Jake's Take: Hosting the Basketball Final Four
8/16/2002 4:02:14 PM | General
This document summarizes some of the requirements that must be satisfied by a prospective host community partnering with an NCAA member institution to host the Final Four of Division I Men’s Basketball Championships. In addition to the venue specifications required to stage the three NCAA men’s basketball games, there are several other activities that take place in conjunction with the championship that the host community and institution are required to provide the venues and local coordination. The Final Four Hoop City interactive display, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) annual convention and trade show, and the NABC all-star basketball game all take place in the host city in conjunction with the NCAA Men’s Final Four.
Syracuse University Carrier Dome
Specifications for the NCAA Division I
Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships Final Four
The current ability of the Central New York community and Syracuse University to satisfy the required specifications is noted in Bold following the specific requirements.
LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (LOC)
As the first step in the process, the NCAA requires that a prospective host community establish a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to act as the local responsible party for fulfilling the LOC obligations for Final Four Hosts and to provide to the NCAA certain services and assistance in connection with the various activities related to this championship event. A member institution of the NCAA must be designated as host institution for the Final Four. Representatives of such host institution must be a part of the leadership of the LOC. The host shall appoint individuals to assume the positions of chair of the local organizing committee, LOC director, game management liaison, facility liaison, local media liaison and lodging liaison, with all appointees subject to the NCAA’s approval. Responsibilities of these in-dividuals are as follows:
Chair of the Local Organizing Committee. This individual shall be the director of athletics of the host institution or his/her designee and shall maintain ultimate responsibility for the local operation of the event.
LOC Director. The chair of the local organizing committee shall appoint an individual, preferably with experience in convention management or NCAA tournament administration, to serve in this position. Function of the LOC director is to work with the NCAA staff to ensure that the obli-gations of the LOC are fulfilled.
Game Management Liaison. The chair of the local organizing committee shall appoint a knowledgeable person, preferably with experience in NCAA championship administration and game management, to serve in this posi-tion. Function of the game management liaison is to work with the NCAA staff to ensure that the championship policies are observed.
Facility Liaison. The chair of the LOC shall appoint a knowledgeable person, preferably a member of the facility staff, to serve in this po-sition. Specific responsibilities may include assisting the NCAA with direction and supervision of facility arrangements, tickets, security and assistance in development of participant information.
Local Media Liaison. This individual, preferably the sports information director of the host institution/conference, shall work with the staff to coordinate media activities.
Lodging Liaison. This individual, preferably a member of the host city’s convention and visitors bureau, would assist coordinating the room block, arranging for general-public housing and scheduling meet-ings, and would serve as the NCAA’s liaison with the hotel community.
For a Syracuse bid to host the Final Four Syracuse University would serve as the host institution and supply the personnel to serve in many of the leadership roles of the LOC. Other LOC members would be drawn from the Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau, local business leaders, and various designees of Onondaga County, City of Syracuse and local New York State governmental officials.
Additional Items to be Provided by the LOC
Hotel Rooms
A total of 9,000 hotel rooms must be reserved for the NCAA and the media, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the participating teams. Total rooms required:
Men
4,100 rooms for the NCAA Block
2,500 rooms for the NABC Block
2,400 rooms for the Participating Institutions’ Block
Women
900 Rooms for NCAA Block
1,800 rooms for NABC Block
700 w/2,500 for overflow for the Participating Institutions’ Block
Of the rooms in the NCAA Block, 2,500 should be located within three miles of the headquarters hotel. Of the rooms in the NABC Block, 1,000 should be located within three miles of the NABC convention site. All rooms in all blocks must be located within 20 miles of the competition site.
The NCAA shall have access to all suites and all meeting space in each hotel. The NCAA shall select five suites (minimum two-bedroom) to be provided on a complimentary basis that will be used as its administrative offices and hospitality areas in the headquarters hotel; the NCAA shall select two suites to be provided on a complimentary basis for each team.
Casino hotels shall not be a part of the block.
Preference will be given to prospective host cities where all hotels commit more than 90 percent of their sleeping rooms to the official block.
The city shall coordinate housing for approximately 10,000 members of the general public, which could require up to 2,000-3,000 additional hotel rooms. There are no NCAA mandated hotel room requirements for these hotel room needs.
Space Requirements for NCAA Functions
The LOC shall provide the NCAA with several possible lo-cations for a reception hosted by the NCAA for approximately 4,000 individuals. This space must be in addition to any other space utilized in meeting the Tournament requirements. The NCAA will endeavor to choose a lo-cation not later than 10 months prior to the Final Four.
MEN: As of 4/1/2002, there is no space large enough within Onondaga County to host this NCAA reception function.
WOMEN: N/A
The LOC shall have the option of presenting, at its expense, an event for NCAA-designated spouses with the location, decora-tions, menu, date, time, budget and guest list subject to NCAA approval.
MEN: As of 4/1/2002, depending upon the size of this event there probably is space within Onondaga County to host this NCAA reception function.
