City to spend $25K for NCAA's 'First Four' event

NCAA First Four hoops action could generate  $4 million for the city.

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By Doug Page, Staff Writer Updated 10:12 AM Thursday, February 23, 2012

DAYTON — The City Commission approved Wednesday spending $25,000 to support the Dayton First Four event, which is expected to bring $4 million to the city economy and an untold amount of national publicity for the four NCAA basketball games that kickoff March Madness.

“We are trying to ensure that we keep this economic generator long term,” said Commissioner Nan Whaley, who sits on the First Four Events committee. Whaley said the four games March 13 and 14 at the University of Dayton Arena will bring an estimated $4 million to area businesses. Last year’s First Four was estimated to have generated $3.5 million.

Whaley said the group has raised $800,000 for a series of events, and that organizers are reimbursing the city for overtime costs.

Mayor Gary Leitzell said he had heard some criticism of the city giving the money to the organizers. “Critics need to know that we will be recouping that $25,000,” he said.

Organizers expect thousands to flock to the Oregon District for the NCAA First Four Festival on March 11, the day the tournament’s teams are selected. The all-day, free event will feature big screen TVs for watching conference championships leading to the tournament selections, heated tents with food, beverages, live music and entertainment, games for kids, a fun run and displays of the latest Air Force technology.

The games will be nationally televised on Turner truTV cable channel.

Organizers have sold 10,000 four-game package tickets and are pushing to sell out the UD arena, which holds 13,200.

“This is a good fit for Dayton. This is a basketball-crazy town,” Whaley said. She hopes Dayton will become linked with the First Four in the same way Omaha, Neb., is linked to the College World Series.

Dayton will host the First Four next year as well as second- and third-round tournament games. Bidding for the 2014 First Four site will open this spring.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2290 or dpage@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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