March Madness attracted at least 93,000 fans to San Antonio, and prominent figures professed their love for the city.
Villanova coach Jay Wright and Kansas coach Bill Self praised the weather and location for the Final Four event.
For the first time in ten years, San Antonio has crowned the Men’s Final Four winner. A lot rides on this game’s outcome because it could pave the way for hosting future events.
The Great Alamo city prepared for the 2018 Final Four game years in advance.
"The improvements that the city invested into the Alamodome, the $60 million of all of the upgrades that we are enjoying this weekend, that wasn’t done just for the Final Four that was done for the longevity and future of the building," Executive Director of the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee (SALOC) Jenny Carnes said “It puts us in a more competitive position.”
Thousands of basketball fans chanted inside the Alamodome, sang along at March Madness Music Festival, and took to the streets to explore the city.
“The warm weather makes a big difference,” Michigan fan said. “I like being out in shorts and a short sleeve shirt.”
Tourists also praised the River Walk, restaurants and the ability to easily walk to destinations around the city.
Fans poured into hotels, bars, and restaurants where they filled their drinks and bellies. According to SALOC, so far tourists have spent $185 million in direct economic impact.
"It’s probably the biggest thing we can do here,” Carnes said. “It's a lot of visitors not only spending a lot of money and staying in hotel rooms over a holiday weekend, but it's just the exposure of our beautiful destination."
Last year, the NCAA Men’s Final Four generated an economic impact of more than $324 million for Phoenix.
This year's event is wrapping up, but Carnes says San Antonio is again in the running to host future men's and women's final four games.
"We are bidding on the Women’s Final Four for 2021 and the Men's Final Four for 2025 and 2026," Carnes said.
The bids have many prominent supporters including broadcaster Jim Nance throwing in their support.
“The hospitality, the warm embrace I’m all in, San Antonio, trust me,” Nance said.
Carnes says they will find out later in the week how well San Antonio handled the Final Four.