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Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: Official MAC Tourney Travel Thread
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Ted Thompson
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Posted: 3/6/2017 10:15 AM
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Use this thread for hotel deals, Bobcat Bash info and advice on spots for Bobcat fans to eat and drink.

Bobcat Bash: MAC Basketball Tournament 
Zocalo Mexican Grill & Tequileria
2071 E. 4th St.
Cleveland, OH 44115 

OHIO is headed back to the MAC Basketball Tournament in Cleveland! Before cheering on the 'Cats inside Quicken Loans Arena, join us at Zocalo's for all pre-game festivities! We will be hosting a Bobcat Bash two hours prior to all men's basketball tournament games, and at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, prior to the women's championship game. The Bashes are free for fans to attend and include an appetizer buffet. Beverages will be available for purchase.

Please note that all Bashes are dependent upon OHIO advancing in the MAC tournament.

MAC Tournament Bracket & Schedule 

Men's Tournament
Quarterfinal: March 9 - 6:30 p.m. tip, 4:30 p.m. Bash
Semifinals: March 10 - 8 p.m. tip, 6 p.m. Bash
Championship: March 11 - 7:30pm tip, 5:30 p.m. Bash
Click here for a full men's tournament bracket.

Women's Tournament
Championship: March 11 - 11 a.m. tip, 9:30 a.m. Bash
Click here for a full women's tournament bracket.

MAC Tournament Tickets

Tickets for tournament games will be available through the OHIO Athletic Department. Please call 800-575-2287 or visit ohiobobcats.com.

Questions about all Bobcat Bashes can be directed to Ryan Boyd, assistant director at the OHIO Alumni Association, at boydr3@ohio.edu.

Bob Haldeman
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Posted: 3/6/2017 2:18 PM
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Due to contractual obligations, I will be attending.
OUs LONG Driver
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Posted: 3/6/2017 6:39 PM
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Any idea what corner of the Q will be OUr section Thursday?
OU_Country
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Posted: 3/7/2017 11:16 AM
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Curious what folks have ended up with on hotels, and their best experiences in the past?

I've used the Hampton and Doubletree. Both served us well in the past.
FanInTheStands
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Posted: 3/7/2017 12:51 PM
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We are staying just a bit outside of Cleveland at a Red Roof in Independence. Short drive to The Q...clean rooms, several restaurant options nearby, and the price is right ($68/night). I can cancel before 6 pm without any penalty.
MedinaCat
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Posted: 3/7/2017 1:36 PM
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Live nearby, won't be hoteling it. I am curious to know if the room rates will decline a bit this year for travelers with the increased competition and rooms downtown. Hilton and Drury along with a few smaller boutiques were not open this time last year.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 3/7/2017 1:47 PM
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I've stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn and Residence Inn in the past. Pleased with both.
Scott Woods
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Posted: 3/7/2017 1:56 PM
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My favorite, although not the cheapest, is the Residence Inn. Great location to the Q (only a parking lot is in the way), the Winking Lizard (which seems to be a Bobcat favorite) is about a block away, 4th street is around the corner and the Bobcat Bash is usually at Zocalo on 4th street. Lots of other entertainment and food options close by.
UpSan Bobcat
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Posted: 3/7/2017 3:08 PM
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I've usually used Hotwire or Priceline and have stayed at several different locations downtown. All have been fine. Using those services are a good idea if you really don't care which hotel you get and just want the best price. One 4-star downtown hotel is listed as $86 on Hotwire for Friday/Saturday nights. There's lower star hotels for $76 and $64. A 4-star on Priceline is $96 and you probably can name your price for the same hotel for less.

