Conference USA Tournament Expected To Draw Large Crowds

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Downtown Tulsa is buzzing with basketball excitement as preparations are wrapping up for the 2010 Conference USA Basketball Tournament. 

The tournament is making its debut in Tulsa. Businesses are expecting big crowds throughout the week and the sales tax revenue generated will help Tulsa's bottom line.

Tulsa will play host to 12 Conference USA teams from across the country.

"CUSA has just been thrilled with our city. I think we have a lot of excited fans from across the country who are looking forward to checking out Tulsa," said Jeff Nickler, BOK Booking and Special Events Manager.

Memphis played host to the tournament for the past five years, but now fans will get a taste of what Tulsa has to offer.

"It really is a new thing for Tulsa. Hosting tournaments like this is invaluable for our city, brings about $2-3 million of economic impact to hotels and restaurants," said Nickler.

Hotels like the Crowne Plaza have basketball fever. Teams and the coaching staff will be staying at the hotels, but there are still rooms available for fans.

Restaurants are also anticipating fans to come refuel between games.

"It's great experience for us to show people what downtown really is and how much fun it is down here. There's tons of new stuff for them to come down here and eat and try," said Dru Titchener, Dilly Deli General Manager.

They say fans will find everything they need within walking distance and the restaurants will benefit on the business end.

"For sure we expect it to, you know, help us out greatly in sales throughout the day especially around 2:30-3:00 when it kind of slows down," said Titchener.

"It's invaluable for our city to support this event. We are doing an audition here not only for CUSA and to see some wonderful basketball this week, but if Tulsa wants to host any future tournaments," said Nickler.

The men's teams will start play on Wednesday at noon. Home team University of Tulsa plays at 6:00 Wednesday. 

The women's teams started playing Monday at the Reynolds Center. 

The state high school basketball tournament is at the Mabee Center this weekend.