While March Madness grips the nation, the Phoenix Convention Center is silently hustling behind the scenes to ensure the NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Fest is nothing short of a slam dunk. With the event scheduled to run from April 5-8, the anticipation isn't just about basketball – it's about an experience for thousands who descend upon Phoenix, seeking to be part of the excitement.
Known for hosting large-scale events, the Phoenix Convention Center isn't new to the game. According to a press release by the City of Phoenix, the venue and its specialized team, have prepped with capital improvements and thorough cleanings. Jerry Harper, the Convention Center Director, told the City of Phoenix, “Our team is highly qualified and specialized for these types of events.” The final product aims to bolster Phoenix's image as "Championship Valley," a moniker city leaders are eager to cement with serial success in the mega-events field.
In sync with the basketball festivities, Hance Park provides additional fan engagement with free concerts, solidifying downtown Phoenix as a hub of activity during these landmark events. Harper emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, "That’s a way for people and families in particular to still enjoy the excitement of these major events and feel like they are a part of it." The promise is a holistic experience, where attendees walk away with tangible memories, validated when reflecting on televised games, with the assurance, “I was part of that."
Coordination for such a mega event spans across countless departments within the convention center. From meticulous floor set-ups to managing the safety of guests – a nonstop endeavor tackled by in-house security alongside local law enforcement agencies. Deputy Director Miguel Munguia revealed to the City of Phoenix the criticality of the Event Manager role, "By the time we get to the event, and everyone is stressed out, it makes things go a lot easier when you have a relationship already established where you’ve built trust."
In preparation, the Convention Center has swapped outdated lighting with LED fixtures and applied a new veneer to the walls of the North Ballroom. This ensures a pleasing aesthetic for guests, which Assistant Director Bob Fingerman asserted is paramount. "We want it to be as inviting as possible for our guests," he said, signifying a commitment to crafting an enjoyable and safe environment for all who attend.
The involvement of the Phoenix Convention Center in these events goes beyond just hosting — it’s a collaborative effort brimming with far-reaching economic implications. Eric George, City of Phoenix Major Events Administrator, highlighted the Herculean task of coordinating both internally and with external bodies such as Visit Phoenix and event producers. As exemplified by past events, the economic boost is notable; Super Bowl LVII reportedly brought a $1.3 billion impact according to Arizona State University researches. This year's Final Four event is expected to surpass the last held in Arizona by the figures, with an estimated $324.5 million impact in 2017.
Looking ahead, Phoenix is not slowing down its bid as a premier sports destination, with an array of high-profile events like the WNBA All-Star Game and the NBA All-Star Game on the docket. Each event is strategically positioned to shine a spotlight on Phoenix, inviting the nation to recognize the city as a key player in sporting excellence.
