SPOKANE, Wash — The stage is being set at Spokane Arena. Crews laid down flooring over the ice Wednesday, as crews on the concessions concourse unwrapped keg after keg.
Though all that beer is for Blake Shelton fans set to fill the arena Thursday night before two Chiefs games this weekend. Basketball fans don't have much longer to wait, though. The hardwood for the return of the NCAA tournament will be put down immediately after the Chiefs step off the ice Sunday.
"The moment those hockey games are done this building starts getting flipped over for the basketball tournament," said Matt Meyer, Director of Entertainment for Spokane's Public Facilities District.
The arena, operated by the PFD, will host first and second-round NCAA men's games starting Friday, March 22.
Last year, Visit Spokane projected this one weekend could bring in $4.4 million to the local economy.
"That saying, 'It takes a village?'" Meyer said. "It literally takes a city for this."
It's Spokane's second shot to host part of the men's tourney; COVID fouled up those plans the last time the Lilac City was selected in 2020.
Across the street, Ian Wingate is prepping, too. His restaurant's opening was also postponed by the pandemic, though since 2022 he's seen steady business being in the sports and entertainment hub next to the arena, The Podium, and new One Spokane Stadium.
"We have a line out the door, people waiting," he said of nights there's an event nearby.
With the national spotlight on Spokane next weekend, he's expecting an even bigger payday.
"Oh everything," he said of what a national tournament can mean for a newer business. "I mean gross dollars pay the bills. The more people we get in here and the more people we bring into town."
The arena is ready to fill 12,000 per game for the tournament, sold-out as of now.
Arena staff have started clearing out areas under the building to make space for media and teams, but the prep work began weeks ago, not long after the end of last year's championship, Meyer says.
"Well it's months-long work," he said.
That includes meetings with the NCAA and site visits to make sure Spokane's hotels, facilities, and the arena can handle such a big show. Luckily, Meyer says, Spokane's no stranger to the big dance and is ready to go.
"They love coming here," he said of the NCAA. "The city puts on such a great show and everything they want for their athletes."
DOWNLOAD THE KREM SMARTPHONE APP
DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE HERE | DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID HERE
HOW TO ADD THE KREM+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KREM in the Channel Store.
Fire TV: Search for "KREM" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
Apple TV: Search "Spokane News from KREM" in the Apple store or follow this link.
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com.