Memphis to NCAA visitors: Welcome

Here is a big welcome to the coaches and players of Butler University, the University of Kentucky, the University of North Carolina and University of California-Los Angeles, and the thousands of fans who have followed them to Memphis for the NCAA South Regionals at FedExForum.

The college basketball national spotlight will be on the River City Friday and Sunday as the four teams battle to see who goes to the NCAA tournament’s Final Four in Phoenix April 1 and April 3 to battle for the national championship.

We are glad that the weather is cooperating, so that you have a chance to take in the flavor, vibe and sights of Memphis, and that you will see that “Southern Hospitality” is not a myth.

Butler’s mascot, a bulldog named Butler Blue III (nicknamed “Trip,” short for “Triple”), has been hitting the hotspots around town. He even stopped by The Commercial Appeal newsroom Thursday to say hello to the newspaper’s education reporter Jennifer Pignolet, who is a Butler alumna.

Vice President Mike Pence, the former governor of Indiana, where Butler is located, is expected to be on hand to watch the Bulldogs play North Carolina Friday. Pence’s wife, Karen, attended Butler.

Several days ago, North Carolina coach Roy Williams told the hosts of a nationally broadcast radio sports show that he could not wait to get to Memphis for some barbecued ribs.

And, during breaks in the games, television viewers across the nation will be treated to views and positive commentary about the city.

Kentucky, coached by former University Memphis coach John Calipari, and UCLA square off in the second game Friday. Both teams have won several national championships, and the national sports pundits are eagerly awaiting this battle.

Whether or not you are a sports fan, it is a big deal that the city was able to land the South Regionals. It is icing on the cake that these four teams — especially perennial national powers Kentucky, UCLA and North Carolina — will be playing here, which places the city in a larger sports spotlight.

The tournament will be a tremendous economic boost for Memphis and the surrounding area, with an expectation that the event will pump $5 million into the Memphis economy on what would otherwise be an off-season weekend.

That is good news for local hotels, retail outlets, tourist attractions and restaurants, where servers surely will enjoy the increase in tips.

While the economic impact is important, this is about more than money. To the teams and their fans, we want you to know that, as a city, we are glad you are here and we hope you can say you had a great time, regardless of how your team fares.