It’s no secret; Michigan is one of the 50 states that is currently experiencing the recession a little more than others. Blame it on Governor Granholm, blame it on the economy, it doesn’t matter, the state of Michigan is flat out struggling and in need of some serious bright light.
The city of Detroit takes on a beating on many levels, the Lions were 0-16, Tigers finished fifth after winning the pennant the year before, the Pistons are suddenly mediocre, and not to mention the amounts of people losing their jobs that are tied to the automobile corporations. Detroit doesn’t deserve or need to be associated with so much bad media attention, residents of Detroit to care.
The planning for the 2009 Final Four has been in the process for quite awhile, there was already a practice run when Michigan State hosted North Carolina at Ford Filed back in December of 2008. Now there are billboard signs welcoming out of town visitors, around 2,000 people have volunteered to help organize the event that could potentially produce an economic impact of 30 to 50 million dollars.
Connecticut, Villanova, and North Carolina will bring their respectable amount of fans, adding to the home favorite sea of Michigan State green, packing in hotels, local watering holes, restaurants, and shops. Not to mention other entertainment events going on the same weekend, concerts by Gavin DeGraw and Fergie, and the Final Four Dribble where around 4,000 kids will dribble basketballs from Comerica Park to the Cobo Center.
Things in Detroit are going to start turning around, whether you are a Michigan State basketball fan or not, and it could even result in a tear jerker of happiness if Tom Izzo and his gang are cutting down the nets Monday night. The city of Detroit doesn’t need to ask for a bailout plan, they are going to receive one from this year’s Final Four with open arms. Believe me, if Tom Izzo leads his Spartans to another national championship I think Detroit will deliver a key to the city.
Go Green!