Philly Will Host Several NCAA Playoff Events
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Collegiate sports championships are ramping up in Philadelphia.
NCAA officials came to City Hall today to tout a handful of events in the region over the next three years -- in men's and women's basketball and other sports.
Mayor Michael Nutter thanked and gave a miniature "Rocky" statue to Greg Shaheen, the NCAA's interim vice president.
"We are very, very excited to have you and the NCAA in Philadelphia for a long, long period of time," the mayor said.
Shaheen spelled out six championship events between this year and 2014 in Philadelphia -- a region that he said is a hotbed for collegiate sports.
"We have a remarkable fan base, a remarkable college following, a remarkable set of facilities in which we are able to compete," Shaheen said.
The events include some "March Madness," with women's basketball regional action this year, and in 2013 with men's basketball second- and third-round action.
Other championships planned include wrestling this year, lacrosse in 2012 and 2013, and the NCAA ice hockey championships -- called the "Frozen Four" -- in 2014.
Estimated income to the city for all of this is put at $75 million.
Reported by KYW Newsradio City Hall bureau chief Mike Dunn.
