Amway Center to Host 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament Rounds
Monday, November 12, 2012
By: Nicole Creston

Nov 12, 2012 | WMFE - City officials announced Monday that Orlando's Amway Center will be a part of 2014's March Madness. The new downtown venue has been selected to host the second and third rounds of the NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Tournament.

That means eight college teams will compete in Orlando to become one of the Final Four on the way to the championship games. Central Florida Sports Commission President John Bisignano says the tournament will bring more than excitement to the Orlando area.

“From a business side, it’ll generate upwards to $11 million in economic impact, meaning that the fans traveling from these eight schools will be occupying central hotels, going to our shops and restaurants, and other products and services,” said Bisignano.

The Central Florida Sports Commission partnered with the City of Orlando in its bid to bring the tournament to the Amway Center, along with Orange County government, Stetson University and the University of Central Florida.

In a statement released Monday, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said, “The vision for the new Amway Center was to be able to host these marquee events like the NCAA Basketball Tournament. These events are not only exciting opportunities for our residents, but will draw thousands of people from across the country benefiting our local economy.”