Tampa Bay and Tarheels Score Big at ACC Tournament

This past March, one of college basketball's most prestigious conference tournaments made its first visit to the state of Florida. The 2007 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament saw the University of North Carolina Tar Heels defeat the North Carolina State Wolfpack, 89-80, in route to their 18^th conference title at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Bay area businesses were at the forefront of those who benefited from the influx of visitors. Several downtown restaurants reported a 75 percent increase in revenue while downtown hotels were sold out months in advance. Highlights of the tournament included numerous successful ancillary events such as ACC FanFest, Tournament Tailgate, University Day, Legends Brunch, and Channelside Courtside Party Zone.

"We are elated with the overwhelming feedback we have received from local businesses regarding the significant impact that they experienced during the ACC Men's Basketball Tournament," said Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.  "Our community raised the bar once again with the phenomenal job they did in accommodating our valued visitors from the Atlantic Coast Conference."

The Channelside area was also a big draw for sports fans during the tournament.  With locations like the Florida Aquarium, Newk's Restaurant, Dave Andreychuk's Grille, Stumps Supper Club, Howl-At-The-Moon and others reporting big gains during the ACC. The Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau anticipates many return visitors because of the involvement and support generated by the community and local businesses.

"I think a lot of people were surprised by our community when they arrived in Tampa for the ACC Tournament," said Paul Catoe, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau. "It was nice to meet so many people enjoying our city for the first time. They'll be back."

"The ACC Tournament was very good to us," says Thom Stork, President and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. "I believe the fans came to Tampa for the tournament and made it a vacation destination. They stayed in Tampa even after their teams lost in the early rounds. There were people with Maryland, Duke and Wake Forest shirts walking around the aquarium all weekend."

Women's Basketball Final Four - Next Stop, Tampa

For the first time in the history of the Championship, the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four is headed to the Sunshine State. The Tampa Bay Sports Commission, in partnership with the St. Pete Times Forum, the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau and the University of South Florida, will host the Final Four (semifinals and finals) to crown the National Champion, April 6-8, 2008 at the St. Pete Times Forum.

The 2007 Final Four, held in Cleveland, featured Louisiana State University, the University of North Carolina, Rutgers University and the eventual National Champions, the University of Tennessee. This sell-out event generated more than $25 million in economic impact this past April.

For an online ticket application please visit https://ebill.securebills.com/finalfour/