ATLANTA – November 19, 2008 – Today the NCAA® Men’s Basketball Committee announced that Atlanta was selected to host the 2013 NCAA® Men’s Final Four® - the tournament’s 75th anniversary year. The Men’s Final Four, which will bring more than 80,000 fans to the Georgia Dome and Atlanta from April 6-8, 2013, will have an estimated economic impact of more than $61 million for the city. Atlanta was one of 10 cities bidding to host a Men’s Final Four from 2012 – 2016.
The Atlanta Local Organizing Committee (ALOC), headed by Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) president-elect William Pate, developed a strong bid focusing on the city’s continued growth and expansion – specifically in the Final Four footprint of downtown Atlanta.
“Our great facilities, new hotels, shopping districts and attractions like the Georgia Aquarium’s dolphin exhibit expansion, the National Health Museum, the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the National Museum of Patriotism – all within steps of Centennial Olympic Park – helped to convince the committee to select Atlanta as a Final Four destination,” noted Pate.
The ALOC, which traveled to Indianapolis last week to present the bid in person, consists of members from the ACVB, Georgia World Congress Center, the Georgia Dome, the Atlanta Sports Council and host institution Georgia Tech.
“We felt that the NCAA had an incredible experience when we last hosted the Men’s Final Four in 2007, and by illustrating how this city never rests on it laurels, we strongly believed we had an excellent chance to garner one of the five available years,” said Pate. “We are in great company and want to congratulate the other winning cities, including New Orleans, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Indianapolis and Houston,” he added.
About the NCAA
The NCAA is a membership-led nonprofit association of colleges and universities committed to supporting academic and athletic opportunities for more than 360,000 student-athletes at more than 1,000 member colleges and universities. Each year, more than 49,000 student-athletes compete in NCAA championships in Divisions I, II and III sports. For more information, visit www.ncaa.org and www.ncaasports.com.
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