Cowboys Stadium ain't in Dallas ...

Don't schools/conferences put in a bid to host these events? The NCAA doesn't just assign the host, right?

 

That's easy.

The Quad Cities in IA/IL are made up of five cities.

 

I think they do, but it seems to be largely a formality in the case of men's or women's basketball.

 

I don't think it is just a formality. I believe the host entity has to commit a considerable amount of time, manpower and perhaps money as well in putting the event together. While UTA has a very large enrollment, its athletic department is decidedly small-time (though it is gradually moving up, thanks to finally getting a new arena and other improvements) and has neither the time nor the manpower -- and certainly not the money, if that is part of the deal -- to put on an event of that size and scope.

 

I just don't know, and try as I might I can't seem to find out. I'm pretty sure a 1st/2nd-rounder or a regional final in men's or women's basketball is unlike other events. For example, were UTA to make it to the dance, it would be prohibited from playing in that regional for what would likely be its only game. And I don't think there is any money guarantee a la baseball or softball regionals, because a 1st/2nd-rounder or a regional final (for the men) is a guaranteed pile o' cash. As regards the manpower commitment, I can't see that a UTA would be any less capable than, say, Oakland University (host of a regional at Auburn Hills, Mich., this coming spring). But, again, I may be operating in too much of a fog of ignorance here.

 

Jed Clampett scoffs.

 

Speaking of Cowboys Stadium ... what's the point of having a retractable roof if it is never open?

Of course, Jerry Jones does strike me as the type who'd buy a convertible and never put the top down.

 

It was open yesterday. Will probably be open on Thursday.

 

It's been open for both of the last two home games, as were the giant retractable glass doors on either end.

 

Really? I've seen 70-degree days where it was closed. I'm a little shocked.

 

I was a little surprised everything was open yesterday -- game-time temperature was announced at 56 degrees, and it was overcast at times. The sun ended up coming out and it was apparently pretty comfortable most of the day (says the guy who spent the afternoon in the mostly glassed-in press box).