The Final Four: A Showcase of Amateurism or Big Business

Recently, the NCAA’s tournament selection committee announced that the bidding process has opened for the 2017-2020 Final Four.  The Final Four basketball tournament is by far one of the, if not the most, entertaining and attractive sporting events held in the United States. While many cities dream to host such a prestigious event, they fall short in meeting the rigorous stipulations required by the NCAA.

The tournament selection committee, which is made up Division I conference commissioners and athletic directors, has stated, “Venues must hold a minimum of 60,000 fans, and host cities or regions must be able to provide at least 10,000 full-service hotel rooms within reasonable proximity to the competition venue. ” To bring perspective upon the requisite of 60,000 fans, ponder this element: the American Airlines Center in Dallas holds just over 21,000 fans while Madison Square Garden in New York City holds just under 20,000 fans . Essentially, only cities that have NFL-type domes will be granted the eligibility to enter the bidding process in the hunt to host the Final Four.

This committee, representative of the NCAA, may yield respectable intentions by putting forth an effort to allow as many fans as possible to view such a beloved sporting event. Nonetheless, does the Final Four, in all its glory and requirements, showcase Division I collegiate sports as truly amateur?  The past Final Four tournament brought average ticket prices of over $600. An outpouring of purchased tickets reaching astronomical prices for a sporting event held in a professional venue does not accurately portray the substance of collegiate sports.

Compensation will be great for many during the NCAA’s Final Four tournament. Sadly though, the amateur athletes competing at this professional venue, showcasing their skill to millions, will not receive any portion of the immense profit they generate. The NCAA’s requirement for the Final Four to be held in a venue with a capacity of 60,000 fans supports that the purity of amateurism within collegiate sports is merely an illusion.