By: Cate Eberly

Now that March Madness has started, it is hard to turn a corner without being reminded of the tournament.

The first four games have been hosted at the University of Dayton Arena since 2011. These games aim to trim 68 teams down to 64, deciding who makes the final cut in the NCAA tournament.

Many people in the Miami Valley community attended the first four games this year on March 19 and 20.

Bellbrook High School sophomore Emmie Sears, a member of the Varsity Women’s Basketball team, attended the Wagner vs. Howard and Virginia vs. Colorado State games.

According to Sears, attending the game instills a sense of community across the Miami Valley. “I saw many people that I knew at the game,” Sears said. “Seeing how many familiar faces enjoyed the same thing as me was fun. Seeing how many people have similar interests and can connect over things like March Madness automatically makes you feel linked to them in a way.”

Having such a large outlet for basketball so close by allows young players more exposure to the sport. “One of my favorite things is basketball,” Sears said. “I love watching it and playing it. The fact that the games are held in Dayton at our arena is exciting because I can watch some of my favorite players who inspire me in person. It was different to enjoy the game with people who have the same love for the game as me in the UD arena.”

Charlie O´Dell, former UD football coach and current Bellbrook High School Athletic Director, says the University of Dayton experiences great exposure from the first four games. “This exposure is on a national level.  Exposure is significant because the university is competing for the best and brightest students in the country. Overall it raises the profile of the university,” O´Dell said.

This exposure brings many spectators to the Miami Valley. Most will stay at hotels and eat at various restaurants supporting locally-owned businesses. UD also experiences benefits from hosting. “The University makes some money on the event via rent and concessions, but overall the national exposure is the big benefit,” O´Dell said.