Downtown Arena Bringing March Madness Back To Sacramento In 2017
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - As March Madness gets underway this week, there is an extra layer of excitement in Sacramento.
Next year at this time, the big dance is coming back, after a 10-year absence.
The hard-to-miss shine of the new downtown arena will have an added glow in 12 short months, from a spotlight that hasn't been turned on in Sacramento in years.
March Madness action is returning. The last time first- and second-round games of the tournament were held in Sacramento was in 2007.
So what's taken so long to lure the NCAA back to Sacramento? It's certainly not the fan base.
"They love Sacramento, they love the crowds; we always bring great energy to these types of events," said Sacramento Sports Commission Director Mike Sophia.
No, it hasn't been the people but the place.
"The arena started to get a little older -- a little dated -- and I think that was the big reason they haven't been back," said Sophia.
Sophia says after two unsuccessful bid attempts since then, this dangling carrot was too appealing to ignore.
"The eyes of the sports world will be on Sacramento during this time next year," he said.
Many in the lunchtime crowd walking near the new arena ate up the notion of a March Madness comeback.
"…Excited for the area, excited to host the tournament for a little bit," said one person.
"I think it's great," said one person.
It's an idea that will turn into the downtown arena's first big test on a national stage. The games, set for March 17 and 19, 2017, are five months after the Kings' inaugural tipoff.
"You know, this is one of the biggest there is. This is one of the biggest things we can do in Sacramento from a sports perspective," said Sophia.
How much money could March Madness bring in?
The city expects to see 20,000 to 25,000 out-of-town fans opening up their wallets to the tune of roughly $5 million. And yes, all six games are likely to sell out.
And it likely won't be the last time Sacramento's new jewel will have the chance to shine.
"So it'll be great for Sacramento; and now we have the new arena, so we hope to be in the rotation for the tournament for a while," said Sophia
If you're wondering if Sacramento can someday host a final-four game, that likely won't happen. The NCAA looks for much bigger venues. Think dome-like stadiums holding tens of thousands of people. "
Tickets for March Madness 2017 in Sacramento go on sale in October.
