NCAA First Four celebration in Dayton

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Hosting the NCAA First Four games is huge for the Dayton region and this year, the local organizing committee is dedicated to making Dayton home to the First Four forever.

Officials just announced a plan to create a First Four "experience" in Dayton.

What better way to do that than host a celebration on Selection Sunday.

On March 11th, there will be a First Four Festival in the Oregon District.

It will be a huge street party from Noon until 10:00pm.

There will be games and entertainment as well as a lot of big screens televising the Sunday Selection.

Officials really want to generate community involvement and support.

Last year, the First Four games generated an economic impact of nearly $4-million.

Officials want it to be bigger and better this year.

"We are really trying to paint the town red and really do the big celebration
to show the NCAA that we care, we want it and we are going to make it happen and I think bringing everyone together is spectacular," said Tim Riordan, Dayton City Manager.

"You are going to come downtown and do all sorts of exciting things, play games, meet with different basketball stars and just have a full day of all sorts of family events," said Judy Dodge, Montgomery County Commissioner.

Another very exciting part of the announcement, officials have decided to give away more than 500 First Four tickets to members of the military and their families.

Officials are hoping for a sell out.

Visit the NCAA FIrst Four website for more information.

There is also information on the festival which is free.