Community gets record number of First Four tickets

Big Hoopla group works to put Dayton in positive light nationally.

Community groups received a record number of First Four tickets from The Big Hoopla, the local organizing committee whose mission is to present a united community front for the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament.

The 4,700 tickets were purchased by sponsors of The Big Hoopla and given to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base personnel, local youths, student organizations and nonprofits, according to Matt Farrell, a local organizing committee member.

The Big Hoopla launched the ticket program in 2012 — a year after the First Four debuted — and, including this year’s number, the group has distributed more than 17,000 tickets total.

“That’s a remarkable accomplishment,” Farrell said. “It’s a testament to the region’s commitment to the military and it’s commitment to students.”

Farrell said sponsors can either distribute tickets themselves or use the local committee’s channels. The Big Hoopla had 89 sponsors this year that provided cash or in-kind support, raising its four-year sponsor total to nearly 240.

The last block of tickets were distributed Tuesday to the Air Force, Farrell said.

“One thing that makes this all possible is the community’s willingness to work together,” Farrell said. “What is good for all is good for the individual, and this is a region that believes in that. The Hoopla Ticket Program exemplifies that.”

WPAFB received more than 2,500 tickets, according to base spokeswoman Marie Vanover. She said tickets are “fair-shared” throughout the various organizations on base to allow as many Airmen as possible to attend the games.

“This program is just another example of the outstanding support the base receives from the surrounding communities,” Vanover said.

Dave Taylor, principal/assistant superintendent at the Dayton Early College Academy, said his school received nearly 200 tickets. They were distributed to students in grades K-12 on Monday.

“For most of our kids, this is their first opportunity to go and experience a real college basketball game,” Taylor said. “For many of the teachers, this is a unique way to spend time with them outside a traditional school environment.”

Taylor said about 20 teachers participate in the ticket distribution. The teachers identify a criteria within their classroom, such as grades or behavior, that determines which students are selected to attend.

In previous years, Taylor said DECA received 100 to 150 tickets, but the academy made a request for more this year. DECA has an enrollment of 915 students.

Also, students and teachers will attend the games together, where in the past, students were encouraged to take their family.

“It’s really underestimated how important it is for kids to understand that teachers are real people and they can have real, genuine fun outside the confines of the classroom,” Taylor said. “It means a lot to our kids and to our school.”

Regina Holman, the interim director of aviation at the Dayton International Airport, said the airport received more than 100 tickets from The Big Hoopla, as part of its sponsorship deal.

The tickets were then distributed to students at six area high schools: Dunbar, Thurgood Marshall, Ponitz, Stivers, Carroll and Meadowdale.

“We treat the First Four like it’s the Final Four here in Dayton,” Holman said. “The enthusiasm it generates and the economic impact is invaluable.”

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