[sirkingwilliam]

Well, $50 million worth of upgrades and improvements are coming to the Alamodome because...

SAN ANTONIO CHOSEN TO HOST 2018 NCAA MEN'S FINAL FOUR

The NCAA announced Friday that San Antonio will host the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four, the first Final Four to be held in the Alamo City since 2008.

The announcement was televised Friday afternoon on the CBS Sports Network. Officials also revealed that Phoenix will host in 2017, Minneapolis the 2019 tournament and Atlanta will have the Final Four in 2020.

Four other cities, all with Final Four history, also were in the running for the tournaments from 2017 to 2020. All of the finalist cities made in-person presentations this week in preparation for the NCAA's decision.

"This is great news and I want to thank the NCAA for selecting San Antonio as a site for the Men's Final Four and confirming that San Antonio is one of the best cities in the nation—if not the best city—for hosting a Final Four," San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor said. "I want to thank and commend the hard work of the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee which includes UTSA, San Antonio Sports and our City staff. Once again, all that makes San Antonio special will be showcased across the country and around the world."

The eight finalists -- San Antonio, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New Orleans, North Texas, Phoenix/Glendale and St. Louis -- have combined to hold 24 previous men's Final Fours.

This year's Final Four was at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington; Indianapolis will host in 2015, and Houston will host in 2016.

"The Men's Final Four has grown into one of the biggest and best sporting events in the world, so it's easy to understand why these cities would put their best foot forward in attempt to secure a bid," said Dan Gavitt, the NCAA vice president for men's basketball.

San Antonio bid officials held a "Bring it! River Rally" at the Rivercenter Mall Lagoon in September to show visiting NCAA officials that San Antonians would turn out to support the event. Supporters tweeted photos and videos with #BringItSA and #KENS5for4 to share their excitement.

"NCAA fans love coming to San Antonio for this marquee event and our city has the perfect setup for all the Final Four has to offer," said San Antonio Sports President & CEO Russ Bookbinder. "We look forward to hosting an outstanding event that is so much more than a basketball game."

The tournament is a true money maker. The 2008 Final Four in San Antonio generated more than $55 million for the city.

San Antonio has hosted three previous Final Four tournaments in all, and it also has been the site for other NCAA tournament early-round games.