It's a near-perfect Final Four lineup.
The storied, sky blue basketball giant (North Carolina). The program perhaps one title from that lofty status (University of Connecticut). The school reaching for glory it last tasted almost a quarter century ago (Villanova). And, of course, the hometown favorite and underdog (Michigan State).
Little surprise that Detroit and NCAA officials are predicting big doings this weekend for the NCAA men's basketball championship. That includes more than 100,000 visitors, said NCAA spokeswoman Stacey Osburn, who anticipates $30 million to $50 million of economic impact for a host city that was staggering even before the accelerated economic downturn.
If ever there were an opportunity for sports to show its resiliency in the recession, this might be it. “Everybody's got their eye on this right now,” said Skip Sauer, a Clemson professor of economics who specializes in sports.
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