University of Minnesota Athletics
Minneapolis, ?U? remain in running to host Future Final Four
9/3/2008 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
University of Minnesota officials received word from the NCAA Wednesday that Minneapolis remains under consideration to host one of four future Men's Final Fours.
Minnesota submitted bids for the right to host a Final Four in 2013, 2014, 2015 or 2016 and has been designated as one of 10 finalist cities by the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committees for those years.
In addition to Minneapolis, Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, New Orleans, North Texas, Phoenix, San Antonio and St. Louis were also designated as finalists.
"Our committee has been overwhelmed and impressed by the creativity and attention to detail in the bids received from the bid cities," said Mike Slive, commissioner of the Southeastern Conference and chair of the committee. "Each of these cities can be proud that they have been well-represented. The written presentations were outstanding with each city showcasing a unique vision of hosting this event. It is exciting to see the growth of the Final Four, both in the venue and throughout the region where events are held. Over the past few years, the growing variety of Final Four events has attracted millions of fans of all ages, and last year's championship was watched by more than 150 million television viewers worldwide. The responses we have received confirm that the excitement is shared among our bid cities. We feel it is only appropriate to keep all under consideration they have most certainly earned it."
Sites for the 2012-2016 Final Fours are scheduled to be awarded by the NCAA Men's Basketball Committee in November.
The Final Four bid process began earlier this year, with bids being submitted by prospective host cities in June. Site visits will be conducted by the NCAA over the coming weeks leading up to in-person presentations by each city prior to the committee's final decisions in November.
Next spring, the University of Minnesota will host the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on Friday, March 20, and Sunday, March 22. Tickets remain available and may be applied for online www.ncaa.com/tickets.
Ticket packages for the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds in Minneapolis are priced at $183 and $138 and include a $10 service charge. Both ticket packages include four games in two sessions on March 20, and two games in one session on March 22.
All requests for ticket will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and are expected to be mailed to applicants no later than Jan. 31, 2009.
For more information on the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds being hosted by the University of Minnesota at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, please contact the Minnesota Athletics Department ticket office at 612-624-8080, 800-UGOPHER or via e-mail at go4tix@umn.edu.
