State Tournament venue

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Reported today in the Akron Beacon Journal that Akron's Firestone Stadium will be the new venue for the State Tournament for the next three years. If you haven't been there it is fantastic stadium for the players and the fans.

 

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This is a great move for Softball!

 

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Tell that to the teams in Cincinnati. :

 

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This is not about location, but a chance to play in the best facilty for Softball in the state.

 

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Fullcount it is about location to those who have to travel. There is no doubt that the Firestone facility is awesome. It that the only real reason for the move, because it's a pretty stadium? I highly doubt it. There is more then meets the eye here and I just wonder what other sites were even considered. For example, what about the new 6 million dollar OSU stadium complex, was there any thought given to hosting the state finals in a central location?

I am sure that Firestone will do an excellent job hosting the event, but at the end of the day I see no real reason to have moved the event in the first place. Does tradition mean anything anymore? What do you think would happen if the state football championship games was moved to Cincinnati at Paul Brown stadium just because it is a pretty venue?

 

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Does tradition mean anything anymore? What do you think would happen if the state football championship games was moved to Cincinnati at Paul Brown stadium just because it is a pretty venue? ?

I like that idea.

 

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As posted on the general forum.

First, I think we all agree that Ashland has been as good a host as they can be. They have always been very hospitable and accomidating.

That being said, let's compare some things:

1) There is no comparison as to playing facilities.

2) There is no comparison as to player facilities. (There actually are some at Firestone)

3) There is no camparison as to hotel accomidations.

4) Ditto with eating establishments.

5) The availability possible participating sponsors with the help of the racers is far more likely. In turn more ammenities for the fans and players.

Would it be great if this venue or one like it was smack dab on the centerpoint of the state? Absolutely, but it isn't. An extra 40 miles max from the farthest point in the state is a small price to pay to give our athletes the opportunity to play in such a facility.

Nothing taken away from the people of Ashland. Just a better situation.

 

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This is great for HS softball. The Ohio State field renovation will not be done until 2009, so that is one of the reasons that Akron is the choice for the next three years. This was done by a bid process and three venues submitted bids.

Ashland's tradition cannot be denied, but ultimately, you cannot deny the improved facilities and all other amentities that Akron has to offer. State tournament should be played at a top notch venue and AKron is that.

 

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It's laughable that someone is worried about driving across the state to play in the STATE FINALS. Most of the kids and parents who would be participating in this are used to alot more traveling than that. And by the way IT"S THE STATE FINALS, not a field trip to the library. I'd be tickled to death to drive across the state to a great venue for my daughter to have the opportunity to play in the STATE FINALS.
I think this is fantastic. Some of the so called "National" events should do the same.

 

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I agree thunder I would be so happy if my DD HS team made it to State finals I do not care how far we would have to drive, to make it there would be worth the gas money. Parents should remember it ALL FOR THE GIRLS!!!!!!

 

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If we earn the right to play in the State Finals, just point the way. We will go to Ashland, Akron, Columbus, Cincy, Marietta, you name it. The travel is part of the experience. Enjoy the ride!

 

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Bottom line, just fix the place up a little!