What are the realistic options for Asheville/Huntsville?

[wncsport.com]

Now that the NBDL is gone from Asheville and Huntsville, I just wanted some ideas on the realistic minor league options these cities have.

Personally, I don't see a league coming to the Asheville Civic Center for several years, no matter what season they play. Just as well.

The next two best venues is UNC-Asheville's Justice Gym (about 1,600 seats I think) and Asheville High (about 4,000+), neither with air conditioning or alcohol. Justice Gym hosts UNCA basketball in the winter. Asheville High has no shot clocks and has some access limitations.

No idea about Huntsville's options.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

I don't know these areas, but realistically I don't see minor league sports getting a foothold there until gasoline prices go down. Too many people have to decide whether to fill-up their tanks a few times or purchase season tickets once.

The decision is simple in my opinion--you fill-up your gas tank. Of course, I feel the same way about minor leagues across the nation (especially start-up leagues). Economic conditions need to improve (high gas prices tend to make ALL goods and services more expensive) if these leagues are to succeed.

The NBDL exercised bad timing in starting their league, in my opinion. Also, IMO, the economy will improve soon. It always does. :)

[skippy]

Actually, Ken, I believe it works the opposite.

People will be taking less driving vacations, going to Dairy queen and the ballpark more, many small fun things, as opposed to one trip to DisneyWorld.

[skippy]

Also, here's an idea for the NBDL:

No one cares about minor league basketball. Period. {except us}
Lower your ticket prices, cater to an audience that has been outpriced in with baseball, hockey, and college sports.
Do positive things within the community.
And most importantly, stop thinking that just because it's the "NBA" developmental league, that people give a damn. They don't.
Many towns have had failed ABA, IBL, USBL, and CBA teams, and all of those players had the potential to be called up to ANY NBA team.

The NBA age minimum requirement isn't going to help any either.
Good luck.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Actually, Ken, I believe it works the opposite.

People will be taking less driving vacations, going to Dairy queen and the ballpark more, many small fun things, as opposed to one trip to DisneyWorld.

Remember, I spoke of purchasing a season ticket once the same as you spoke of taking one trip to DisneyWorld. However, I still don't see people doing many small fun things in the near future if it involves a lot of driving. Movie box office receipts have been down for eleven straight weeks too. People are obviously hanging back and saving their money for the release of Star Wars: Episode III.