Fort Worth leaders are hailing the success of hosting March Madness.
The first two rounds of the NCAA men's basketball tournament had fans coming to Fort Worth from all over the country -- from Virginia to California, from Kansas to Wisconsin.
"Thousands of visitors coming in, staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants, visiting our attractions and spending money at retail outlets," says Jason Sands, executive director of the Fort Worth Sports Commission, "this is what March Madness is all about."
And those visitors gave Fort Worth rave reviews.
"They were just blown away by how great the city was," says Sands. "We heard nothing but great comments about their experience here. People loved Dickies Arena, and we're just really impressed with just how amazing that arena is."
Sands says while Fort Worth has been a world-class city for years, hosting March Madness put it in a much brighter national spotlight.
"For Fort Worth to be able to host the first and second rounds and be associated with such a prestigious event, it really took us to another level," Sands says.
LISTEN TO 1080 KRLD FOR LATEST NEWS, WEATHER & TRAFFIC.
In recent years, Fort Worth has hosted several high-profile sporting events, and Dickies Arena has been the catalyst.
"We've hosted major events like March Madness, like Olympic trials, like U.S. gymnastics championships," says Sands. "These events wouldn't be possible if it weren't for Dickies arena."
Sands says the city can't wait to welcome March Madness back to the city.
"The NCAA has a bidding process for the years 2027 through 2031 that will start about next summer," says Sands.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD