There's a reason that the city of San Antonio fought hard to get this weekend's Final Four, and they're fighting hard for more college basketball championships: The games bring in big bucks.
"We estimate the economic impact at $185 million," City Manager Sheryl Sculley tells Newsradio 1200 WOAI.I
t's believed that about 100-thousand visitors will come to San Antonio for this weekend's games. That includes fans, media and the small army of workers that are putting together events across the city, including a gigantic entertainment area next to the convention center, which now includes several stages and a Ferris wheel.
They all need places to sleep, something to eat, and more are buying souvenirs to take back home.
Richard Perez, who heads the Greater Chamber of Commerce, says the games will generate buzz, which is harder to quantify in dollar amounts.
"Cameras, coming from all over the world, putting a spotlight on why San Antonio makes sense to come and visit," he explains.
This weekend's games come at a critical time. This spring, the NCAA college basketball committee will announce the next round of Final Four host cities, starting in 2023. Sculley says we've done enough to be a favorite, citing $60 million in upgrades to the Alamodome.
"We get to showcase our city. The downtown and all of the improvements, the Riverwalk, the museums and the art facilities. It's great for San Antonio."