I also once stayed in Independence because it's a short drive and quite a bit cheaper. It works well if don't plan to celebrate too much. There's a 3.5 star hotel in Independence on Priceline for $58 and on Hotwire for $57. Probably the Crowne Plaza.
OU_Country
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Posted: 3/7/2017 3:44 PM
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UpSan Bobcat wrote:expand_more
I've usually used Hotwire or Priceline and have stayed at several different locations downtown. All have been fine. Using those services are a good idea if you really don't care which hotel you get and just want the best price. One 4-star downtown hotel is listed as $86 on Hotwire for Friday/Saturday nights. There's lower star hotels for $76 and $64. A 4-star on Priceline is $96 and you probably can name your price for the same hotel for less.

I also once stayed in Independence because it's a short drive and quite a bit cheaper. It works well if don't plan to celebrate too much. There's a 3.5 star hotel in Independence on Priceline for $58 and on Hotwire for $57. Probably the Crowne Plaza.
Have you ever used the train from Independence, or the burbs anywhere? I'm not planning to do it this year, but it's a thought that came to mind.
UpSan Bobcat
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Posted: 3/7/2017 4:57 PM
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OU_Country wrote:expand_more
I've usually used Hotwire or Priceline and have stayed at several different locations downtown. All have been fine. Using those services are a good idea if you really don't care which hotel you get and just want the best price. One 4-star downtown hotel is listed as $86 on Hotwire for Friday/Saturday nights. There's lower star hotels for $76 and $64. A 4-star on Priceline is $96 and you probably can name your price for the same hotel for less.

I also once stayed in Independence because it's a short drive and quite a bit cheaper. It works well if don't plan to celebrate too much. There's a 3.5 star hotel in Independence on Priceline for $58 and on Hotwire for $57. Probably the Crowne Plaza.
Have you ever used the train from Independence, or the burbs anywhere? I'm not planning to do it this year, but it's a thought that came to mind.
I have not even thought of it but that could be easier than driving and trying to park.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 3/7/2017 6:18 PM
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OU_Country wrote:expand_more
I've usually used Hotwire or Priceline and have stayed at several different locations downtown. All have been fine. Using those services are a good idea if you really don't care which hotel you get and just want the best price. One 4-star downtown hotel is listed as $86 on Hotwire for Friday/Saturday nights. There's lower star hotels for $76 and $64. A 4-star on Priceline is $96 and you probably can name your price for the same hotel for less.

I also once stayed in Independence because it's a short drive and quite a bit cheaper. It works well if don't plan to celebrate too much. There's a 3.5 star hotel in Independence on Priceline for $58 and on Hotwire for $57. Probably the Crowne Plaza.
Have you ever used the train from Independence, or the burbs anywhere? I'm not planning to do it this year, but it's a thought that came to mind.
Used to take the Rapid in from the east side years ago to go to Browns games. If memory serves me right it was a pretty easy but of course I didn't have a suitcase.
Recovering Journalist
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Posted: 3/7/2017 7:05 PM
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Alan Swank wrote:expand_more
Used to take the Rapid in from the east side years ago to go to Browns games. If memory serves me right it was a pretty easy but of course I didn't have a suitcase.
The train is a pretty good idea if you're not staying downtown. Parking is free, and there's an indoor walkway from the Tower City station to the arena.

http://www.riderta.com/parking
OU_Country
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Posted: 3/7/2017 9:19 PM
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Recovering Journalist wrote:expand_more
Used to take the Rapid in from the east side years ago to go to Browns games. If memory serves me right it was a pretty easy but of course I didn't have a suitcase.
The train is a pretty good idea if you're not staying downtown. Parking is free, and there's an indoor walkway from the Tower City station to the arena.

http://www.riderta.com/parking
Thanks! I won't be using it this year, but it's good knowledge to have.
Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 3/8/2017 9:47 AM
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Used to Priceline in for many years, but haven't the past few years since the casino went in. If youre careful, you can find decent deals. Have stayed in many different hotels here over the years, and my favorite is Residence Inn. Wanted something less expensive this year, so we are at the Radisson. Located diagonally across street from the Q. Close walk to everything. Seems nice so far and reasonable. One strategy is to call the front desk locally, ask to speak to a manager, and ask her what is the best rate you can give me as I'm in town for the MAC tournament. Sometimes you can get a better deal that way than Priceline.
OU_Country
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Posted: 3/8/2017 10:36 AM
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In 2012, I used Priceline for Saturday, and got the Doubletree for about $85. Of course I did it right after the W on Friday night, so demand was probably in my favor.

