Kahuna,

The economic impact on the city is more like 1.5 million from this tourney alone. This is why it suprised me when so few cities made an honest attempt in trying to land this tourney when I was on the board a few years back.

Wichita came in with an effort, but one that was sort of booed away after the debacles we've had with the high school state tourney.

Hays did try to bring it out there, but the arena just isn't big enough.

KC - no show.

Salina - see Hays.

In fact, when the selection was made, only one mayor showed up to voice his appreciation of what the tourney would do for the economy and what they would do to help. Coincidentally the tourney stayed in his home city.

As I pointed out, the raising of rates is not illegal and is a common business practice. If this tourney were to move anywhere else, similar prices would occur. You can't legislate price fixing unless there's a national crisis.

States that are affected by hurricanes have legislation in place to prohibit such a practice. You can't do it for the state wrestling tourney.

Options? Look to Lawrence's hotels. I know they see some heavier activity during the state tourney from savy parents that say we can wake up a half hour earlier for the drive. Or the Casino. What money you save can be blown on the slots!