NCAA tournament brings new eyes, cash to Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- In 2020, Portland was set to host regional games in the NCAA basketball tournament. But then the pandemic began and all the games were canceled.

In 2030, Portland is set to host the women's Final Four at the Moda Center. So this weekend's women's tournament with the Sweet 16 teams is a good test for organizers and the city to gear up for the championship round in 6 years.

This weekend's tournament is expected to generate more than $3 million to the local economy.

Sport Oregon COO Matt Reed -- the group that helped the city win the bids -- said the estimate is from "anticipated crowds, hotel rooms, that's about 3500 contracting hotel rooms. That does not count the fans coming into towns. Those are just contracted with teams."

Reed said the tourists will provide an even bigger financial bump to the region.

"It gives these fan bases from around the country who may have not only not been to Portland, but maybe haven't even been to the Pacific Northwest," he said. "And, you know, we see it all the time, you will kind of tack in those shoulder days onto their trips and go on to the coast for a night or heading over Mount Hood or river wine countries is a big draw."

Fans who spoke with KOIN 6 News said they're excited to support the women players.

"The bars will be full, the restaurants will be full. It's just it's going to be so much fun," he said. "And these are opportunities for us to really celebrate not only the tourism that we're getting, but celebrating living here and quality of life."