March Madness returns to Columbus with five OHSAA state tournaments
March Madness again spreads through Columbus throughout March as the Ohio High School Athletic Association hosts five state tournaments in our community from Feb. 28-March 15.
Much of the OHSAA state championship action has taken place at the Schottenstein Center, where state wrestling and girls basketball were held earlier this month and the boys basketball state tournament is being held this weekend. All draw large crowds over three straight weekends.
Nationwide Arena once again hosted the ice hockey state tournament, where the state's final four teams, including eventual state champion Lakewood St. Edward, decided the state title earlier this month on the home ice of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ohio's only National Hockey League franchise.
The girls gymnastics state tournament was held at Hilliard Darby High School earlier this month as well.
The five OHSAA state tournaments combine to attract thousands of visitors and an estimated $14 million in visitor spending in Columbus each month.
"The Ohio High School Athletic Association state tournament are a gem for our city to host, and it is important for everybody to realize the collective impact that they have on our city," said Linda Shetina Logan, executive director of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. "If they were combined, they would represent one of the biggest annual events in our city."
To show its appreciation and to provide a better level of service, the Sports Commission unveiled a new OHSAA sponsorship program for hotels in 2006 that better serve the players, coaches and fans who visit Columbus in March for the state tournaments. As part of the sponsorship program, an OHSAA Fan Guide was produced and distributed to attendees before and after their visit. The Fan Guide will be expanded last year along with a dedicated Web site that includes all 17 OHSAA state tournaments that are held in Columbus throughout the year. For more information, visit www.OHSAAFans.com.
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- March Madness returns to Columbus with five OHSAA state tournaments
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