Sports, parties, carnival, it’s always exciting in New Orleans,
New Orleans has just survived a whirlwind of national sports activity with the NFL Saints playoff game, the BCS National Championship , the Sugar Bowl , the New Orleans Bowl and the current Hornets basketball season. We are now on the cusp of the carnival season culminating with Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday (February 21).
The NCAA Men’s Baskeball Championship
Soon after, we can look forward to the NCAA men’s basketball championship series known as the Final Four, which begins on March 31 and ends with the “Big Dance” on April 2. A countdown clock for the opening game will be posted on a billboard located at the corner of Canal and South Rampart streets until the conclusion of the event. In the middle of all the fun is the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament March 8-11. WOOHOO! What a sports city.
We welcome March Madness Again
The Crescent City was the last host of this series in 2003 and this will mark our fifth year as the host city. This time, the city will do its best to make it a special event for everyone. The SEC championship basketball game will be held at the New Orleans Arena, adjacent to the Mercedes Benz Superdome. The last four will be played in the Dome. Talk about hoop fever.
The best of sporting events
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has been said to be one of the best spectacles in all of sports. Schools across the country are fighting to see who is the best. This is not like college football, where opinions and computers decide who will play for the title. No sir, these teams fight until the coveted Final Four and from there only the best two of the best will compete for the Championship. This is truly survival of the fittest. The underdog, unexpected surprises, and buzzes combine to keep things exciting.
More than sports
One cannot live with BB alone. With this being the case, there is much more to keeping visitors and venues busy when they are not at the games. On the one hand, there is Bracket Town called the must-see destination for fans. It will be held at the Morial Convention Center and will offer 300,000 square feet of family fun. There will be sports activity stations where you can evaluate your athletic abilities. You can also visit the Hall of Champions and see the championship trophy. You can witness a live fencing exhibition or, if you prefer, have a photo taken with your favorite Final Four team at the green screen booth.
Even better, you may want to meet former college stars and coaches at autograph sessions. There will be daily youth clinics that you can sigh to and watch one-of-a-kind performances on Bracket Town’s own Center Court. Of course, the merchandising of the equipment will be available to buy and there will be areas where you can “try” the latest electronic games. You may also be lucky enough to win one of the special gifts offered over the weekend.
The Big Dance Concert Series
If music is your forte, be sure to attend the Big Dance Concert Series. This takes place at Woldenberg Park, which is located next to the Mississippi River and offers spectacular views. Admission is free and the music will be great. So why not take a break from sports and watch and hear some of the best names in the world of music? For those who just can’t get enough of their favorite sport, they can stick around after the concert on Saturday the 31st for a special big screen semi-final game viewing party.
Of course, food and drinks will be available for your pleasure.
March Madness Gifts
At some point during all of this March madness, the NCAA and the National Basketball Coaches Association will distribute 2,012 pairs of shoes and 2,012 boxed lunches to children in need and their families. The NCAA and Tulane University will join forces for a Final Four Dribble whereby 3,000 basketballs will be awarded to children under 18 who will be invited to dribble from Champions Square to the Convention Center. What a show it is going to be.
All the information you need
Due to New Orleans’ unique geography, all of these places are within walking distance, taxi, or even pedicabs. Getting around so easily is just one of the benefits of the City. For information on the Final Four, a line has been established and is available from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm That number is (504) 587-8830 and will be in service until the conclusion of the event. Go to the official website for all the details.
Do you want to be a volunteer?
The NOLOC is currently accepting volunteers who would like to be a part of the excitement by working on various events. If you are interested you can visit this website.
