Awarded in November of 2016, the 2022 NCAA Men’s Final Four has been marked on New Orleans calendars for almost 4 years. No stranger to hosting major events, the New Orleans Local Organizing Committee (LOC) lead by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, in partnership with Host Institutions Tulane University and the University of New Orleans, understands planning and preparation for major events like the Final Four takes several years.
This September, the LOC participated in formal “Tip-Off” meetings that will help shape the 2022 Final Four. Over 3-days, the LOC and NCAA held virtual meetings that highlighted major improvements to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, city infrastructure, and the Ernst N. Morial Convention Center. Also discussed and outlined were ancillary event venues, community programming, branding and awareness, ticketing, sponsorship, financial terms and conditions, hotel arrangements, and transportation logistics. The NCAA made very clear the responsibilities and expectations they have for Final Four host cities.
“Having hosted the Men’s Final Four in 1993, 2003 and 2012, and having participated in site visits over the last several years, our team has a great understanding of how the event has evolved since the last time we hosted,” said Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President/CEO Jay Cicero. “Alongside our partners at the NCAA, we have set the goal of making the 2022 Final Four another unforgettable experience for the student athletes, coaches, sponsors and fans from around the world.”
Centered between major events like the 2020 College Football National Championship and the 2025 Super Bowl, and alongside other events such as the annual R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl and the SEC Gymnastics Championship, the 2022 Men’s Final Four is a part of an impressive run of events for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. Combined, events from 2020-2025 will generate more than $850 million in Economic Impact for the State of Louisiana.
New Orleans traditionally has been one of the most popular Final Four cities and has provided several iconic championship moments. The 2022 Final Four will mark the sixth time overall and the first time in 10 years that the Big Easy has hosted the event.