Serious question on behalf of our bball board.

[Hoo's That]

UVa is the ACC rep at the Atlantis tournament for 2018-19. Our fans have heard a wild collection of rumors about ticket availability such as you're not allowed to buy a ticket unless you stay in their hotel. Since you folks were there semi-recently, could you pass along some facts about going there? Thanks in advance!

 

[cto]

Don't know the answer to your specific question... But I will answer it with a question: Why wouldn't you want to stay at one of the Atlantis properties (there are a lot of them)? There is so much happening on the grounds, and much of it is free. And the games are at odd hours (they play four each day) so it is good to be on their massive property. I am sure UVA will offer some kind of a room/tickets package. Even if UVA doesn't, the resort has already ann0unced one.

In essence, it is a great resort for kids ... and for people who like to gamble. It seems you have to walk through a massive casino in order to get to any Point B from any Point A). There are all sorts of free water activities and a few you have to pay for (such as swimming with dolphins). Dining options are all over the map ... from fast food through really nice fine dining. Much to my surprise, there were not coffee makers in the guest rooms ... which meant you had to walk a long distance to get a cup of coffee in the morning. (That was actually my biggest complaint about the place).

When we were there in 2015, the weather was not great. Very windy and a lot of rain in the evening. The beaches (not the pools) were closed during most of the week because of high winds. Make sure you take a rain jacket and something warm to wear if you will be outdoors in the evening.

 

[OrangeTown]

UVa is the ACC rep at the Atlantis tournament for 2018-19. Our fans have heard a wild collection of rumors about ticket availability such as you're not allowed to buy a ticket unless you stay in their hotel. Since you folks were there semi-recently, could you pass along some facts about going there? Thanks in advance!

I don't know if things have changed, but when we were there, you did not have to stay on the property to acquire tickets. That being said, it was nice to simply walk off the elevator and go about 100 feet and be at the entrance to the arena. But that depends on what part of the property you stay at. I was on the floor with the Texas A&M players so that is another aspect to think about is your chances to run into players you want to meet or see.

My personal opinion is that the price of Atlantis was not worth what you get. You still have to pay a pretty steep price for all your food and drinks, but I had my driver stop at the grocery store on the way from the airport to buy a bunch of beer and a bottle of Absolut and Tangueray. Then I walked around with my big Bubba mug filled whenever I could. The water rides are nice, but again dependent on weather. The "lazy river" is not so lazy and was extremely fun - it's like a combination of a wave pool and lazy river. Basically, if money isn't a big issue, Atlantis is the way to go. Make sure to read up on the different hotels and choose according to your wishes. The casino and arena are quite close together.

I know there is at least one adjacent "all inclusive" that we were able to reach by walking down the beach. As Joyce said, the weather was very disappointing when we were there and it was like constant 30MPH winds. But while Atlantis had all their beaches closed, the adjacent resort's beach was open. And this was probably just a 10 minute walk from the arena.

One last thing - I'm not positive since I stayed at Atlantis - but you may need to buy day passes anyway just to get onto the Atlantis property. I know CuseTroop stayed off premises so he might be able to add something. Actually, he might be able to give the best advice about finding free room and board via the local police station.

I will also tag iommi since he was there with us and perhaps he can help.

Sorry if this isn't the most helpful information. Not going to lie - much of the trip was quite a blur. I'll post back up if I think of anything else helpful.

 

[HOFCeluck]

I didn’t go but watching the games made me wonder if the court was in the middle of a strip club. So do with that info what you will.

 

[Ajflood12]

UVa is the ACC rep at the Atlantis tournament for 2018-19. Our fans have heard a wild collection of rumors about ticket availability such as you're not allowed to buy a ticket unless you stay in their hotel. Since you folks were there semi-recently, could you pass along some facts about going there? Thanks in advance!

I went and didn’t stay at the hotel. We stayed off paradise island all together. I think my dad got tickets through Syracuse. They were readily available. I would contact UVA ticket office and see. We were supposed to sit in cuse section which was a crappy spot but half the seats were empty so we moved around.

The one thing I would say is be prepared to spend some cash. They nickel and dime you to death. The only thing free at that place is getting into the casino and that is after you pay for parking.

 

[Hoo's That]

Thanks all for you superb info!!!!!!!!!!

 

[djcon57]

I went. Stay at Atlanis, don't get any of the food packages.

The players and coaches and fans take over the place. The bars and casino and water park and beach. It's worth it

 

[Alsacs]

I think ssbriefcase and CuseTroop both went when we played they can help.

 

[tbonezone]

my room was super groovy.

(courtesy HELLO DOWN THERE 1969)

 

[rrlbees]

Obie9 and Headmaster 9 can chime in.

 

[JoeySimz]

UVa is the ACC rep at the Atlantis tournament for 2018-19. Our fans have heard a wild collection of rumors about ticket availability such as you're not allowed to buy a ticket unless you stay in their hotel. Since you folks were there semi-recently, could you pass along some facts about going there? Thanks in advance!

