Welcome Butler and Creighton to the Big East!

[Hoya]

Very excited to have you here. Please feel free to let us know about your history and traditions so that we can learn more about your programs.

Looking forward to having Xavier join too.

[Jet915]

I posted this here about a month ago but figured for those who don't know much about Creighton, it's a good introduction.

First and foremost, basketball has made 9 NCAAs in the last 16 years. So for those who think we are just about Doug McDermott, he has only been here 3 years. So not only do we make it to the NCAAs over 50% of the time over the last 16 years (not a bad sample size), we boast top 10 attendance. 15K over the last decade, 17K this year. 12,500+ season ticket holders, 4 million dollars earned a year just from the "Jaybackers" club. Basketball success is there, support is there. 18,111 fans during our annual "Pink Out" game last month.


As for academics? #1 by US News and World Report for midwest universities with Doctoral programs in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law, OT/PT, Philosophy and a Business School (equates to rich alumni).

Olympic Sports and facilities? How about...

1.  Soccer is our most successful sport.  I think we've made the NCAAs like 19 out of the last 20 years.  Only college team to have someone drafted by the MLS every year and we've made two straight College Cup's (final four).  We also play at one of the best venues for college soccer, Morrison Stadium. The Big East will be an excellent soccer league.


2.  Women's basketball is on an upswing as well.  We made the NCAAs last year and almost upset St John's.  This year, we are in the semifinals in our conference tournament and if we make the finals, we likely will get an at-large if we don't win it.

3.  Women's volleyball is also doing really well.  Made the NCAAs last year and made them again this year.  Both times winning a game.  Women's basketball and volleyball play at a brand new arena specifically for these sports (DJ Sokol Arena).


4.  Men's baseball has also made the last two NCAAs and have won games in the tournament.  We also play at the home of the College World Series (TD Ameritrade Park). It's early this year, but our RPI is currently 16 (9-3). I can definitely see the Big East hosting the baseball tournament at the home of the CWS which will only lift the conference profile in baseball.


5.  Lastly, it was announced that there will be a brand new Basketball Practice Facility built that will be completed in 2014.


That is why Creighton is a great fit for the Big East.

[PorkTornado]

Great overview Jet. Just as an FYI, construction has started on the practice facility. I think its just a giant hole in the ground now, but its moving along.

[DeltaV]

I wholeheartedly approve of the addition!

[Vill]

Congrats guys. Looking forward to a very prosperous and stable future.

[Markimo]

For your travel info.

One point that was not brought up earlier, is the fact that Omaha has many more direct commercial flights to some of the major cities, than some of the other schools mentioned.

Daily direct flights to Chicago, Milwaukee, Wash DC, New York City, and for 2014 St. Louis. The airport is 5 minutes from the arena.

Map of the New Big East Schools. [url].http://sports.omaha.com/2013/03/16/mapp ... -big-east/[/url]

[Markimo]

So for the proposed 2014 teams, Omaha has easy direct access to 3/4 of the conference. With the 5 minute drive from the airport, easy in, easy out.

That hour extra flight time is somewhat negated by the short airport to game court travel time.

For the baseball fans, Omaha hosts the NCAA College World series, in a brand new Stadium next to the Basketball Arena in mid June.

[X- Marks the Top]

Ummmmmmm. Why is X not named here yet? Huge lifelong X fan and this post alone makes me nervous. Can someone please give me a reasonable answer. Please????

[ljay]

Easy campus and facilities access yes, hot blond, no, she graduates this year.

More fish in the sea!!

EDIT for the X fan: I think it's because your local fish wrap hasn't dug up the goods on X. Don't they know anyone on the X board of directors?

[marquette]

Ummmmmmm. Why is X not named here yet? Huge lifelong X fan and this post alone makes me nervous. Can someone please give me a reasonable answer. Please????

No worries bro, you're in. As a Marquette fan I can say I'm looking forward the most to home and homes with you guys and Creighton next season. Butler is great from an RPI standpoint, and I couldn't be happier about their addition, but the environment at Hinkle can sometimes leave something to be desired. Congrats to all though!