No Contest - The Queen City

My guess is that the interest level in holding PCTI IV in the Queen City is limited. But like Ireland to Steven in Braveheart, I own this city.....it's mine. So sit back and enjoy this informative briefing of your unequivocal choice for PCTI IV -

Location: most would be surprised to know how easily accessible Cincinnati is too the bulk of the PCTI brethren. Specifically for you Nashville poors, check out the link below to get an idea on how long it would take to drive (just over 4hrs if you account for speeding):

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

For those of you who would be traveling our lovely skyways, there are two potential options:
1. Cincinnati/NKY airport (CVG) - Delta hub and for anyone who has ever traveled Delta, I assume you've spent some unwanted additional delay time in my city
2. Dayton Airport - can be a cheaper option for non-Delta flights, but would most
likely require one stop
Both are easily accessible for pickups/dropoffs, but hopefully all flyers would fly into the same airport.

But mostly when it comes to travel, ya'll can suck it up because I drove 11 hours last year and am flying out of MKE (1hr 30min from home) to Dallas this year. And with it being proven that I'm the least committed person in this thing, I expect no complaints.

Downtime/Nightlife: I'll let you peak at this article before I proceed, so that you clowns don't think I'm blowin smoke (see #3):

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/travel-tips-and-articles/76941

• One of my favorite places to frequent when in town is the Hofbrahaus, one of a few built in the US and they serve 480z beers (and they have 8oz cans for Bruise to sip on, milk for Pitto, etc).


• Mt. Adams is an old school bar scene on the east side of downtown that resides in the rolling hills (rewatch Airborne and carefully watch as Mitchell Goosen slices and dices down Devil's Backbone because that is Mt. Adams)


• Newport - across the river from downtown, but still considered Cincinnati and is the most newly devloped nightlife area around


• Actual Downtown Cincy - typical downtown, cool bars, restaurants, don't walk down the wrong street, etc


• Aquarium and Zoo - for Pitto and the Bad Boy


• Kings Island - greatest amusement park of all times, potential stop for when my team goes 4-0 two years in a row


• AND THE MOST IMPORTANT 'NEED TO VISIT' SPOT IN CINCINNATI: The Root Beer Stand - yes, it is a mom and pop restaurant owned by the Donley family. Home brewed non-carbonated Root Beer that will undoubtedly lead to cramps after over consumption. I'm also predicting that a sandwich will be named after Wes once he takes his spot at the counter.

http://www.therootbeerstand.com/

Gym: the word here is options....

• Lakota East High School:(http://www.flickr.com/photos/52095034@N02/5335755171/ - best picture I could find). My good friend's step-dad is the superintendent and played bball in college, so would be an easy sell. A guy I graduated with is the Freshman Athletic Director and my 7th and 8th grade coach is the assistant principal. Basically, we'll be able to get in the gym. Main Pro - probably the nicest facilities we could play in. Main Con - furthest away from downtown.


• Sharonville, OH: my dad's best friend just retired as the gym teacher and asst bball coach (after 30+ years) and still has major pull in the district. Main Pro - down the street from The Root Beer Stand. Main Con - not as much to do close, but is closer to downtown.


• Ft. Thomas, KY: my mom's hometown and current residence. Very small town feel and is a Varsity Blues, Friday Night Lights type of place when it comes to sports. Sure enough, moms graduated with the principal and has her number when I need to call and make arrangements. Main Pro - closest to downtown and probably provides a cooler/throwback gym feel (think Hoosiers). Main Con - only one I can think of is that it is technically in Kentucky, which is lame.

Hotel: An in with folks that work under the local Marriot umbrella that could probably get us a group/employee type rate dowtown.

Refs: My dad's buddy (same guy as before) knows all the refs in town and could point us in the right direction and probably at cost.

Stats: yet to look into at this point, but not worried with all the ties within each area. Hell, maybe the folks from Lexington would drive the hour and half North for the weekend for a little PCTI/Vacation.

I'm not overly passionate one way or the other when it comes to hosting, but if we decide to bring this thing to the house that Nick Van Exel built....this is a glimpse of what you will get.