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Last WAC tourney in Reno will be a huge economic boost to city

Page Last Updated: Thursday March 11, 2010 7:04am PST

Reno-Tahoe International Airport CEO Krys Bart on Wednesday.

Andrew Del Greco-News 4

Even for those who are not big sports fans, it's hard to deny what the WAC tournament, financially, does for Reno. That's why the city rolled out the red carpet Wednesday as the first day of the tourney kicked off. And we don't know when -- or if -- it's ever coming back.

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport transformed into an athletic pep rally.

The University of Hawaii, New Mexico State, and of course, the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, all entertained the crowds.

After all, this is a pretty important day for Reno. With the Western Athletic Conference school colors behind her, the airport CEO Krys Bart and then the RSCVA president welcomed what could be 45,000 spectators this week from around the West.

And after this tournament, Las Vegas will take over hosting duties.

"It's an experiment, there's a risk involved going to a non-WAC city like Las Vegas," said WAC Commissioner Karl Benson.

"I can guarantee you, the environment [in Reno] is so much better for the fans to come," said University of Nevada Athletic Director Carry Groth.

"We're kind of disappointed they decided they want to go to a neutral site for the future," said RSCVA President Ellen Oppenheim.

Disappointed, because aside from those who drive here, the airport sees 12,000 passengers fly in and out over the four day tournament. That's all the teams, coaches, cheerleaders and loyal fans who come and spend money here, and every evening descend on the Lawlor Events Center.

When out-of-towners were asked if they were spending thier money in the N. Nevada area: "Absolutely," said Boise State fan Bob Thompson. "We'll leave it here; we'll leave a little bit!"

"A lot of people, a lot of rooms rented out, a lot of food being eaten and that's a plus," said BSU fan Dick Thompson.

"We've been doing a little gambling, eating well, just enjoying life," said BSU fan Robert Bettner.

The WAC commissioner said the tournament has had a great run in Reno the last two years, but again, Las Vegas will host the tournament the next two years because some schools wanted a neutral location to play in. Reno will not benefit from an important event that's a money maker for our area, but there's confidence the tourney will come back once again down the road.

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