NCAA couldn't be happier with Atlanta's Final Four

By all accounts, everyone has enjoyed their time in our fair city for the 2013 Final Four.

From fans, to the students, to the natives, to the NCAA and even surely media folks.

Don't be surprised if we get to do this again.

"They've gone done a great job," David Worlock with the NCAA told News/Talk WSB. "It was no accident this place that this city and this building was chosen to host the 75th anniversary of March Madness. They've met all of our expectations. We couldn't be any more pleased."

Between the Bracket Town fan fest at the Georgia World Congress Center, the 12 free concerts at Centennial Olympic Park, the Division II and Division III National Championship games and Phillips arena and other events, Mayor Kasim Reed said before the Final Four started that this was the biggest event Atlanta has hosted since the Olympics.

Even though Atlanta hosted the Final Four in 2002 and 2007.

But with all the events surrounding the Final Four and 75,000 people allowed in the Dome to watch the games for the first time, this one just feels bigger.

"Having 75,000 folks just adds to the atmosphere," said Worlock. "The feedback as has been overwhelming positive."

But the one thing that Atlanta has that few other cities can show off is its southern hospitality.

"It gets said too often and maybe not with the sincerity it deserves, but the southern hospitality here has just been unbelievable," said Worlock. "You can't ask for a more friendlier group of people that great you not only with a hello but a level of enthusiasm that I haven't seen before."

Atlanta officials have already said they will bid for the Final Four again. But when that happens could be complicated by the new  stadium that will replace the Georgia Dome. That building is scheduled to open in 2017.

The NCAA has already awarded the Final Four in 2014 to Arlington, Texas, 2015 to Indianapolis and 2016 to Houston.

The NCAA requires the city to host a regional the year before the Final Four, so 2019 might be the earliest it happens.

So this is likely the last time the Final Four is at the Georgia Dome, but the NCAA is certainly planning to be back some time soon.

"We certainly wouldn't be surprised if this area is a part of that next process," said Worlock. "It's a competitive process but Atlanta certainly has history on its side of doing this event so well."

For a city that gets ranked among the worst sports towns in the country, it sure looks like Atlanta can put on a show.