- The Las Vegas Invitational was a “huge failure” for women’s college basketball, said a top 10 coach.
- The tournament was held in a hotel ballroom, and towels were not provided to the teams during the games.
- One athlete had to wait for an ambulance for 40 minutes after falling and hitting his head.
The Las Vegas Invitational was a “debacle” for women’s college basketball.
The two-day Thanksgiving weekend tournament saw nine Division I teams, including the undefeated Top 10 Indiana Hoosiers, compete on the Las Vegas Strip at the Mirage Hotel. But instead of playing under the bright lights of Sin City, Athletes Unlimited style setup as they were promised Big Ten Network’s Meghan McKeown reported on Sundaythe team arrived to find a shoddy court in the corner of the ballroom.
— Austin Render (@AustinRender) November 26, 2022
The lackluster accommodations, from the chandeliers hanging from the beveled ceilings to the multicolored carpets surrounding the hardwoods, were evident to fans who paid to watch the game’s FloHoops broadcast. Most disappointing for those playing was that the layout of the tournament didn’t do much to host the fans. The limited spectators welcomed into the facility were expected to find courts without signage, and upon arrival were seated in folding chairs instead of bleachers.
“This is not what the venue is supposed to look like or what the set-up will look like,” said Indiana’s head coach. Terry Mollen told ESPN“What’s disappointing is the aesthetics. It’s not a fan-friendly environment.”
“As women’s basketball coaches, we’re trying to move the game forward. [this] We got so many ticks on social that we took a few steps back. We have an obligation to grow the game, but we have so many very good teams here that we completely missed this opportunity. There are other tournaments going on and I’m watching the footage and this was a big mistake.”
Indiana Hoosiers head coach Terry Mollen.
AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
But criticism of the tournament was more than just aesthetics. It was clear that the organizers, including tournament director Bryce McKee, were not prepared to meet the typical standards given to NCAA teams, leaving their hotel rooms for use on the bench during games. He asked the players to bring their own towels.
In at least one instance, lack of preparation has become dangerous for event attendees. During Saturday’s game between Auburn and Colorado State, Tigers forward Carissa Richardson fell hard and hit her head in a hardwood tree.
Several sources said the freshman, who was lying on his court, waited over 40 minutes to receive treatment. Richardson suffered no serious injuries, but the incident caused the next game to be postponed for over an hour.
—Tyler Springs (@TyphoonSprings) November 27, 2022
After the disappointing event ended, some questioned why Mackie was given authority over high-profile women’s sporting events in the first place. Underrated Podcast Twitter ThreadA former Xavier Musketeers and Maryland Terrapins women’s basketball assistant was accused of sexually abusing two players he coached.
McKee was acquitted of a misdemeanor charge in a lawsuit filed by one of those players. 2016 ESPN Stories. Cincinnati Inquirer A judge hearing the case questioned why the accuser didn’t speak out more vehemently against all of the former coach’s advances, suggesting that not doing so was tantamount to an “invitation.”
— Underrated Podcast (@Under_Rated_Pod) November 27, 2022
Las Vegas Invitational site coordinator Ryan Polk told ESPN the event was a “one-off disaster” and promised not to return to the Mirage for future events.To Michele Steele of ESPN The hotel said in a statement that “all decisions regarding details such as seating, venue configuration, presence of emergency medical personnel and security are [Polk’s] responsibility. “
“We will not be working with his company on any future events,” added a representative for The Mirage.
