By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo will once again play host to the NCAA Men's basketball tournament in 2010.
The City is already set to host the tournament in 2007. But the Association announced that it will return in 2010. The Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau submitted the pitch.
Christian Wood is director of sports development at the CVB. Wood says for the fourth time, the Queen City has been selected to host this popular basketball event.
"The surveys that have come back have been very positive. The president of the institutions, the coaches from the teams that come here to play, the athletes themselves, the NCAA sponsors all liked Buffalo. And our local organizing committee is very strong," said Wood.
The CVB works along with the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, as well as the two local host institutions, Canisius College and Niagara University.
"They are fantastic to work with. They have a great relationship with then NCAA. When You put that package together along with area attractions, hotel and work of the CVB, it is really a great "A" list, if you will," said Wood.
The CVB says the event could generate close to $4 million and has the potential to attract 12,000 visitors.