By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – The committee that's driving St. Louis' preparation for the Final Four says nearly everything is in place for the event this weekend.
The tournament is expected to draw 46,000 attendees at the Edward Jones Dome, with thousands more coming to the city to watch the games on TV.
Organizing committee member Doug Elgin says one of their main goals was to put St. Louis in a good position for a second shot as host.
"We wanted to produce a Final Four with the efficient management that would lead us to attract another future Final Four as quickly as we could, and hopefully when the call comes for bids for future Final Fours in a couple of years, St. Louis will find itself in the thick of things," Elgin said.
Bidding for the 2012 Final Four begins next year. St. Louis will host the NCAA Women's Final Four in 2009.