Battle 4 Atlantis Megathread (Info/Roll Call)

[OrangeTown]

(If a mod would be willing to sticky this, that would be fantastic.)

NOVEMBER 25-27, 2015

I, for one, have been a bit overwhelmed by all the planning, expenses, information (or lack thereof), and general logistics behind visiting the Bahamas to cheer on our beloved Orange(men) in next year's Battle 4 Atlantis. I've seen a number of random threads pop up about it over the past few months but I thought it would be nice to have one "official" thread. I've also tried to search for those threads and pull some helpful information into this one.

Please use this thread to post if you are going, planning on going, or even have been in the past and can provide some useful information. Or perhaps you just booked and found a great deal and want to pass it on. Post it here! I will try to update my main post over time with any answers or pertinent information to have one consolidated area.

Some questions I'd like answered based on my research thus far (I will add other Q&As here as they are provided. Questions which have answers will be italicized.):

GENERAL
----------------------------------------------------
- Most importantly, is Bud Light readily available?

- Cost of daily expenses (food/drink) seems EXTREMELY high if staying in Atlantis. I'm reading of $250 dinners of just normal plates with one drink for a family with 1 child. Alternative options if staying in Atlantis? Ease of leaving the property for meals?

- On a related note, I'm seriously considering staying outside the resort at an all-inclusive. Perhaps Sandals or Breezes. I fear my alcohol tab would wander in to the numerous thousands of dollars if I didn't. I would then just find transportation into Atlantis for the games and spend the rest of the time imbibing Tanqueray and tonics and Bud Lights. Is this feasible?

- Any other general lodging and/or travel advice? Cheapest dates to leave/return?

- Recommended activities in the area or on the premises?


BASKETBALL SPECIFIC
------------------------------------------------------
- Where is the Imperial Arena located within Atlantis?

- I've found that while it is sometimes called the "Imperial Arena", it appears they convert the Imperial Ballroom into an arena. The Imperial Ballroom is located in PARADISE ISLAND’S CONFERENCE CENTER.

- Does the school do anything involving the team outside of the games? Are there practices? Meet & greet type stuff? Other opportunities to perhaps meet players and/or staff?

- When does the school anticipate putting out any sort of packages? Will season ticket holders have any sort of preference or advance purchase privileges?

- Can you buy tickets to ONLY the Cuse games?



I'm honestly not even positive I'm going as I still have a lot of thinking to do, but perhaps some of the information people can provide here will make my decision easier!

Helpful Links/Information:

From TexanMark: http://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/getting-here/from-united-states/

From orange02: The resort said that I would be able to purchase tickets for Syracuse-only games or the whole tournament as a guest of the resort. If anyone is interested in going I would get on their email list now and watch for their periodic teaser rates.

From Toga: This place is next door to Atlantis. All inclusive. http://www.riu.com/en/Paises/bahama...ace-paradise-island/todo-incluido.jsp#seccion

Confirmed Attendees:
OrangeTown
CuseTroop
Tom W.
cto (I assumed this based on some posts in another thread)
orange02
iommi
Fairfax Orange
Headmaster 9
JoeySimz


Possible Attendees/Interested (please post here if you confirm):

texascpa
OttoinGrotto
kirbivore
Toga
JrodCuse
Rossco123
corpjet
Carolinasu
NYCSUGrad
poc44

 

[MSOrange]

As usual, I'm not much help But I can confirm the basketball court is in a ballroom. If you have watched on tv in previous years, the area over the court is bright but the area over the stands appears to have sort of a Saturday Night Fever feel to it from it being in a ballroom.

 

[Toga]

This place is right next door.
http://www.all-inclusiveresort.com/hotel/Hotel_Riu_Palace_Paradise_Island.cfm

 

[iommi]

I'm hopeful that I will go to this with family in tow but it requires us not being banned from the post-season next year. I don't want to put all the effort and $$$$ into this if we are banned and facing a "lost" season. Fingers are crossed these idiots in the NCAA issue their report soon and it does not include a ban next year.

