite like getting nickel and dimed out here.

I think parking is free if you have a players card at most places at least that was my understanding. It's just one more reason to fly instead of drive anyways. Sucks the most for locals I would guess.

You have to be up to the second level on the Players Club card to get the free parking. They don’t want everyone getting a card just so they can park for free. You can get free parking though if you get one one of their credit cards. You don’t have to use it, you just need to have it.

This isn't entirely on point, but Players Club by Rappin 4tay is one of the 10 most underrated rap songs of all time.

https://youtu.be/2daXghqHgjQ" target="_blank

Colorado it is.

Colorado throws an oop to end the game and ASU gets angry lmao. Tad Boyle might've hurt himself running onto the court.

f*ck ASU

Love it!!! ASSU loses and we get to avenge one of our losses.

Love the end. Especially the UofA chants

Tra Holder.... all class in defeat... He should be available to be behind the curtain of distraction for the NIT home game.