NCAA First Four winds down

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The final games of the First Four were Wednesday night at U.D. Arena and it's been a success for the Miami Valley.

Attendance for the two day tournament was slightly down compared to last year. Still, Dayton is anticipating a greater economic impact.

Approximately 17,000 people took part in the madness at U.D. Arena for the NCAA First Four.

City leaders attribute the boost to new events such as the First Four Festival and the presidential visit.

Area restaurants are also reporting a slight increase in business this year.

It's been all hands on deck at Milanos on Brown Street since the First Four arrived.

"When its all said and done I think we are going to be relatively better off. Maybe not by a lot, but like I said last year I don't think it was 70-75 degrees so I think that adds to it," said Nate Bauman, Milano's manager.

The Johnsons made the trip from Tampa to cheer on South Florida.

"We flew in this afternoon. We'll fly out in the morning. Dayton is obviously well known for hosting lots of basketball games. We've never been here before, but everyone has been really friendly. We've enjoyed the afternoon. We visited the campus today," said Tina Johnson, Tampa, Florida.

But they were not the only Florida fans in the restaurant.

This group of guys also made the trip and say it was worth every penny.

Next year, Dayton will host the First Four, along with the second and third rounds.

Officials are hoping the impact will only continue to grow.