Albany, New York - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today welcomed the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and thousands of college basketball fans to New York State to experience one of the nation’s greatest annual sporting events, beginning tomorrow in Buffalo and continuing next week in New York City. Starting tomorrow, Buffalo will host six second and third round Men's tournament games at the First Niagara Center on the Queen City’s waterfront, generating more than $5 million in expected economic activity. Next week, the East Region semi-finals and final will occur at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Governor also wished the best of luck to the nine teams from New York State participating in this year’s Women's and Men’s tournaments.
"I am pleased to welcome the NCAAs, along with their energy, excitement, and economic benefits, to Buffalo and New York City,” Governor Cuomo said.” “We don’t need to wait for the buzzer to call this a big win for the State and particularly Buffalo, where college basketball fans will find a city that has changed dramatically since the tournament was last held there. I can’t think of a better way to build upon the drama and exhilaration of this week’s games in Western New York than for the NCAAs to head to the Big Apple next week for the East Region semi-finals and final, where one team will cut down the nets in New York City on its way to the Final Four. And with six women's teams and three men's teams participating in their respective tournaments this year, New York State is more than ready to compete in the ‘Big Dance’. I wish all of New York’s team the very best of luck as the games begin!”
The six games scheduled for Thursday and Saturday will mark the first time since 2010 that Buffalo has been selected to host the win-or-go-home college basketball tournament popular with millions of fans across the country. As host of the second and third rounds, the Queen City will showcase its cultural attractions, restaurants, and general hospitality to fans attending the games; overall, more than 18,000 out-of-town fans are expected to visit Buffalo during the games, creating an economic impact of over $5.2 million, according to Patrick Kaler, President and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara.
In addition to the games, Buffalo is hosting various related events this week, including “Kids Day” on March 19th for 1,500 Buffalo school children to interact with the visiting teams. A state grant for $50,000 will help pay for costs and expenses associated with the event, including the fleeces worn by volunteers.
Syracuse University will represent the Empire State against Western Michigan at the First Niagara Center on Thursday afternoon. Following the completion of the second and third rounds this weekend, the NCAAs will continue in New York City next Friday and Sunday as Madison Square Garden hosts the East Region semi-finals and final.
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