Background
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to contract with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, to provide support to the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four Tournament. The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship is a 63-game tournament that culminates with the Women’s Final Four. The three remaining Women’s Final Four games - two national semifinal games and the national championship game - will signify the conclusion of one of the most highly anticipated national championships in the nation.
The NCAA Women’s Final Four will generate an estimated $20 million in direct visitor spending. The semifinals and national championship games will attract more than 40,000 fans, including 30,000 from outside Central Ohio, to Nationwide Arena over two nights. The event will also generate over 14,000 total hotel room nights in the City of Columbus and Franklin County. All three games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks domestically, as well as internationally. The Women’s Final Four games will be broadcast on over 350 radio stations domestically and internationally.
This $125,000.00 commitment by the City of Columbus will be used by the Greater Columbus Sports Commission to offset costs associated with hosting this event, including but not limited to hosting fees, ancillary support costs, and other marketing/promotional costs.
Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau dba Greater Columbus Sports Commission, Contract Compliance Number: 31-4153118
Fiscal Impact: Funding in the amount of $125,000 is budgeted and available within the general fund. These funds will be transferred from the Department of Finance and Management to the Department of Development, within the general fund.
Emergency action is requested so that an immediate payment can be made and financial support can be provided.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into contract with the Greater Columbus ...
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