Dayton celebrates successes, impact of First Four

Yahoo

22-03-2025

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — As March Madness heats up, Dayton is catching its breath after an exciting week of hosting visitors from all across America.
The First Four is more than just basketball for Dayton — it's also a chance to showcase the city to a massive influx of sports fans. Bars and restaurants throughout the downtown area were packed all week by locals and visitors alike.
'The beautiful thing is, we always say Dayton is the epicenter of college basketball,' said Jeff Hoagland, Dayton Development Coalition president and Big Hoopla volunteer.
Now, the after effects of the First Four is being felt throughout Dayton.
'It does have a great economic impact to our region. It's over $5 million,' said Hoagland.
And not only was money generated, but money in scholarships was also given out to kids who participated in the Big Hoopla STEM Challenge. Organizers say they nearly doubled last year's numbers of kids participating in the program, with 1,300 students this year. For 12 of those kids, they got the chance to kick start their dreams early.
'These family members now have an opportunity, and some have said that they wouldn't have the opportunity to send their kids to college. So this gives them an opportunity,' said Hoagland.
Fans pack UD Arena for First Night of First Four
Wright Patterson Air Force Base members also got a chance to participate this week, with more than 70 men and women sworn-in during the First Four.
'Just watching them be sworn in, and then seeing the crowd give a standing ovation, cheering and just chanting 'USA, USA' the entire time just gives you those goosebumps,' said Hoagland.
Setting the stage: The unsung heroes behind First Four
Local businesses also saw a boom in their establishments. At the Dublin Pub, workers saw a big rush before and during the games.
'We had a very big lunch rush for people just coming in to town and then right before the games too,' said John Loch, Dublin Pub bar manager.
The pub even says they had San Diego State and American University stop in to enjoy their offerings.
'It's really neat. We had a couple of the college presidents stop in here as well, just chatting with them,' said Loch. 'We're just really glad they get the opportunity to come in and enjoy throughout the day.'
Another local establishment also saw a huge rush — Milano's on Brown Street.
'Done a lot of good stuff. We got busy all the time with people coming in,' said Larry Adkisson, Milano's general manager.
And just like Dublin Pub, not only did Milano's serve new faces, but entire teams as well, even serving those who wanted one last taste of Dayton.
'We fed a couple of the teams, so after their game we had them deliver food to them, to their buses so they could eat on the way home,' said Adkisson.
With the First Four continuing to stay here in Dayton for the next few years, many are looking forward to seeing these streets continue to be packed as March Madness starts right here in downtown Dayton.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.