After the 2020 Gut Check I received calls from both WIAA and Showare. WIAA wanted to know my thoughts of running a large wrestling tournament at Showare, and Showare asked about Mat Classic and how it could be run there. I had nothing but positive perspective for both parties. There are always 2 ways to look at a topic like this.

Perspective 1 - Does the Dome's remodel have a negative effect on the state tourney as far as seating, price of admission, cost of food, parking, etc.. The answer is yes to all of these questions. The real question is are spectators willing to bite the bullet and go to the dome no matter what....the answer is also yes. They will bitch about it but they will still go no matter what because the experience is awesome. Will WIAA continue to deal with some aspects that effect their bottom line or how they run the event?... I personally don't think so and feel their patience has run thin, hence leaving the Dome for football and gymnastics already.

Showare is an amazing sports venue. With suites, VIP seating and general seating I believe it can hold 7000-7200ish. It is a newer facility of all venues (I think 10 years old). Parking literally surrounds the building and is within 100 feet of the front door, and is also FREE! While no concessions stands are "cheap" at any venue, last I compared (2020) Showare was 50% of the cost than the Dome. There are comfortable, individual seats with cup holders too. The shape of the seating arrangement makes for great views from any seat and gets loud which we love at wrestling meets. I do love the Showare Center in all facets.

Perspective 2 - Showare is smaller for seating and floor size which effects the amount of mats. Yes, these are both true, but it was built that way purposely. This venue is privately/publicly owned 50/50 and built originally for the Seattle Thunderbirds to leave Key Arena. No one ever imagined a wrestling tournament there, but it works beautifully. As far as state goes, we are obviously used to having all classifications and fans in one building, which is great, but if push comes to shove the 8 mats that can fit on the floor could easily run 2/3 classifications over a 2 day period. I bring this up because that is the only current option in WA by leaving the Dome, breaking up the state tourney. Spokane currently has 1 facility that can hold a large event and they are building another which might be done already??

IMO, WIAA will part ways from the Dome eventually, maybe temporarily maybe not. My though is that it will be split into two locations initially, not three as most think, that might look like - B schools, 2A & 3A in Spokane and 1A, 4A and girls at Showare. This is just my opinion based on what I have heard and been asked, but who knows, we are at the WIAA's discretion.