Last year, we used the Hampton, and it was great. This year, I aimed for the Residence Inn/Renaissance/Radisson for the location relative to everything this time.
OhioStunter
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Posted: 3/8/2017 6:13 PM
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UpSan Bobcat wrote:expand_more
I've usually used Hotwire or Priceline and have stayed at several different locations downtown. All have been fine. Using those services are a good idea if you really don't care which hotel you get and just want the best price. One 4-star downtown hotel is listed as $86 on Hotwire for Friday/Saturday nights. There's lower star hotels for $76 and $64. A 4-star on Priceline is $96 and you probably can name your price for the same hotel for less.

I also once stayed in Independence because it's a short drive and quite a bit cheaper. It works well if don't plan to celebrate too much. There's a 3.5 star hotel in Independence on Priceline for $58 and on Hotwire for $57. Probably the Crowne Plaza.
This is great advice. Thank you for posting. But it does mean you are locked in (no cancellations).
The Optimist
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Posted: 3/8/2017 9:01 PM
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FYI the RTA train has lines running East and West but not one going South towards Independence. Independence is close enough to downtown that Uber would be a reasonable option from there if you're trying to avoid driving.

I do recommend the train if anyone is considering it. It is extremely convenient and you will save money on parking. I've used it for countless Browns/Indians/Cavs games.
ClevelandCat '11
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Posted: 3/9/2017 10:37 AM
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The Optimist wrote:expand_more
FYI the RTA train has lines running East and West but not one going South towards Independence. Independence is close enough to downtown that Uber would be a reasonable option from there if you're trying to avoid driving.

I do recommend the train if anyone is considering it. It is extremely convenient and you will save money on parking. I've used it for countless Browns/Indians/Cavs games.
This is correct. The closest from Independence would be to drive to Shaker or Warrensville and take the Green/Blue lines, however I dont really think that would be all that convenient. Im a west sider and take the Red Line fairly regularly for work or for Tribe/Cavs/Browns games.
Old Zone
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Posted: 3/9/2017 2:44 PM
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Anyone know what sections OUr seats are in tonight? Also will the OU table be selling or just doing will call? Just got back from a trip. Didn't order tix because I didn't know if I'd be back in time.
GoCats105
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Posted: 3/9/2017 3:08 PM
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You guys have Uber and Lyft up there right? If the hotels are as cheap as you say, an Uber or Lyft to the Q shouldn't be too much of a hassle.
Last Edited: 3/9/2017 3:08:49 PM by GoCats105
Recovering Journalist
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Posted: 3/9/2017 3:09 PM
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Old Zone wrote:expand_more
Anyone know what sections OUr seats are in tonight? Also will the OU table be selling or just doing will call? Just got back from a trip. Didn't order tix because I didn't know if I'd be back in time.
There are almost always tickets left to buy from the table. I think the chance to get better seats based on your Bobcat Club points or whatever is past, but the schools pretty much always have spares for everything but the finals. And I think buying from the school is effectively a donation because the league forces them to buy a certain allotment.
Recovering Journalist
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Posted: 3/9/2017 3:09 PM
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GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
You guys have Uber and Lyft up there right? If the hotels are as cheap as you say, an Uber or Lyft to the Q shouldn't be too much of a hassle.
Yup. Unlike Athens.
Bobcat110
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Posted: 3/9/2017 8:38 PM
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Just got 4* Hotwire Botique downtown Cleveland deal for $86 +$22 taxes. It was Hyatt regency arcade
OU_Country
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Posted: 3/9/2017 11:19 PM
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Bobcat110 wrote:expand_more
Just got 4* Hotwire Botique downtown Cleveland deal for $86 +$22 taxes. It was Hyatt regency arcade
Nice score!
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