(SIOUX CITY, IA) Players and fans aren't the only ones who get excited about this time of the year. The tournament is a winner for businesses and local groups too.
The Tyson Events center parking lot is jam packed with cars and drivers anxiously trying to find a spot so they can get in on the action.
"We had approximately 33,000 people come to the games here last year for the championships. Having a local flavor definitely helps. We have Northwestern, Morningside, Briar Cliff, Concordia, Nebraska, all from the G-pack conference and we hope that they strongly represent the area," says David Harris, Sioux City's Sports Sales Representative.
And with 32 teams participating the city is seeing dollar signs.
"You're looking at about $2.6 to $3 million during this championship being here in Sioux City," says Harris.
That economic impact is being felt at places like Famous Dave's where this week alone its sales are 5% to 10% higher than usual.
"We get a lot of teams. We're in a prime location which helps definitely. We also have availability for large party seating so the Lake of the Ozarks come here and eat on Thursday and we've had three or four teams in on Monday," says Chris Glasemann, General Manager at Famous Dave's in Sioux City.
Aside from just playing the game the girls actually get out into the community and visit different organizations and attend several charity events.
"We offer school visits so the teams can actually go and visit a school in town. Some of those are as small as a classroom visit or as big as the entire school and assembly. The teams can also go around, they can go to Goodwill. I know some visit the American red cross," says Harris.
"It just shows the girls that there's more than just basketball. You need to give back. Not every body can participate in these tournaments, not every college athlete can even come to these. Not every body can play a college sport. So,just that they are blessed with these abilities and they need to give back," says Elyse Schlump, a Graduate Assistant Coach for the Concordia Cardinals.
If you're interested in watching any of the games you can get tickets at any Ticketmaster outlet, Ticketmaster.com; or by calling 800-745-3000.
Hleigh@siouxlandnews.com
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