I'm not so sure that Bama wouldn't travel to Memphis. Like you said, if they don't, at least they'll be replaced by Arkansas. Plus, I definately think it would encourage more UT fans to go as well.
Are you serious? We are talking about the SEC tournament so what does the rest of the year have to do with anything? As long as Hoover packs in the SEC tourney not a living soul gives a **** what the attendance is at Auto Zone or the Hoover Met the other 360 days of the year.