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NCAA Women's Final Four brings thousands to Amalie Arena

More than 30,000 visitors expected in Tampa
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TAMPA, Fla. — The 2019 Women's Final Four in Tampa Bay marks the third time the city has hosted the women's sporting event.

The event was held in Tampa in 2008 and 2015. No other city in Florida has ever hosted the event.

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"With 4 really strong programs like Notre Dame and U-Conn, Baylor and Oregon, there are fans coming from all around the country here. They're going to stay at our destination," said Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.

After Friday's attendance and Sunday's attendance, Tampa Bay has welcomed more than 120,000 NCAA Women's Final Four fans throughout the three times the city has hosted the event.

The games bring out fans from even the smallest of towns.

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"I am from Salmon, Idaho, one of the most remote towns in the whole Untied States. It's 150 miles from any other town," said Melva Gutzman.

"We just couldn’t wait to get here. It's always fun, everybody having a good time, the bands. It's just total fun," said Robert Gutzman.

Officials with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission estimate the games will bring more than 30,000 visitors to the area.

"It's wonderful. It's really exciting being out here and seeing all the different schools," said Terri Myers, visiting from Indiana.

Basketball fans can also check out Tourney Town this weekend. It's a free festival inside the Tampa Convention Center. It is being held Friday through Sunday.