Nearly 12,000 fans entered the building for each of the three two-game sessions at Taco Bell ArenaGETTY IMAGES
NCAA President Mark Emmert said that the organization was "pleased with the return of its signature event to Boise, where the NCAA Tournament was contested" for the "first time in nine years," according to Chadd Cripe of the IDAHO STATESMAN. The event is "scheduled to come back to Taco Bell Arena" in '21. Emmert said, "We’ve got some venues for these first rounds that are 20,000-ish (seats). That’s really great, but on the other hand having this compact arena with a lot of energy in it and filling it up is really fun. I don’t think it’s been a disadvantage so far." Boise hosted NCAA Tournament games "for the ninth time," dating back to '83. The six Boise games this year "were sold out, with nearly 12,000 fans entering the building for each of the three two-game sessions." Unlike some NCAA venues, the arena "was packed throughout each game." The atmosphere was "electric" Saturday afternoon for Kentucky-Buffalo. Boise State AD Curt Apsey said that the school "expects to make a profit from hosting the event." Boise’s effort was "recognized by several coaches." That included Davidson coach Bob McKillop, who had "some kind words about the 'absolutely sensational' hospitality" (IDAHO STATESMAN, 3/18).
WELCOME TO WICHITA! In Wichita, Neil, Tobias, Lefler & Riedl noted the city is left to "reflect on what went right and what went wrong" during the NCAA Tournament games it "waited so long for -- and to decide what to do differently when it gets another chance" in '21. Most involved in the planning and execution of the event said that it "went off without any major problems heading into Saturday night's games, if you don’t count that 11-minute shot clock meltdown on Thursday night" during the Michigan-Montana game at Intrust Bank Arena. Wichita State Associate AD/Facilities & Operations Brad Pittman said that his "main takeaway is that Wichita proved itself when it comes to hosting a big event." The 14,000 fans who "came to open practice day Wednesday, including 4,000 school children who were bused in by the district, set a mark few if any cities could match." Wichita is already lined up for the '21 tournament, and while it "may be hard to match the excitement of this year, Pittman projects Wichita will win more bids in the future." NCAA Tournament Dir of Media Operations Mike Ross said that he thinks Wichita "impressed NCAA officials and others with its preparation and hospitality" (WICHITA EAGLE, 3/18).
WINNER, WINNER? In San Diego, Nick Canepa notes Viejas Arena was "just shy of a sellout Friday" but "was filled Sunday." It "wasn’t a big box office field, but, once again, San Diego showed up for an event." Canepa: "We can do events. Here’s hoping when the tournament returns in four years the overall college game will be better" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 3/19). In Nashville, Sparks & Pouncy note the NCAA Tournament "won't be back" to Bridgestone Arena for "at least five years." The future calendars in March "are pretty full, especially considering the Predators’ home ice is at the same facility." Nashville Sports Council President & CEO Scott Ramsey said, "We almost have a bird in the hand with the SEC (tournaments) here long-term." NCAA Tournament sites already have been assigned through '22, and Nashville is "not one of them." Ramsey said the '24 Women’s Final Four is “our focus" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 3/19).
ON TO THE NEXT ONE: In Omaha, Dirk Chatelain notes NCAA Tournament opening rounds have come to the city "three times in the past decade," but this week's Midwest Regional at CenturyLink Center "carries heightened prestige and responsibility." The other three regional sites this year are L.A., Boston and Atlanta. Chatelain: "Is Omaha punching above its weight? According to experts in the sports event business, the notion is pure folly." Former National Association of Sports Commission Exec Dir Don Schumacher said, "When you consider the success of the College World Series and the Swimming Trials, there's absolutely no reason to consider Omaha a surprise host anymore." Omaha "has what the NCAA is looking for." It has an arena "everybody's comfortable with, a downtown that works for events and, more important perhaps, they have a group of people who have never disappointed." CenturyLink Center's adjoining convention center gives the NCAA "plenty of space for operations, including press conferences, media work rooms and a second practice court" (OMAHA WORLD-HERALD, 3/19).
