Title
To recognize the Columbus Local Organizing Committee for its work organizing and hosting the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four
Body
WHEREAS, the Columbus Local Organizing Committee, consisting of The Ohio State University, Greater Columbus Sports Commission, and Nationwide Arena, will host the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four on March 30th through April 1st; and
WHEREAS, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) will also bring more than 2,000 coaches to Columbus to host their annual convention in conjunction with the Women’s Final Four from March 29th through April 1st at the Greater Columbus Convention Center; and
WHEREAS, the NCAA and the Columbus Local Organizing Committee will utilize hundreds of local Columbus-area volunteers to provide programming and events to welcome and engage visitors and the entire Columbus community; and
WHEREAS, the NCAA Women’s Final Four is expected to attract more than 80,000 fans to Columbus during the four-day event, generating an estimated 14,000 hotel room nights and approximately $20 million in direct visitor spending in Central Ohio; and
WHEREAS, local charitable activities and events are planned, including youth clinics, hospital visits, a local court renovation, and the Read to the Final Four program involving thousands of area students; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four and associated events will have a positive impact on the local economy in Columbus and will provide lasting benefits for local students; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby recognize the Columbus Local Organizing Committee for its work and positive impact in the community as it hosts the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four.