KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The NCAA Women’s Volleyball tournament at the Sprint Center brought in more than $8 million to Kansas City.
Many of the fans that traveled to Kansas City stayed throughout the whole tournament, some getting in as early as Wednesday and staying through Sunday.
The title match between Florida and Nebraska was sold out, but some fans were hopeful they could still try to get a ticket.
“Hopefully some Nebraska fan got ill today and they just can’t go and they’re selling their tickets,” said Cha Cha, who was standing outside the Spring Center looking for tickets.
Cha Cha is one of several people who was trying to get a last minute seat.
But, some of the hardcore volleyball fans planned way ahead for this weekend.
“We love volleyball and Kansas City is only two-and-a-half hours from Omaha, so that was her Christmas present,” said Kirk Goodnight, who drove in from Omaha for the tournament.
That kind of guaranteed fandom is exactly why this bid was a huge win for Kansas City.
“It not only introduces people to how great Kansas City is, but there’s a huge economic impact that comes with this,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission.
Kansas City has brought in more people than any other NCAA Volleyball Tournament.
“We’ve broken the attendance record for NCAA volleyball, that’s huge,” said Nelson.
The hope is that this success will give Kansas City an edge on future bids.
The City has some major bids out there right now. It's one of eight in the mix for the 2020 NFL Draft and it is also part of the United bid for the 2026 World Cup.