WOMEN: N/A
The NCAA may conduct an event to begin the Final Four weekend activities on Thursday evening preceding the national semifinals. Not later than 18 months prior to the Final Four, the LOC shall provide the NCAA with a choice of at least four facilities each to accommodate a maximum of 1,500 persons, two banquet-style and two in a theater setting, at no rental charge to the NCAA. The LOC shall provide assistance in coordination of the event as re-quested by the NCAA.
MEN: As of 4/1/2002, there is at least one of each type of space large enough within Onondaga County to host this NCAA function in either a banquet-style or theater setting. The specs require that a choice of at least two facilities of each type be provided, which may not be possible.
WOMEN: N/A
Other Requirements
There are additional LOC requirements related to Transportation, Practice Sites, City-Wide Decorations, establishing Commercial-Free Zone around the various venues, Mementos, Promotional Activities, Team Hosts, Merchandising/Trademark Enforcement, LOC Finances, Volunteer Coordination, and Design of the Final Four Logo.
MEN/WOMEN: As of 4/1/2002, these additional requirements are substantial, but, except for Practice Sites, are not based upon physical space and venue needs. The LOC can satisfy these requirements via coordination with local business, and local and state government authorities.
Competition Venue (the Carrier Dome)
The facility and surrounding area (i.e., parking lots, frontage prop-erty and any other adjacent areas that the facility may provide to the NCAA) shall be available for move-in beginning at 9 a.m. Monday before the na-tional semifinals. Move-out may begin no earlier than 9 a.m. the day after the national championship game.
MEN/WOMEN: As of 4/1/2002, this can be provided.
The facility must have a seating capacity of at least 30,000.
MEN: As of 4/1/2002, this can be provided. WOMEN: Seating capacity must be 18,000. As of 4/1/2002, this can be provided.
All seats in the arena’s normal basketball configuration and 300 seats in private suites or boxes as selected by the NCAA shall be under the con-trol of the NCAA for its exclusive use during the tournament events. The facility shall obtain written releases from the lessees and franchisees, if any, of “club” seats, suites or boxes allowing the NCAA the said use of such during the tournament events.
The local organizing committee (LOC) will be responsible for relocating all displaced suite and box ticket holders in the general seating areas contained in the LOC’s allotment of tickets. The locations of all tickets allocated to the LOC will be designated by the NCAA. The assignment of relocated suite and box holders within the LOC’s ticket allocation will be the responsibility of the LOC.
MEN/WOMEN: As of 4/1/2002, this can be provided as long as the Dome Box Holders contract is modified for the year of any Final Four event. There are no side-court boxes, only end-court. The six boxes on each end-court, total of twelve, can only yield 288 seats, so 300 may be difficult to provide.
If requested by the NCAA not later than 18 months prior to the event, the facility shall add a maximum of 40 rows (the exact number to be determined by the NCAA) to its “portable” seating con-figuration for the Final Four and for a preliminary-round tournament session one year before the Final Four, at the facility’s expense. If the NCAA elects to add more than 40 rows, the NCAA will share the additional expense equally with the facility.
MEN: As of 4/1/2002, this will be difficult to provide without moving the large curtain east of its present location. At present, the Carrier Dome is only re-enforced to support the curtain at mid-field of the ring beam. To move the curtain to another location would require engineering and re-enforcement of the ring beam at the new location. WOMEN: N/A
At its expense, the facility shall provide the follow-ing, all subject to the approval of the NCAA:
Four dressing rooms, each with its own shower and toilet facili-ties, for the participating teams.
MEN/WOMEN: As of 4/1/2002, this can be provided.
One or, preferably, two dressing room(s) to accommodate six game officials. MEN/WOMEN: As of 4/1/2002, one locker room can be provided.
A training room of a minimum of 500 square feet.
MEN/WOMEN: As of 4/1/2002, this can be provided.
Two separate facilities for drug testing, each with a waiting area, toilet facilities and a minimum of 500 square feet of space.
MEN/WOMEN: As of 4/1/2002, this can be provided.
Two areas of private space for NCAA offices, each with a minimum of 800 square feet and appropriately furnished with tables and chairs.
MEN: As of 4/1/2002, this CANNOT be provided. WOMEN: N/A
Courtside media seating with tables for a minimum of three rows on one side of the court and two rows on the other side, with selected rows on risers six feet wide and a minimum of four inches tall and placed in position as designated by the NCAA.
MEN/WOMEN: As of 4/1/2002, this can be provided.
An upper media seating area with tables for a minimum of 240 media positions.
An upper video photography area with space for six to eight cameras, for the rightsholding television network, NCAA International and NCAA Productions.
An upper still photography area with space for eight photographers.
As of 4/1/2002, these threes items CANNOT be provided. To accomplish them would require moving the curtain and erecting scaffolding behind the movable bleachers.
Not less than 19 feet of space for photographers from base line to the first row of seats in each end zone.
MEN/WOMEN: As of 4/1/2002, this can be provided.
A working pressroom with lighting, heat and air-conditioning to accommodate a minimum of 300 individuals seated schoolroom style.
