UWM agrees in principle to play MU just announced

[milwsport]

I wasn't happy with this deal but after reading what T-Bone and BBFran had to say I've changed my mind. GO PANTHERS!

[famouspnthrfan]

Well, as much as I really dislike Marquette because of some of their students' arrogance, ignorance, and lack of respect for UWM overall, I have to say T-Bone is right. Marquette is, believe it or not, a good basketball school with good tradition and a bright future. We should be lucky to play a team of their caliber even though I hate to say it. In order to be the best, you have to beat the best...and what other way to say you own the city of Milwaukee than to beat the only other city threat 3 out of 5 times. Now I'm not saying this is a home run for the Panthers because I don't think it is...but we've been begging for games and now we've got them...good luck to Marquette, I can't wait to come to the BC to watch what should be a very good game...let's just hope that both sides bring a TON of enthusiasm, but don't let it be bad-blooded...Of course there will be rude and vulgar comments, however let's not let that get in the way of what should be some of the best basketball games played in the city...EVER? We should all put our differences aside and applaud both athletic departments for getting this deal together. Let us only trash talk in the name of a spirited rivalry and not with unnecessary put-downs....This is what we've been waiting for...Good luck Marquette...you're gonna need it

[pantherpanther]

I trust that whatever needs to be worked out for this deal, is being done in the best interest of our Program. Guarantee money great, but guys don't forget that we will have virtually no travel costs in playing at the BC...so that is a good thing.

If it is going to happen, let it be for the benefit of both schools. Bud and Rob seem to know what they are doing. GO PANTHERS!!

[schweaty]

I think Marquette's best interests are represented in this deal. But these are going to be some of the most exciting college basketball games we'll ever see in Milwaukee. There is so much pride on the line for both sides. Whether MU wants to admit it or not, UWM is their rival. Crean may say he'll treat this as any other game but there's no way they do that, their reputation on the line. They have much more to lose by losing than UWM--the little satellite school--does. And by winning UWM can both shut the arrogant MU fans (it's not all of them) up and establish a stronger presence in the state. These are going to be some great games that are great for the packer-fan-dominated state.

[BBFran]

Tom Crean, as reported in the MJS, March 22, 2004:

[O]n Monday in his office, Crean broke his public silence on what has become a somewhat contentious issue within the community.

"I'm disappointed that so much is being made about a hypothetical that's not happening and won't happen for a long, long time," Crean said.

Marquette will never agree to play UWM in the regular season. That might make MU arrogant but it doesn't make it criminal, for the school is free to schedule whomever it pleases.

Naturally, the Golden Eagles would have everything to lose and nothing to gain by playing UWM, as long as the Panthers are competitive at a high mid-major level. Crean won't say that, but he did say this on the matter:

"We just choose not to," he said when asked why MU won't play UWM. "We have one major rival in the state, and that's the University of Wisconsin. That's all it has ever been and that's all it will ever be."

On 9/19/06, a deal to play in the regular season for the next five years (and I would commend to you the import of the last two years being home and home) is nearly finalized.

Bravo, gentlemen. Nicely played on Downer Avenue.

[pantherpanther]

schweaty said:

I think Marquette's best interests are represented in this deal. But these are going to be some of the most exciting college basketball games we'll ever see in Milwaukee. There is so much pride on the line for both sides. Whether MU wants to admit it or not, UWM is their rival. Crean may say he'll treat this as any other game but there's no way they do that, their reputation on the line. They have much more to lose by losing than UWM--the little satellite school--does. And by winning UWM can both shut the arrogant MU fans (it's not all of them) up and establish a stronger presence in the state. These are going to be some great games that are great for the packer-fan-dominated state.

I agree. Congrats in principle to both UWM and MU (just a joke in the wording guys).

[Rawls]

While I stll disagree with the terms, I am definetly glad to finally see a rivalry develop.

[PantherLou]

I can't understand why anyone would disagree with the terms of this agreement, as they haven't been made public yet.

All deals are NOT created equal, and I have been told that Marquette did increase their offer regarding the finances. Basically, we are getting paid a very fair sum of money to play what amounts to a semi-neutral game with quality opponent, while incurring ZERO travel costs. It is also worth noting that this has not always been the case. Kudos to Marquette for swallowing some pride and upping their offer.

Despite the emotions that run high with many fans on both sides here (myself included), this has almost always been about the money. In the end, I think it is a deal that works for both programs.

p.s. I would not be surprised to learn that the "minor details" being discussed have to do with ticket allocation. Just a hunch.

[pantherpanther]

I heard about that too Lou...Bud wants more tickets allocated to our fans. Trust me guys when I say this, Rob and Bud are fighting not only for our team, but our fans as well

[BBFran]

Bingo.

[mikeb]

yeah, we need tons of tickets. thats great if thats what they are fighting for. I dont like the deal but after you accept that its happening I cant wait to be there. I think back to going to cleveland, illinois and florida for the NCAA tourney games and just think about how excited people were in those stadiums. this is gonna blow the roof off the bc. i think this could be a really great thing for the city not just us fans.

[pantherpanther]

Guys...to get paid to play a team we have wanted to play for a long time, and only have to go across the street do do it?? Good Deal. Bud and Rob negotiating for more money and more tickets? Good Deal. Sell outs on both sides of the street??? Good deal

This is a good deal guys...game on.

[Kroener3535]

I would imagine though with the ticket allocation that the favor would have to be returned...which means their season ticket holders would gobble those up...but good deal all in all from what i have heard

[famouspnthrfan]

Crazyfred...i may not like your attitude because you come from Marquette and sometimes I consider your posts rude and unnecessary...but in honor of sportsmanship and respect for your dedication to your school...good luck and I hope you are able to attend at least one of these games to root for your team...

[uwmuwmuwm]

i would do anything to go to this game...id rather have uwm win that game then win the horizon league