DAYTON â About 15,000 people packed the Oregon District last year for the First Four Festival.
âThe First Four thing is extremely good for us and most businesses down hereâ said Jason Watkins, 5th Street Win & Deli.
Justin Watkins works at â5th Street Wine and Deliâ and knows how much business the festival brings; however, he was upset to learn it wonât be happening this year.
The NCAA is considering keeping Dayton as a host city for the menâs basketball tournament, beyond 2015. As part of the proposal, the NCAA and the University of Dayton asked the Local Organizing Committee to suspend First Four sponsored festivals, until a decision is made this summer.
âThat just takes a lot of time and effort and we just havenât been able with the new staff to come to an agreement on how we can fundraise for the festival, so that was the agreement that was madeâ said Nan Whaley, Local Organizing Committee.
Local officials remain optimistic. They say this year ten games will be played in front of sold out crowds, which looks well to NCAA officials.
âOur goal for the local organizing committee has always been to get a long-term agreement with the NCAA and thatâs super important to usâ said Whaley.
Important because thousands of people will return to Dayton for years to come, to see the tournament played in the Gem City. For Jason in the Oregon District, he understands the short-term sacrifice.
âIf theyâre really trying to do something thatâll be long-term in the future and will do it every single year and not do it this year then thatâs probably a good idea because you can solidify it into a long-term commitment but it will hurt business down here on some scaleâ said Watkins.
There will still be some events highlighting the tournament happening in Dayton that week, including a race called âFirst 4, 4-Milerâ.
