March Madness brings big crowds, bigger dollars to Portland
Published on March 20, 2026.
The excitement surrounding the NCAA Tournament in Portland, Oregon, is leading to a surge in fans and spending, with around 25,000 expected to attend. The influx of fans and visitors is being felt across the city, with sports bars and hotels seeing long wait times and standing-room-only crowds. At the Benson Hotel, general manager Ryan Kuzner said the impact of the event went beyond just players but also included band, cheerleaders, and a fan base. With more games scheduled for the weekend, businesses expect the momentum to continue.
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