NEW ORLEANS — When the NCAA Final Four returns to New Orleans in 2022, it could be the largest sporting event to return since the start of the pandemic.
This will be the city’s sixth time hosting the event.
Of course, New Orleans is known for legendary performances and letting the good times roll. At a time when the city and state needs to rebound, the Men’s Final Four will deliver.
“When we get 75,000 or so visitors for a Final Four, it makes a tremendous difference for our state, the city and for everybody,” said Governor John Bel Edwards. “They then go home and talk about what a wonderful time they had in New Orleans or what great meal they had or swamp tour or the WWII Museum. It just all builds.”
Edwards believes the state needs something to look forward to. Edwards and Mayor LaToya Cantrell maintain the city will be a safe place to visit.
“We will be ready,” Cantrell said. “We’re demonstrating that now in terms of getting our people vaccinated. My goal is to have our people herd immunity before you all hit the city of New Orleans. That will continue to be our priority because we understand what these events mean to the economy.”
The last time New Orleans hosted the Final Four was in 2012.
According to the Governor, the economic impact was more than $168 million and accounted for more than 125,000 hotel room nights. Edwards is confident the impact will be even greater as people are ready to get out and travel.
“We’re going to be showcasing a Dome that will at that time have undergone two phases of its four phase renovation. $120 million will have been spent. It’s going to be a better venue than it’s ever been for these guests too,” Edwards said.
New Orleans will host the Final Four next year on April 2 and 4.