NCAA Tournament Stop at the BOK Center Means Major Economic Impact for Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma –– “The NCAA Final Four Goes Through Tulsa” has been a common theme in the northeastern Oklahoma community the last six months. Why? Tulsa is one of eight sites nation-wide to host the 2011 NCAA Second & Third Rounds of the Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament in March.
Tulsa will host eight teams in second and third round action. Who will be making the trek to Tulsa? The teams destined for Tulsa will be revealed on Sunday, March 13th, as the 68-team field will be announced on CBS Television that night.
The BOK Center will serve as the host site, March 17-20. Four games will be played on Thursday, March 18th, with two games scheduled for Sunday, March 20th. Open practice sessions on Thursday, March 17th will allow fans to visit the BOK Center free of charge to see the teams work out.
No matter what teams are assigned to Tulsa, it is a major sporting event the likes of which this city has not seen. Fans from eight schools will converge on Tulsa, transforming the community into a basketball hotbed for the week, thus having a huge economic impact on the city.
“Having the second and third rounds of the NCAA tournament in Tulsa is a tremendous opportunity for our community,” Mayor Dewey Bartlett said. “With an estimated $13 million economic impact, community support is such an important factor when a tournament of this magnitude comes to town. Many businesses are already planning for special events during the tournament and we expect high traffic volumes at our many arts, entertainment and shopping districts.
“We hope with Tulsa’s strong community spirit that NCAA representatives will keep Tulsa on their radar screen and return to Tulsa in the near future.”
Tickets for second and third round games – a total six contests – are available for the one-time price of $237. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.ncaa.com/mbbtickets.
“The NCAA Tournament is one of the largest events downtown Tulsa has hosted in the recent past. While our VisitTulsa and Tulsa Sports Commission programs work diligently to bring conventions, meetings and events to town that will have a positive economic impact on our city, like the NCAA Tournament with an estimated $13 million economic impact, we are also extremely thrilled at the opportunity to show off Tulsa to thousands of visitors, added Mike Neal, President and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber.
Tulsa has not hosted an NCAA Tournament game since 1985, when the ORU Mabee Center was the host site.
NCAA TOURNAMENT FACTS
What: 2011 NCAA Second & Third Round Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament
Dates: March 17-20
Open Practice Date: March 17 (Free admission)
Game Dates: Friday, March 18 and Sunday, March 20
Game Times: TBA (will be announced Monday, March 14)
Cost: $237 (all-session ticket includes 6 games)
To Purchase Tickets: www.ncaa.com/mbbtickets
Updated 02-15-2011
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