'Most elementary gyms in Indiana are better than that': IU women's tourney venue draws ire
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It didn't take long for pictures to start circulating on social media. The IU women's basketball team was playing Auburn in the Las Vegas Invitational, which is taking place in The Mirage Hotel & Casino.
Playing basketball tournaments in hotel ballrooms is nothing new. But the amenities in this particular one appeared... lacking.
It’s time for basketball in Vegas! No. 6/5 Indiana (5-0) takes on Auburn (3-1).
Tip will be later than scheduled. Likely sometime between 6:15-6:30. Check us out on @WHCC105 and https://t.co/PNIlo97ABn. And oh yeah, the stream is free! #iuwbb pic.twitter.com/viqbnAZMAn— Austin Render (@AustinRender) November 26, 2022
Indiana is playing Auburn in a.. Las Vegas hotel? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/miRQqIbczG
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) November 26, 2022
Disparities between men's and women's tournament venues are nothing new — it was highlighted during the 2020 NCAA tournament, when differences in workout rooms and meals drew attention on social media.
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Indiana coach Teri Moren addressed the unique setup after Indiana's 96-81 win.
"I don't have any issues with the floor," she said. "The setup is a little bit different. It's like like AAU-style in terms of chairs. I don't think it's a great venue for spectators ... I'm not sure everybody can see the game as well as they want to see it right now with the setup they have for the fans."
Fans were less forgiving.
Tomorrow’s game will be set up in the hotel parking lot due to a previously scheduled sales conference.
This is ridiculous, there isn’t even appropriate seating for fans. https://t.co/PDg2fAbtNh— Martha the Mop Lady (@TheMopLady) November 26, 2022
Oh, come on. This is embarrassing! You put a men’s tournament in T-Mobile Arena and stuff a women’s tournament in a random ballroom? At least try to care. https://t.co/oUb1iEzulE
— Alexander Hynes (@HynesAS) November 26, 2022
Indiana High Schools have better facilities than that. Disgraceful!!!
Hard to believe that the NCAA would allow this to happen.— Kent Beckman (@K5Bike) November 26, 2022
I mean every high school gym is better than that…most elementary gyms in Indiana are better than that.
— jbee9564 (@jbee9564) November 26, 2022
Looks like the opened the wall between the two banquet rooms pushed two dance floors together and the food buffet cleared out and turned the DJ booth into the scorers table. What an absolute embarrassment and disgrace that the NCAA should be called out on. Shameful!!
— Eric (@Insure_Eric) November 26, 2022
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IU women's basketball plays in ballroom at Mirage Hotel & Casino
