Anddrikk Frazier<\/a>, CEO of Tampa-based Best Source Consulting, said teams are eager to play neutral-site games in Florida during the winter. He played college basketball at the University of South Florida, was a color commentator for ESPN and helped convince Omidvar to consider hosting games in St. Petersburg.<\/p>\nFrazier named several NBA and WNBA players who grew up in or around St. Petersburg. He said there is \u201cdefinitely an appetite\u201d to attend games in the city.<\/p>\n
The tournament will livestream internationally via The Locker Room channel on YouTube. Frazier, who will provide color commentary, said the organizers would offer free media spots to local businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, you\u2019re getting free marketing opportunities to show the world that you\u2019re back open for business,\u201d he added. \u201cYeah, the hurricanes were something, but we\u2019re resilient, we worked through it and this is what you can experience when you come visit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Omidvar said the Showdown in St. Pete would generate an estimated $200,000 to $300,000 economic impact. He also plans to double the event\u2019s size, to six teams, in 2026.<\/p>\n
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is among the tournament\u2019s supporters, as sports tourism is big business. Caleb Peterson, director of the agency\u2019s Sports Commission, called an \u201cevent of this caliber\u201d a \u201cwin-win\u201d for the area.<\/p>\n
\u201cFueling the dreams of young athletes through the excitement of the game is the ultimate reward, all while generating significant economic impact and solidifying our destination as one-of-a-kind for sports and beyond,\u201d Peterson said.<\/p>\n
Doors will open at 10 a.m., and the games will tip off at 11 a.m. Omidvar said the atypical start times were the result of \u201cthe mad scientist in us, tinkering with how we can get the nation\u2019s attention.\u201d<\/p>\n
Organizers wanted to ensure the three universities could \u201cshine on a platform when no other basketball team in the country is playing.\u201d Omidvar added that the intimate venue will be \u201cfilled with excitement\u201d from fans who feel like they can \u201creach out and touch\u201d the players.<\/p>\n
That experience could evolve. Omidvar plans to grow the event, attract more prominent teams and \u201cpotentially graduate to bigger buildings.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe major goal would be to ultimately have an event that could potentially reside inside the Trop,\u201d he said. \u201cWhether or not that happens, that\u2019s a couple of years out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frazier noted that Omidvar and his team graciously provided honorary tournament balls to recognize community leaders. Recipients include City Council Chair Copley Gerdes (Thursday), Gwendolyn Reese (Friday), president of the African American Heritage Association of St. Petersburg, and Police Chief Anthony Hollow (Saturday).<\/p>\n
For tickets to the Showdown in St. Pete, visit the website here.<\/a><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
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