Spotlight shines on San Antonio as Final Four approaches |
|
|
|
If you decided to attend this year’s NCAA basketball Final Four in San Antonio, Texas before the season started, regardless of which teams would be there, you’re in for a treat this weekend. For the first time since the NCAA began seeding the teams in the tournament field, this weekend’s final four will feature all four No. 1 seeds for the first time in history. More than ever the host city is in the spotlight as this historic event approaches. San Antonio the ball is in your court. The second largest city in the state of Texas and seventh largest city in the United States is set to host its third Final Four this decade, having hosted the event in 1998 and 2004. With ideal weather expected, an estimated 35,000 hotel rooms and the expansive Alamodome, culturally spectacular San Antonio is an ideal location for the culmination of the Big Dance, which is estimated to bring in an economic impact of $76.6 million for the city. In addition to the on court action, fans will have plenty to experience including the historic Alamo, the spectacular San Antonio River Walk, a series of musical acts, theme parks and over 40 pristine golf courses. While the slogan urges you to remember this iconic structure, you definitely won’t want to forget to stop at the landmark Alamo in downtown San Antonio to relive the historic 13-day stand a few hundred Texans took against a much larger Mexican Army. Right down the road from the Alamo is the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum where you can find a large collection of cowboy memorabilia and Texas collectibles.
The trip wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along the historic and visually stunning River Walk in the heart of downtown. This attraction has become a favorite among fans during past Final Fours and large crowds should be expected again this year. Before and after the games this three mile stretch of retail shops, restaurants and nightclubs is the place to be. If you’re looking to fill up your mornings and afternoons, head out to one of San Antonio’s great golf courses. The city has a long and storied history in the game, starting with the Brackenridge Park Golf Course which opened in 1916. Texas’ first public course was the original site of the Texas Open. In all, 21 Texas Opens were contested there. It was designed by A.W. Tillinghast, whose impressive credits include Baltusrol, Winged Foot and Bethpage. It’s only 6,185 yards long and not all that imposing but there is a ton of history there. Unfortunately for those just in town for the conclusion of the NCAA tournament, the “Brack” is currently closed for a renovation project that includes restoring the back nine to Tillinghast’s original work. Brackenridge is just one of many fine public-access and municipal courses around San Antonio. Other notables include Willow Springs and Cedar Creek. Opened in 1923, Willow Springs Golf Course has hosted the Texas Open numerous times, with Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson all competing there; the course was redesigned in 1975. The course features one of the longest holes in the city – the 663-yard, par-5 second. Located in north San Antonio, Cedar Creek is a demanding course that winds through limestone hillsides and up and down steep elevation changes. The ambiance and aesthetic elements make the course feel like a private club. Opened in 1989, the 18-hole facility has been consistently ranked as the top municipal golf course in the city.
The city is home to a number of outstanding public access courses as well.
The course was recently renovated to the tune of $5.5 million by renowned architect Bob Cupp in 1998. Canyon Springs, which opened in 1998 when San Antonio also hosted the Final Four, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. This classic course is located in north central San Antonio at the edge of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Canyon Springs Golf Club occupies some of the highest points of land in San Antonio, just outside of the highway loop. Its par-72 Thomas Walker course takes full advantage of the expansive views from its tee boxes and greens. Just south of Pecan Valley, the Republic Golf Club is one of the newest courses to grace the local golf scene. A current qualifying site for the U.S. Senior Open, The Republic was voted the No. 1 course in San Antonio by the Express News in 2006. San Antonio’s newest golf sensation is built along scenic Salado Creek among glorious oaks, elms and mesquite trees. The Hyatt Hill Country Resort offers amazing accommodations and championship golf. The championship course at the resort is a beautiful, dramatic and balanced 27-hole facility designed by the nationally acclaimed golf course architectural firm, Arthur Hills and Associates. It was ranked as the No. 1 Texas golf destination and No. 17 worldwide by Conde’ Nast Traveler. With all that said, the attractions, nightclubs and golf courses will all take a back seat to the action on the grounds of the Alamodome. Friday things get started with the AT&T Block Party featuring musical acts Fall Out Boy and The Roots. The evening will be capped by a spectacular fireworks display comparable to San Antonio’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration. Saturday the action heats up as the teams take the court. Fans will be offered a day of activities at the Pontiac Garage. There will be a pep rally, musical acts, a military flyover and plenty of good food and beverages.
Sunday the MyCokeFest will feature an excellent line-up of entertainers including host Ryan Seacrest, Taylor Swift and 3 Doors Down. In addition to the great musical line-up, San Antonio will celebrate the 40th anniversary of HemisFairPark 1968 on The Big Dance Stage. Monday will be the climax of the four day bonanza of activities as the final two teams compete for the National Championship at the Alamodome. For more information on the city of San Antonio and upcoming Final Four, log onto www.visitsanantonio.com. |
