In 1980 Ft. Hayes State hosted the NAIA Nationals with 6 mats on the floor. However they removed all seating on the floor till the second day. It was also a 3 day tournament. A high school state championship would require 6-7 thousand seats and more if it had all classes. Goodland held the state tournament in the early 70's but only used 3 mats. Guys look at these three requirements, 8-9 mats, 6-7000 seats, motels for out of town schools. Then consider location not for the East or the West but for everyone. I do think inviting the Kids programs to get in free or maybe they could be the towel tappers, runners, mat cleaning etc. This would draw the parents of those kids to the tournament. Line up a kids dual between sessions perhaps. If they only had 4,5,6A why don't they simacast the other tournament on a large monitor so both arena's could view the other matches. If you want it combined come up with a proposal and talk to Rick. You better be looking at the Wichita Facility Downtown for 2009 and do it now......
I think your estimate for the number of seats required is a bit short. I don't know what the Coliseum holds with the ice rink in place but the last several years when all three classes were there for the finals, it was at capacity. I'm guessing 10k would not be too much for future requirements. I do agree, the time to be making contracts with Sedgwick County for the new arena, is now. That will give all parties plenty of opportunity to address and settle old grievances.
