Minneapolis loses out for hosting Final Four

The new lineup beginning in 2012 starts with New Orleans. As a consolation, Minneapolis and the other cities passed over are guaranteed an opportunity to host preliminary rounds.

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: November 19, 2008 - 12:38 PM

Five cities beat out Minneapolis and four other bidders today to be hosts of the Final Four NCAA men's basketball championship from 2012 through 2016.

The NCAA late this morning announced the selections for years 2012 through 2016:

• 2012: New Orleans

• 2013: Atlanta

• 2014: North Texas (Dallas area)

• 2015: Indianapolis

• 2016: Houston

Minneapolis has been host to Final Fours twice previously, in 1992 and 2001.

As a consolation prize of sorts, the NCAA said today that "reflective of the high quality of the presentations received," the committee also decided that Minneapolis and the other cities passed over this time around are guaranteed an opportunity to host preliminary rounds.

"Our teams and fans have always had a special experience in New Orleans," said Mike Slive, Div. I Men's Basketball Committee chairman and Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive. "The city's overall recovery efforts as well as the extensive renovations to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina make it sensible for us to return the Final Four to New Orleans once again. We believe this award serves as another important step in the recovery process."

Besides Minneapolis, the other finalists in this round of selections were Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, New Orleans, North Texas, Phoenix, San Antonio and St. Louis.

Minneapolis Final Four Committee made its presentation to the NCAA last week.

Detroit hosts the 2009 Final Four, followed by Indianapolis in 2010 and Houston in 2011.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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