NCAA Tournament brings boost to West Memphis, DeSoto
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — With the NCAA Tournament being in Memphis, many cities in Mid-South will see an economic boost.
Recently, Downtown has been in the spotlight for crime, but for the next several days, this will be the area of celebration.
Memphis ready to tip off March Madness with team it loves to hate
WREG spoke with tourists who are anticipating exploring the surrounding cities.
“We are excited to be here for the tournament today and it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Pete Harbert who is here to cheer on the Huskers.
Dietmar Voss and his family are here to enjoy the Mid-South. “I’m happy to bring my wife here and show her what Mississippi and the great southern part of America is like. We are going to see the singing tomorrow and the lovely food that we heard about.”
From pouring in excitement to pouring in funds, Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite tells us in a statement that the NCAA Tournament being hosted in Memphis is a win for everyone.
It reads, “Regionalism is real as Southaven and all of the Memphis-metro benefit from an event like the NCAA basketball tournament. Tourism is a positive that brings revenue to the entire Mid-South that can be used to make our communities better. We all benefit from each other with quality events such as this. It’s also fun for our citizens as the Mid-South has a rich basketball history and citizens love seeing and being a part of the action.”
From hotels to restaurants, West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon said they are seeing a major increase in visitors.
“We are told they have had an uptick in hotels as well as hotels that are occupied for the upcoming days,” said Mayor McClendon.
It has been seven years since the NCAA Tournament has come to Memphis.
Mayors say whether you visit Memphis, Southaven, West Memphis, or any surrounding area it will be safe and a good time.
More of the latest news in sports on WREG.com
“Our entertainment district got more officers out to make sure people are protected and enjoy their stay coming down to our Mid-South,” said Mayor McClendon.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
