Columbus set for NCAA Tournament windfall

Columbus is the only city hosting both men’s and women’s NCAA Tournament games this weekend, and that will result in a windfall for the area.

According to the Columbus Sports Commission, visitors are set to spend an estimated $9.4 million, with the bulk of that, $8.6 million, coming from those watching the men’s games at Nationwide Arena.

By comparison, organizers of the Arnold Sports Festival say that event brought in around $15.6 million this year, and the Bengals’ hosting of the Ravens in an NFL playoff game in January was expected to have a $9 million impact on Cincinnati.

“It’s a great chance for local fans to see great basketball and to introduce visitors to Columbus,” said Linda Logan, the Columbus Sports Commission’s executive director.

The NCAA announced in 2020 that some of the men’s tournament games would be staged in Ohio’s capital city. When the bracket was revealed, Michigan State, Purdue, USC, Marquette and a handful of others learned their NCAA Tournament journey would bring them to Columbus. The Ohio State women earned the right to host by virtue of being a No. 3 seed. They will take on No. 14 James Madison at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, and should they advance, they’ll face the winner of No. 6 North Carolina and No. 11 St. John’s, who beat Purdue in the play-in game 66-64. The women’s games are being played at Value City Arena.

“Winning and hosting these events is a collaborative process,” said Logan, “and we’re grateful for Ohio State Athletics, Nationwide Arena, The Schottenstein Center and local hotels and restaurants. It’ll be a packed weekend of games and festivities throughout the city.”