Since the new Consol Energy Center was announced, the Pittsburgh region has been gunning for major sporting events to bring to the new downtown arena. From NCAA Tournament regionals to major concerts to even quiet rumors about an NBA franchise (or at the least, an arena football franchise) to join the Penguins in the arena.
One event that Robert Morris has been working on is cohosting the NCAA Division I ice hockey Frozen Four along with the Penguins and VisitPittsburgh.
Friday, the university announced that Pittsburgh is one of four finalists to host either the 2013 or 2014 tournament finals. If the RMU/Penguins venture is named the site, it would be the first time that the city would have a major national collegiate championship decided in its city.
“Being named a finalist means we’re one step closer to achieving our goal of hosting the premier college hockey event in the nation,” Colonial Head Men’s Ice Hockey Coach Derek Schooley said in a press release. “This is very exciting for the Robert Morris hockey program and the local hockey community.”
Robert Morris joins the Atlantic Hockey Conference this season after starting in College Hockey America. The team, just six years old, has never appeared in the NCAA Tournament, but former conference foe Bemidji State made it to the Frozen Four last year. Boston College, Wisconsin, RIT, and Miami (OH) were in the Frozen Four hosted at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan this year. Boston College beat Wisconsin 5-0 for the national title.
“This exciting event will bring over 17,000 players and spectators and an estimated economic impact of over $10 million to Pittsburgh,” Vice President for Sales and Marketing of VisitPittsburgh Craig Davis said in a release. “Our stellar facilities, including the soon to be completed CONSOL Energy Center, and our attractive amenities will help create a wonderful experience for the student-athletes, their familes and fans.”
Other finalists include St. Louis (hosted in 2007), Boston (2004), and Philadelphia (has submitted bids before).
The NCAA will announce the winner of the bids for both 2013 and 2014 next month.
“Being named a finalist means we’re one step closer to achieving our goal of hosting the premier college hockey event in the nation,” Colonial Head Men’s Ice Hockey Coach Derek Schooley said. “This is very exciting for the Robert Morris hockey program and the local hockey community.”
Recent Comments