INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee elected to keep all 10 cities that submitted bids for the right to host the 2012-16 Men’s Final Fours under consideration, designating them all as finalists. The committee received bids from Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New Orleans, North Texas, Phoenix, San Antonio and St. Louis in June.

Sites are scheduled to be awarded in November.

“Quite honestly, our committee has been overwhelmed and impressed by the creativity and attention to detail in the bids received from the bid cities,” said Mike Slive, commissioner of the Southeastern Conference and chair of the committee. “Each of these cities can be proud that they have been well-represented. The written presentations were outstanding with each city showcasing a unique vision of hosting this event. It is exciting to see the growth of the Final Four, both in the venue and throughout the region where events are held. Over the past few years, the growing variety of Final Four events has attracted millions of fans of all ages, and last year’s championship was viewed by more than 150 million people worldwide. The responses we have received confirm that the excitement is shared among our bid cities.  We feel it is only appropriate to keep all under consideration – they have most certainly earned it.”

The bid process began earlier this year and meetings were conducted until bids were submitted in June.  Site visits will be conducted over the coming weeks leading up to in-person presentations by each city prior to the committee’s final decisions in November.

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