 

[CuseTroop]

Have been in touch with a travel agent the past few weeks. Should be making a down payment by April. Cusetroop + 5 is 95% a go

 

[Bill Orange]

Have been in touch with a travel agent the past few weeks. Should be making a down payment by April. Cusetroop + 5 is 95% a go

You're gonna need a bigger boat.

For your booze.

 

[cto]

JetBlue seems to have the cheapest flights (at least from NYC), but they are not yet taking reservations for November.

 

[OrangeTown]

Have been in touch with a travel agent the past few weeks. Should be making a down payment by April. Cusetroop + 5 is 95% a go

Post some details if you can once things are finalized. Really hoping to compile a lot of information here for everyone.

I'm really leaning toward one of the all-inclusive resorts outside Atlantis and just heading in for the games.

 

[CuseTroop]

Post some details if you can once things are finalized. Really hoping to compile a lot of information here for everyone. I'm really leaning toward one of the all-inclusive resorts outside Atlantis and just heading in for the games.

Once I get back to Alaska, I'll sit down and go over everything and post what I got. I'd leaning more towards an all inclusive deal myself. I'll keep you guys posted

 

[Consigliere]

Got tons of Hilton points and USAir miles, but concerned about getting tickets if not staying at the property. At any rate certainly a consideration

 

[djcon57]

Spoke with Atlantis yesterday, they said they would be having room packages available later this month for better pricing.

Suggested to call as they'd be available via phone first vs the web

 

[Bill Orange]

Got tons of Hilton points and USAir miles, but concerned about getting tickets if not staying at the property. At any rate certainly a consideration

Already used my USAir miles to book /C to and from DCA. Like I did in Maui, I'll use a combo of Marriott and AMEX points for Atlantis, since they are under the Marriott flag.

 

[bpo57]

I've gone to Atlantis the last five years running. I like the place but it ain't cheap and while the food is good it is rather expensive. Lots of choices though. I really like the Sports Book as sports betting is legal down there. Lots of outdoor water activities as it is a great place, especially for kids. I believe they hold the basketball games in the Grand Ballroom which is kinda shocking. I can't imagine the capacity is all that big. One last thought- a very large resort is opening this year down there called BaHaMar. I wouldn't be surprised if that place offers some welcome competition to Atlantis and should at least keep a lid on prices.

 

[Headmaster 9]

Obie9 and I are planning on attending, possibly with 2 more. Just started research but haven't booked anything. Trip advisor is not positive on the resort but have heard from someone who stopped there on a cruise that you have to pay to get on resort property if not staying...not sure if accurate or not.

Anyone know when SU will release travel packages/tickets?

 

[Forza Azzurri]

I've gone to Atlantis the last five years running. I like the place but it ain't cheap and while the food is good it is rather expensive. Lots of choices though. I really like the Sports Book as sports betting is legal down there. Lots of outdoor water activities as it is a great place, especially for kids. I believe they hold the basketball games in the Grand Ballroom which is kinda shocking. I can't imagine the capacity is all that big. One last thought- a very large resort is opening this year down there called BaHaMar. I wouldn't be surprised if that place offers some welcome competition to Atlantis and should at least keep a lid on prices.

Never been but we have friends who have gone and a few that go almost, if not, every year.

They all say the same things, "Great place, especially for kids, crazy expensive and they nickel and dime you to death."

I think it is the nickel and diming that really irritates people.

It is priced like a high-end resort and most high-end resorts charge through the nose but don't nitpick on things like resort fees, fitness center fees, wifi fees etc...

 

[bpo57]

Never been but we have friends who have gone and a few that go almost, if not, every year.

They all say the same things, "Great place, especially for kids, crazy expensive and they nickel and dime you to death."

I think it is the nickel and diming that really irritates people.

It is priced like a high-end resort and most high-end resorts charge through the nose but don't nitpick on things like resort fees, fitness center fees, wifi fees etc...

Agree 100%.

