First Four bringing big boost to local businesses
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Dayton businesses and hotels are gearing up for a boost this week, thanks to the NCAA First Four games.
This year marks the 14th time the University of Dayton has hosted the First Four since the play-in games began in 2011.
PHOTOS: First Four floor installed at UD Arena
The Marriott Hotel at the University of Dayton is hosting three of the eight First Four teams, saying it's going to be a packed week. Hotel employees have been hard at work preparing for the teams and fans to arrive Monday evening.
'We anticipate a lot of traveling fans and students,' said Micah Stampf, general manager of the Marriott Hotel at UD.
The hotel says the busiest days for them will be Tuesday and Wednesday, but the hustle begins Monday.
'It will be very busy with the team arrival. Obviously we want to create as memorable of an experience for these gentlemen as possible,' said Stampf. 'We'll have hotel staff and members from Destination Dayton that will help us welcome them when they get here.'
And it's not just the First Four bringing business. The Marriott will also see more guests with the Ohio State University men's basketball tournament this week.
'With such an influx in a very short period of time with teams and fans, we always make sure we have the right people on hand, and the right amount of people so that we're able to serve these folks,' said Stampf.
First Four: The 8 teams playing in Dayton this week
The same is true over at Milano's Subs on Brown Street — but they expect this year's First Four to be busier than ever.
'It's going to be really super busy, with a big name like Caroline coming to town, and Xavier, which is only an hour down the road' said Larry Adkisson, general manager at Milano's. 'I think this will be one of the biggest First Fours yet.'
Adkisson says they will be the busiest on game days starting two hours before tip off time. He promises they're all about keeping the energy high and the excitement rolling all week long.
'We partnered up with Modelo, and we're doing a little, pop-a-shot basketball contest. Anybody can come and play it. We've got prizes that we're going to give out,' said Adkisson.
Local businesses say their goal is to make teams and visitors feel welcome — and make Dayton feel like home over the next few days.
2 SPORTS will cover the tournament all week on WDTN Channel 2.
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