Local economy to feel boost for 3rd year straight as Fighting Irish host Women’s NCAA Tournament

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- As the Fighting Irish Women’s Basketball team prepares to take on the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks, local businesses are preparing for a “March Madness” of their own, following a historic football playoff run for the Irish.

The Executive Director of Visit South Bend Mishawaka told ABC57 after looking at data from past years, “It ends up being in terms of the economic impact from rooms specifically, as well as then our calculation of $1 million worth of impact for those teams and the rooms plus their fans and what they’re bringing to Saint Joseph County in our economy,” said Jeff Jarnecke.

The Irish will tipoff at 2pm on Friday at Purcell Pavilion, and ABC57 will have coverage to follow.