The "Frozen Four," collegiate hockey's championship tournament could be making a return to HSBC Arena if a local organizing committee has its way.
Sometime this spring the NCAA is expected to begin accepting bids for the 2014 "Frozen Four" tournament and a group, led by the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau is getting ready a package that may help the tourney return to the arena for the first time since 2003.
The "Frozen Four" features the top four men's collegiate hockey teams battling for the NCAA championship. The Hobey Baker award for the top collegiate hockey player is also presented during the tournament.
The "Frozen Four" is one of the most coveted NCAA championships as it guarantees to fill hotel rooms and jam restaurants. Competition for the "Frozen Four" is expected to be very aggressive with several cities submitting bids.
"If it's available, we will be bidding," said Mike Even, director of convention sales and amateur athletic events. "This city and region really enjoys NCAA events and hockey, obviously, is exceptionally popular."
"I think the Frozen Four should be back here," said Larry Quinn, Buffalo Sabres managing partner. "And, quite frankly, we should be going after a lot more NCAA events."
The pre-bid due diligence work is being crafted jointly by the CVB, the Buffalo Sabres, Canisius College, Niagara University and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Under NCAA guidelines, the official bid has to come through the MAAC via Canisius and Niagara as two of its members.
Last year, the arena hosted the NCAA regional men's basketball competition. The tourney had a $4.6 million economic impact on the region. The arena has hosted NCAA regional men's basketball tournaments in 2000 and 2004 and will be the site of games in 2010.
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Originally Posted by mogilny76
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