American Airlines Center will see the Women's Final Four return in '23 after first being played there in '17GETTY IMAGES
Dallas was "one of four cities chosen" by the D-I Women's Basketball Committee as a future host of the Women's Final Four, as the event will also head to San Antonio in '21, Minneapolis in '22 and Cleveland in '24, according to Chuck Carlton of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Dallas and American Airlines Center "hosted the Women's Final Four for the first time" in '17, and Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said that the "successful hosting probably played a role in the NCAA's decision to return." The fact that Dallas has been "chosen to host two Women's Final Fours in a six-year period is a potential sign that Dallas may be in the running for more in the future." Bowlsby said, "I'm sure we'll be a regular bidder. You're always only as good as your last outing, and we want to put our best foot forward." The return of the Women's Final Four is a "boost for the North Texas region's hopes of hosting major collegiate championship events" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 9/25).
RENOVATIONS PAYING OFF: In San Antonio, Josh Baugh notes the '21 tournament "will mark the third women’s championship held in the Alamodome," as it was "also hosted" there in '02 and '10. The city "made history at that first event" in '02, attracting a "record-setting attendance of 29,619." San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said, "Our upgrades to the Alamodome are paying off in a big way. The dome will be even better in 2021 than it was the last two times we hosted the Women’s Final Four.” Recent improvements include a "new audio-video system, new scoreboards and renovating the facility’s lower concourse." Upgrading elevators and escalators and "overhauling the upper concourse are next, and there could be new lighting and flooring along with upgraded concession areas" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 9/25).
GOOD TIMING: In Minneapolis, Marcus Fuller notes the '22 Final Four "will honor the 50th anniversary of Title IX." Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said, “What better way to celebrate that huge achievement than doing it right here in Minneapolis." Being part of a "string of big-ticket sporting events certainly made the Twin Cities an attractive destination." Other major NCAA events "following in the wake of Super Bowl LII and two Frozen Fours" include the '18 women’s volleyball Final Four, '19 men’s basketball Final Four, '20 wrestling championships, '21 men’s basketball tournament regional and '21 men’s gymnastics championships (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/25).
WORKING IN SYNC: In Cleveland, Elton Alexander notes the city's winning bid is "indicative of successful past and future partnerships" between the MAC, the greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Quicken Loans Arena. The three have "previously served as host" to the Women's Final Four in '07. Quicken Loans Arena and the MAC have a "long-standing working relationship." For 19 years, the arena has "served as host venue for the MAC Men's Basketball Tournament (since 2000) and the MAC Women's Basketball Tournament (since 2001)" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 9/25). Also in Cleveland, Kevin Kleps noted this "will be the fourth Women's Final Four in Ohio." The event was "held in Cincinnati" in '97 and this year in Columbus, which was "lauded as one of the greatest in the history of the event" (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 9/24).
