Photo: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
DETROIT, April 1, 2024 ~ The NCAA Midwest Divisional Final at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit delivered two big winners this past weekend: The Purdue Boilermakers, who won their way to the Final Four for the first time in 44 years, and the City of Detroit, which successfully executed the first of several major sporting events that are bringing global spotlights to the Southeast Michigan region.
The victory for the Boilermakers made dreams long differed a reality, as their revered long term former coach Gene Keady stood courtside to become a witness to redemption. Keady, whose impact extended well beyond the court during his 25-year-tenure, made 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, though only advanced to the Elite Eight twice, and never made it to the Final Four.
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April 1, 2024 ~ Lomas and Anthony recap an exciting time for sports in Detroit, with the NCAA Sweet 16 and Elite Eight Midwest Regional Final just concluded at LCA in Detroit, plus details on the Pistons, Tigers, and Red Wings, who are all in action today.
(CONTINUED) While the Boilermakers now make their way to face North Carolina State at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, Detroit turns its eyes towards even more high-profile sporting events, including our own turn at hosting the NCAA Final Four in 2027.
On deck for the short term: the annual Detroit Tigers Opening Day celebration (April 5), the NFL Draft (April 25 through 27), the Detroit Grand Prix (May 31 through June 2), and the Rocket Mortgage Classic (June 27 to June 30).
Beyond, the Vegas line gives the Detroit Red Wings a 75% chance of making the NHL Playoffs, which would end the second-longest playoff drought in the league’s history.
All of these events are expected to bring a record boon of economic impact to the region, with the NFL Draft alone projected to bring in 100 million or more.
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