DAYTON — The First Four is back in Dayton for the first time since 2019 and its return is expected to have a major impact on the local economy.
The First Four has an estimated $5 million impact on the local economy.
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If you bought tickets to the First Four, you can probably make a profit if you decide to resell them, as the tickets sold out faster than normal before the field was announced.
Terry Slaybaugh, chairman of the local organizing committee for the Big Hoopla, told News Center 7’s James Rider that they see a lot of excitement about the return of the First Four.
“We saw that at all our events. Lots of excitement surrounding the tournament. I think there’s a lot of pent-up energy and people are ready to come to this tournament and have a good time,” Slaybaugh said.
WHIO checked today and tickets for Tuesday or Wednesday are costing potential ticket buyers more than $100, which is about double this time last week.
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All teams came today to prepare for the games. They all get a chance to keep the season alive and play on national TV.
“It’s really cool to look over my shoulder and realize that the first place the country will see March Madness on a basketball court is going to be in Dayton, Ohio,” Slaybaugh said.
The first four games begin Tuesday night when Texas Southern takes on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, followed by Wyoming and Indiana. Games conclude Wednesday when Wright State takes on Bryant and Rutgers takes on Notre Dame.
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