WOMEN: Requirement is seating for 275
Adequate toilet facilities for men and women near the media areas, including facilities for disabled persons.
An interview room for 300 individuals seated theater style. (The facility shall provide lighting, backdrops and elevated interview and camera areas at its expense. Other press conference equipment and personnel selected by the NCAA to administer satellite and local videotape and sound feeds to electronic media agencies will be provided at the NCAA’s expense. The facility shall provide space and access for equipment and personnel provided by the NCAA including audio and video mixers and technicians, two television cameras and operators, and satellite uplink. The NCAA shall have final approval and direction of all lighting equipment.)
WOMEN: Requirement is for theater style seating for 275
A video distribution area, a minimum of 800 square feet, adjacent to the interview area.
A media refreshment area for a minimum of 200, furnished with beverages and snacks of the NCAA’s choice.
A media concessions stand near the working media room.
A dark room of at least 100 square feet with running water nearby.
Two photo-editing rooms near the darkroom, both at least 800 square feet.
WOMEN: requirement is for 1 photo-editing room of at least 500 square feet.
A buffet area for the rightsholding television network for a minimum of 150.
A room at least 500 square feet for a television “subset,” preferably in the locker room area.
A statistics control area at least 1,000 square feet with sufficient electrical power for the operation of duplication equipment.
MEN: As of 4/1/2002, the preceding media space requirements CANNOT be provided. To satisfy these media space needs would require the construction of an adjacent facility on the west-end of the Carrier Dome. WOMEN: the requirement is for a statistics control area of at least 800 square feet.
Three hundred twenty-five (325) complimentary parking spaces in prime locations for the participating institutions, the media and the host institution, all to be distributed by the NCAA.
MEN: As of 41/1/2002, this can be provided. WOMEN: requirement is for 200 complimentary parking spaces.
No less than 17,000 square feet of parking space immediately adjacent and accessible to the arena floor to accommodate television truck parking for the rightsholding television network and NCAA International. (There shall be a minimum of four 60-foot semis, four 60-foot house trailers and six satel-lite uplink dishes.)
MEN: As of 4/1/2002, this can probably be provided by utilizing the TV Deck and the DOME parking lot. Space required is approximately 100’ x 170’.
WOMEN: requirement is for 1,000 square feet of parking space.
An area, at least 80,000 square fee, outside the facility for parking local affiliates’ satellite units, with unrestricted access to the southern sky; current need is 45/50 uplink trucks.
MEN: As of 4/1/2002, this space requirement CANNOT be provided. To satisfy this media parking space need would require the construction of a parking facility roughly the size of the Dome’s arena floor, with an approximate area of 200’ x 400’. It is doubtful that a facility this large could be constructed adjacent to the west-end of the Carrier Dome.
WOMEN: N/A
Other Facility Requirements
There are many other NCAA mandated facility requirements such as Concessions Products, Electrical Power, Broadcast Rights, Game Programs, Souvineer merchandise, Concessions Vending, Advertising, Signs, Decorations, and Financial Arrangements, which can all be satisfied by the University.
Final Four Hoop City Venue
The facility shall be available for move-in no later than noon the Sunday before the national semifinals. Move-out will concluded by midnight the Tuesday after the national championship.
A minimum of 120,000 square feet of space, preferably pillar-free, preferably within three miles of the NCAA headquarters hotel.
MEN/Women: The Final Four Hoop City Interactive Display could possibly be held at the NYS Empire Expo Center. There are additional specs associated with this event, which can be satisfied by the venue and LOC.
National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) The host city shall provide the NABC with a minimum of 75,000 square feet of convention space for the NABC Expo (trade show), and concurrent meeting space.
Move-in shall take place on the Monday and Tuesday before the Final Four. The Expo will be open Wednesday through Monday. Move-out shall take place on the Tuesday after the national championship game.
The host city also shall provide the NABC with a banquet hall (minimum dinner seating capacity of 2,500 persons) and space for one pre-banquet reception for a minimum of 2,500 persons and another pre-banquet reception for a minimum of 500 persons. The facility shall hold the space beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday prior to the Final Four and ending at 8 a.m. Tuesday after the national championship game.
WOMEN: requirement is for one banquet hall with minimum dinner seating capacity of 1700.
The host city shall also provide the NABC with space for other convention activities. Generally this will encompass meeting rooms covering approximately 20,000 to 30,000 square feet, although the NABC shall have the right to modify the space allocation.
MEN/WOMEN: As of 4/1/2002, this space CANNOT be provided concurrently.
The host city shall provide the NABC with a competition venue for the NABC all-star basketball game, seating a minimum of 8,000 fans, at a rental fee to be negotiated by the NABC. The NABC shall determine the date for the game. The host shall hold the facility space beginning at 9 a.m. the Thursday prior to the Final Four through 9 a.m. the Monday of the national championship game.
MEN: As of 4/1/2002, this space requirement can be provided at Manley Field House.
WOMEN: Required seating capacity is 5,000.
