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Having worked for a short time in Hermitage, I can only imagine how crazy this area is going for this game. It is a unique situation, but for all involved, the teams, the fans, and coaches, playing the game at YSU is by far the best possible scenario.

My guess is that while YSU is probably not on the first choice list for sites, as always, the PIAA probably has some sort of back-up plan if something like this were to arise.

Why send the teams all the way to Pittsburgh or Erie, or play a game in a venue that would not seat near enough people that would attend, like SRU.

Funny part is, I could see this game selling-out at YSU.

YSU is most definitely the best venue for this game. SRU only holds about 3,000 and there isn't another arena or high school gym that can hold the crowd this game is expected to draw. In addition, this is one of the closest games for both participants. There's many more people on a daily basis traveling from southwest Mercer County to the Youngstown area than there are that drive to Pittsburgh or Erie. It is local. Just take US62 to I-80 to OH711 to US422 to YSU. Easy drive, lot of parking (their 20,000-seat football stadium is right there as well).

I'm actually hoping to attend this game as it will be a great one.

This may work to the favor of both teams and fans, but since when does the PIAA give a rats butt about the rest of the state? Speaking of D6 playoff teams that can't use UPJ because "it's used for the D5 playoff games", or football and wrestling finals in Hershey, the "geographical center of the state" or track & field in Shippensburg?

Richland is a better venue than UPJ and District Six has the rights to that, and it's right across the street.

I like that the championships are in Hershey for most sports as opposed to State College, it's not always about location as it is to have the best facility off a main highway. Hershey is accessible.

I agree UPJ has lost its luster to me anyways. What about the Mount? They have really done a nice job with their new gym. Richland is ok but too many rules and people worrying about what you are doing wrong. Just not a friendly place to be a spectator at.

Pennlive had a good article about this. Apparently the schools went to the league and had most of the arrangements in hand.

Game is coming to a close. Couldn't make it over for the game, but, the move to YSU has proved to be the best one, despite what some would say.

Almost 6,000 at the 6,500 seat venue for the game. If this was held elsewhere, the crowd wouldn't be that big. If the game were in Erie (only location large enough in D-10) wouldn't have 6,000 driving almost 90 miles to get there and then get back.

see Crimson, I don't think Richland is a better venue than UPJ....it is newer I will give you that, but UPJ holds more and has a cozier feel to it I think....plus the comment about basically everything being banned in there is a good point.

I don't know how much more it holds, but it can't be much.

Richland is more well lit, bleachers aren't old and rickety

Parking and Concession stands seem to be in better shape.

As for the players the floor is an actual basketball court and not some rubber mat.

It's just my opinion, but I think Richland is considerably nicer - to the point where it isn't even close.

Crimson's Ghost wrote:I don't get the point of making two schools in basically suburban Youngstown go play at the Pete or Duquesne in downtown Pittsburgh, I think it's fair to pick a venue that caters to the two teams. It's on you have two border schools like this, and playing in Youngstown makes the most sense. Hands down.

I just don't think people get how close the border is. My uncle lives in New Castle, I literally make one wrong turn and I'm in Ohio.

This is a non-issue, and in fact smart thinking on all parties involved.