Women's NCAA Final Four tournament a 'slam dunk for Tampa's economy
Share and Follow


TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Even though the women’s championship is over, Tampa businesses are calling this weekend a “slam dunk.” This is the fourth time the city has hosted the NCAA women’s basketball Final Four, and it’s not just basketball fans who are winning.

From bars to hotel lobbies, Tampa’s been packed with fans, and business owners are feeling the impact of the NCAA Final Four’s boost.

“It’s been awesome to have everybody down here, people from all over really coming, enjoying it. We’ve seen a boost in the business surpassing the days that was a concert in Curtis Hixon Park. We had a lot of people come from that afterward, Friday after the game, and even during the game we saw a lot of traffic in here and expect even more after the Sunday night game,” said Michael Przybycin, at Gen X Tavern.

Downtown restaurants, like Gen X Tavern, said they’ve seen big crowds before but nothing quite like this.

“Any time any of the conventions or big sporting events come to town and everybody comes together to bring these huge events to Tampa, all of us, big and small businesses, all benefit from that. It’s been awesome,” Przybycin said.

Hotels near Amalie Arena, where the games took place, are also booked to capacity. At the Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, rooms were spoken for even before fans knew who would be playing.

“Coming from across the country. A lot of people are here just to experience the game itself. They were booked way before the teams were even announced, so just really excited to have some friendly competition,” Frank said.

The city last hosted the women’s Final Four in 2019, and in 2018, the tournament generated $19 million in economic impact.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Oprah Winfrey Selects Ann Packer’s ‘Some Bright Nowhere’ as Latest Book Club Must-Read Selection

NEW YORK – Ann Packer is back in the literary spotlight with…

Trump Tariff Dividends Hit Legal and Political Snags: Challenges Mount for Economic Strategy

President Donald Trump’s suggestion to utilize tariff funds to provide Americans with…

Discover Must-Attend Veterans Day Events in the Tri-Cities Area

TRI-CITIES, Tenn./Va. — Each year, Americans come together on November 11 to…

Newsom Criticizes Senators Behind Shutdown Deal for Underestimating Trump’s Impact

BELEM – California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his astonishment on Tuesday at…

Historic Beaufort Veterans Day Parade 2025 Celebrates First Black Woman Grand Marshal

BEAUFORT, S.C. — An historic moment unfolded on Tuesday morning during Beaufort’s…

Local Grocers Face Challenges as SNAP Benefits Decrease

Just over a year ago, Ryan Sprankle had the opportunity to host…

Shocking Arrest in Greene County: Local Man Charged with Child Pornography Offenses

A Greene County man has been apprehended on charges related to child…

Record-Low Temperatures Hit Central Florida: Discover When the Heat Returns!

ORLANDO, Fla. – The anticipated cold snap we’ve been monitoring for several…