http://www.emueagles.com/photo_gallery.aspx?gallery=428
Here is the photo gallery of the EMU game last night. I warn you though, it's rough to look at. That 300+ number reported is probably generous. A chunk of that number is the pep band and I am not sure they didn't count the players, coaches, and trainers in that number as well. There are some photos in there of action shots where you can't see a single spectator.
The people up in Ypsi and in the MAC Offices have to do something about EMU, CMU, NIU, BGSU and Miami hoops. It's such an embarrassment. I've also asked it before, but what can a conference do about a school like EMU? They barely belong as a D1 school if they can't get more than 1,000 people at a home tournament basketball game.
Downtown Little Rock seems to have more going on at night than downtown Cleveland. Several nice downtown entertainment districts. Although not that close to the arena in North Little Rock.
The MAC has come a long way since Rockford and the Seagate Center. The Q is nice but I think the crowds would increase at Nationwide vs. Q. Much more going on in the Arena District/Short North
Disagree that the Columbus crowds would be bigger. The Q and Cleveland have proven themselves for 12 years now.
I also find it hard to believe that Little Rock would have more attractions than Cleveland. Maybe in warm weather months, but not in March.
I think Columbus and NW Arena
could be just as good as The Q. It's closer or as close for a number of schools. Sure, it's farther for Akron and Kent, but otherwise travel isn't any different for most schools, and for many, it's better. I also feel that it could be just as good as Cleveland, though I enjoy Cleveland and don't expect a change because as you said, they've proven themselves.