 

[BBQuse]

I'm in with the whole family (wife and three kids). If I had known there was a chance of a ban next season I probably would have waited, but I was so excited (after skipping Hawaii last year after much waffling) that I bought plane tickets before all the NCAA insanity started up, so I'm ready to make the best of it no matter what. Here's some hopefully useful info based on my pretty limited poking around for info:

1. I was able to get the flight to the Bahamas on points on Tuesday at the cheapest points level -- but no chance of that on the return flight. I did get a reasonable one way fare on Air Canada connecting via Toronto (this is a flight to NYC).

2. It seems you can buy ticket packages just for SU games OR for everything. But you may need to be staying at the Atlantis or an affiliated property to get the packages. It does seem single game tickets will be available at the box office. None of this is official -- just what I gather from searching some other boards where folks posted about the process in prior years.

3. Room rates directly through Atlantis are outrageous. Maybe there will be packages available later. I need a kitchen and looked at booking through VRBO, AirBNB, etc. There are some deals out there if you search. Still a fortune, but much cheaper if you want a unit with a kitchen or multiple bedrooms, etc.

In any event I'm super excited. I'd really like to know if there are open practices or other events where you are able to interact with the players -- my kids would love that. Can't wait to meet up with some of you down there. As I look out my window at yet another snow storm, it can't come soon enough.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

I'm in with the whole family (wife and three kids). If I had known there was a chance of a ban next season I probably would have waited, but I was so excited (after skipping Hawaii last year after much waffling) that I bought tickets before all the NCAA insanity started up, so I'm ready to make the best of it no matter what. Here's some hopefully useful info based on my experience pretty limited poking around for info:

1.

So far, pretty good stuff...I really like point #1...

 

[BBQuse]

So far, pretty good stuff...I really like point #1...

anything premature...

I edited.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

anything premature...

I edited.

LOL...I know...I've hit post without meaning to many times...

 

[mountaincuse]

We stayed at Breezes for our honeymoon. Was pretty easy, via bus, to get to Atlantis. I'm sure other means are available as well.

There was another all inclusive next door that has a casino, that may be a good bet too

 

[Toronto Cuse]

Confirmed. Flights from Canada were surprisingly cheap. Hotel rooms, not so much. Me, my fiancee, my Dad, and my mom will be there to sit in the wave pool lazy river and watch some hoops. It will be my second time staying at the resort, but first time attending the Battle4Atlantis. Last time I was there was during All-Star weekend and I lounged poolside and talked to Hasheem Thabeet, in town because he was obviously not an all-star. Hasheem was buying drinks and what appeared to be escorts for 18 of his closest friends. This is obviously speculation and I have no evidence whatsoever and have no clue what happened after they all left the pool but that was the buzz among hotel guests sitting by the pool for a couple of days. I spoke to a reservations manager at the resort and they confirmed that you can purchase tickets to Syracuse games only. She did say you will have to stay at the resort to get tickets for individual teams. I have been in the ballroom and to be honest I can't imagine it as a 4000 seat venue. Ceilings are low so I would imagine it could get loud if they sold out. Should be a neat experience.

I would love to arrange a golf game for anyone interested? I will try and coordinate with sutomcat closer to November for some help organizing?

 

[llandz]

I am a maybe. I might not know for a couple of months. I am waiting to see what my sons are up to job wise. One is hopefully moving back here to Phoenix, and one may be moving eventually from Seattle back to LA. Since it is Thanksgiving, I have to see first if they are around for the holiday. Last year it was my husband and I and we just went to a friends house. In that case this is easy. One son is interested in coming to the Bahamas. I will just have to play it by ear. I hope I can get tickets over the summer.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I'm bummed. The plan for our family is to go to this, but my sister is adamant that Thanksgiving happen at her house this year.

 

[Lawrinson14]

I'm bummed. The plan for our family is to go to this, but my sister is adamant that Thanksgiving happen at her house this year.

I don't see the corralation. What's stopping her from having it at her house and you simply not being there?