They make it sound like you have to stay there but it’s not so. I stayed at the riu all-inclusive which is right next door to the Atlantis complex. All I had to do was walk out the back door, go up a very short sidewalk and into the Atlantis. Once you’re inside Atlantis there are long corridors connecting the different towers with shops and such, like a mall.

I saved money staying at the all-inclusive. Very convenient too. The package price to stay at Atlantis was a bit steep for me so I was looking at ways to save. No kids, so I wasn’t concerned with planning other activities or having access to kid stuff.

I called the Atlantis box office directly to reserve the game tickets. The fan package for just your team was 118 for lower level, and 95 for upper level. Full tournament package was much more. For each day of the tournament, you pick up tickets at will call which is separated by team. Iirc, you can pick them up starting at 8 or 9am and you can choose from the remaining seats in your level.

The money I saved went to providing assistance to under-privileged Colombian women, who after a series of interesting circumstances ended up sitting next to me at the casino bar. One beauty in particular, Camila, just loves the color orange.

As mentioned above, there was a tropical storm brewing which limited the outdoor/beach time. It was windy. Sunglasses.

 

[tbonezone]

Camila, just loves the color orange.
lady marmalade. Itchi gitchi ya ya da da .

 

[STEVEHOLT]

I had the same question, turns out this guy is the head of the chamber of commerce down there and can give you all the info you require

 

[Headmaster 9]

We stayed at Atlantis , I think it was the Royal Tower which was in the middle of the price range for the property. Our room was decent, nice view . We had many teams staying in the tower, seeing players and coaches on the elevators etc. was a regular occurrence.

We loved the venue for basketball. We did purchase our SU session tickets through the university, but we were able to buy tickets on site for all of the night sessions ( we played mid afternoon the whole time, didn’t go to early games so we could be outside) for very reasonable prices. The half time shows were awesome, local bands etc to give it a Bahamas flair.

The staff was friendly and helpful, which was a nice surprise after reading some reviews that suggested the opposite.

You get bottled water tickets with your room, other than that every thing costs you. There are many and varied restaurants on property, however they were pricey and the more casual options we tried were not very good. We brought a suitcase of snacks ( kind bars, nuts, pringles etc) based on advice we read and it was worth it- we lived on snacks and Starbucks to save $$. The deli had decent and large sandwiches that are affordable, do not eat the take out pizza, it is horrible! Drinks readily available at bars throughout but aren’t cheap.

Pools, slides etc were nice. Various to choose from based on what you’re looking for. We also saw players from some teams enjoying these amenities. Disappointed that they closed all water at like 5 or 6:00 so no night swimming. Beach was closed all but one day because of wind. The lazy river wasn’t so lazy in spots- saw several people with cuts and scrapes but didn’t realize how bad it could get until Obie9 got tossed off his tube and slammed into the wall for a hundred yards and cane up bleeding and scrapped up all over his body ( still has scars). However he does say he’d go back on it. I went on the big slide you see on all the commercials, it was fine but you go so fast you don’t really see any of the fish when you go through the tubes.

We will go back if/when SU is invited back... have actually considered going just to get away and watch the tournament without being in it.

 

[cto]

The "lazy river" ride (about which several people have commented): It ain't so lazy. It has some serious rapids. When I was there, I was recovering from a broken ankle, and I could not get the brace wet. It was a real adventure, trying to keep my right ankle from getting wet -- or (worse) smashed into a concrete wall while not losing control of my tube. But I somehow managed. If I could do that, it should be a piece of cake for anyone not dealing with a broken ankle. It is actually a highlight of a stay at Atlantis.

 

[djcon57]

The "lazy river" ride (about which several people have commented: It ain't so lazy. It has some serious rapids. When I was there, I was recovering from a broken ankle, and I could not get the brace wet. It was a real adventure, trying to keep my right ankle from getting wet -- or smashed into a concrete wall while not losing control of my tube. But I somehow managed. If I could do that, it should be a piece of cake for anyone not dealing with a broken ankle. It is actually a highlight of a stay at Atlantis.

My wife and I would go on it a couple times a day. We loved it...the whole ride took awhile. I want to say like 30 mins?

 

[GooseMutt]

The "lazy river" ride (about which several people have commented: It ain't so lazy. It has some serious rapids. When I was there, I was recovering from a broken ankle, and I could not get the brace wet. It was a real adventure, trying to keep my right ankle from getting wet -- or smashed into a concrete wall while not losing control of my tube. But I somehow managed. If I could do that, it should be a piece of cake for anyone not dealing with a broken ankle. It is actually a highlight of a stay at Atlantis.

Wow, that’s pretty optimistic of kyou not to mention daring. You must have had serious cabin fever having been laid up 6/8 weeks. Kudos to you and your adventurous spirit

That’s the spirit I want on my team. Go Cuse