The Final Four is less than three months away and NCAA officials Wednesday provided a clearer view of what the lasting impact of the big event will be.
Tourism representatives and those in the business community will point to the influx of college basketball fans coming to the 2019 men's Division I Final Four April 5 through 8 and how it will benefit the local economy. But for North Commons Park and north Minneapolis kids, the annual Legacy Project means a new basketball gym and players room, including new backboards, rims, safety straps, wall padding, wireless PA system, LED lights, custom paint, new court and mural.
"It feels like someone sees us," Lynne Crockett, co-chair of Friends of North Commons, said. "I think our kids will feel like they're valued. This will make a difference for them."
Park Board District 2 commissioner and Minneapolis North High School athletic director Kale Severson says it’s a welcome assist to upgrade the facilities.
"It's always helpful," he said. "There's never enough dollars to go around to improve everything that we need. For them to step in and take a big chunk out this, specially in this community, it lifts a burden off for sure."
NCAA officials also announced fan events for the Final Four including a Fan Fest at the Convention Center and nightly concerts at the Armory. All the information is here.