Hockey tourney a Power Play for economy

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The NCAA hockey regional finals wrapped up in the Coliseum Sunday night.  Officials and business owners described the tournament as a power play for the local economy.

Miami of Ohio battled Michigan Sunday.  But off the ice, more customers scored goals for some area businesses.

"Having Michigan and Miami of Ohio, we couldn't have had a better finals for Fort Wayne," said Memorial Coliseum General Manager Randy Brown.

Brown explained NCAA representatives were impressed by Fort Wayne.  "We've had a great couple days with our NCAA reps.  I believe they're very pleased with what we've accomplished the last several days," said Brown.

Before Sunday's ticket sales, attendance in Fort Wayne was already more than eight percent higher than last years regional in Grand Rapids. But the Coliseum wasn't the only one experiencing this increase.

Northcrest Pizza Hut Operations Manager Kevin Spindler said they've seen an increase in customers coming in, especially Michigan and Miami of Ohio fans.

The same story held true across the street at Bob Evans, where officials said fans enjoy the Summit City.  "They were very complementary towards our Coliseum," says Bob Evans General Manager Doug Long.  "[For] a lot of them it was their first time ever in Fort Wayne and they've just said it's been a great time while they've been here."

As for the local hotels, Brown said many around the area are full.  "You try and find a hotel room in town here and it's been a challenge this week," said Brown.

With businesses experiencing a noticeable increase and fans enjoying the city, Coliseum officials hope Sundays regional final made a lasting impression on NCAA representatives.

Officials hope NCAA reps will see the weekend tournament as a stepping stone for hosting other events like NCAA men's and women's basketball.