2025, 08-19 Formal B Meeting Packet
AGENDA
SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
FORMAL B FORMAT
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Remotely via ZOOM Meeting and
In Person at Spokane Valley City Hall, Council Chambers
10210 E. Sprague Ave.
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Council Requests Please Silence Your Cell Phones During Council Meeting
NOTE: Members of the public may attend Spokane Valley Council meetings in-person at the address provided
above, or via Zoom at the link below. Members of the public will be allowed to comment in-person or via Zoom
as described below. Public comments will only be accepted for those items noted on the agenda as “public
comment opportunity.”Citizens must register by 4 p.m. the day of the meeting to provide comment by Zoom.
Please use the links below to register to provide verbal or written comment.
Sign up to Provide Verbal Public Comment at the Meeting via Calling-In
Submit Written Public Comment Prior to the Meeting
Join the Zoom WEB Meeting
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CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION: Chaplin Joe Fruci
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTATIONS:
PROCLAMATIONS:
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: This is an opportunity for the public to speak on any
subject except agenda action items, as public comments will be taken on those items where indicated. Please keep
comments to matters within the jurisdiction of the City Government.This is not an opportunity for questions or
discussion. Diverse points of view are welcome but please keep remarks civil. Remarks will be limited to three
minutes per person. If a person engages in disruptive behavior or makes individual personal attacks regarding
matters unrelated to City business, then the Council and/or Mayor may end that person’s public comment time
before the three-minute mark. To comment via zoom: use the link above for oral or written comments as per
those directions. To comment at the meeting in person: speakers may sign in to speak but it is not required. A
sign-in sheet will be provided at the meeting.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Motion Consideration: Pines/BNSF GSP Bid Award – Robert Blegen, Erica Amsden
\[public comment opportunity\]
2. Motion Consideration: NCAA Venue Lease Agreement – John Bottelli
\[public comment opportunity\]
Council Agenda August 19, 2025 Page 1 of 2
NON-ACTION ITEMS:
3. Admin Report: Sullivan Property Update –John Hohman
4. Admin Report: City LTAC Application Discussion –Chelsie Walls
INFORMATION ONLY(will not be reported or discussed):
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY:General public comment rules apply.
COUNCILCOMMENTS
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Scan to access the meeting materials
Council AgendaAugust 19, 2025 Page 2 of 2
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date:August 19, 2025 Department Director Approval:
Check all that apply: consent old business new business public hearing
information admin. report pending legislation executive session
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Motion Consideration – Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project
– Construction Award
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: SVMC 3.35.10 – Contract Authority
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN:
May 7, 2013: Administrative report, Bridging the Valley,
June 23, 2015: Council passed Resolution No. 15-005 adopting the 2016-2021 Six Year
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which included the project
January 10, 2017: Motion consideration to acquire Pinecroft property
February 28, 2017: Council passed Resolution 17-006, amending the 2017 TIP which
included the project
March 28, 2017: Administrative report seeking Council consensus to move forward with
project design
May 23, 2017: Resolution No. 17-011 adopting the 2018-2023 Six-Year TIP, which
included the project
July 11, 2017: Motion consideration to select a Consultant for Phase 1 Design
October 17, 2017: Admin Report on Design Alternatives
March 27, 2018: Motion consideration to apply for Spokane Regional Transportation
Council’s (SRTC) federal grants, including the project
May 22, 2018: Motion consideration to apply for Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and
Safety Improvements Program, FY2017, (CRISI #1) grant for the project
June 5, 2018: Motion consideration to apply for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage
Development (BUILD) grant
August 21, 2018: Motion consideration to apply for Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and
Safety Improvements Program, FY2018, (CRISI #2) grant
December 4, 2018: Admin Report on Design Alternatives
June 4, 2019: Admin Report on Design Alternatives
June 4, 2019: Motion consideration to apply for BUILD grant
June 18, 2019: Motion consideration to advance Alternative 2 to Phase 2 design
April 14, 2020: Motion consideration to apply for BUILD grant
May 5, 2020: Motion consideration to authorize City Manager to execute design
agreement with HDR
July 7, 2020: Motion consideration to authorize City Manager to acquire the DeWitt
Living Trust property
July 7, 2020: Motion consideration to authorize City Manager to acquire the DeRuwe
property
April 12, 2022: Motion consideration to authorize City Manager to accept Avista
Property Donation
July 18, 2023: Admin Report for Project Update
August 22, 2023: Motion consideration for Final Action Ordinance for Condemnation
February 6, 2024: Admin Report for Project Update
February 20, 2024: Admin Report for CIP 2024 Construction Projects
April 16, 2024: Motion consideration to authorize City Manager to execute Yellowstone
Pipeline Reimbursement Agreement
September 24,2024: Motion consideration to authorize City Manager to execute BNSF
Construction Management Agreement
February 18, 2025: Admin Report for 2025 Capital Improvement Projects
April 8, 2025: Admin Report on staffing update included staffing needs for this project
April 15, 2025: Motion Consideration on staffing including staffing needs for this project
May 20, 2025: Motion Consideration on HDR Contract Amendment
July 15, 2025: Resolution 25-015 adopted to reject all bids.
BACKGROUND: The Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project will grade separate the BNSF
tracks from Pines Road (SR-27) by constructing an underpass (Phase 1) and realign Pines Road
(SR-27) to the east, replace the signalized intersection of Pines Road (SR-27) and Trent Avenue
(SR-290) with a multi-lane roundabout, and construct a new trailhead for the users of the
Centennial Trail (Phase 2). This is the largest project the city has delivered to date.
The project has secured full funding from several different sources including the following:
Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements (CRISI) $ 1,246,500
Surface Transportation Program (STP) $ 3,795,000
Congressional Discretionary Spending (CDS) $ 5,000,000
Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) $ 4,879,000
Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) $ 1,525,600
Rebuilding American Infrastructure w/ Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) $ 21,689,221
Move Ahead Washington State Funding $ 5,000,000
BNSF Estimated Contribution $ 297,094
Construction began on Phase 1 of the Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project in February
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2025. Phase 2 of the project originally advertised for bids on June 6. The City received and
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opened four bids on June 27, 2025, but found errors in the bid packets. City council approved a
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resolution to reject all bids on July 15. The project was advertised a second time on July 18 in
the Valley Herald, The Exchange, the Spokesman Review, Seattle Journal of Commerce, as well
as on the City Website. The city received 7 bids. Granite Construction Company and Corridor
Contractors, LLC omitted unit bid prices from the bid packet, so their bids were considered non-
responsive. The lowest responsive bidder is Active Construction, Inc in the amount of
$11,625,625, approximately 26% under the engineer’s estimate. Bids were also received from
Apollo, Inc., Liberty Northwest Construction, Shamrock Paving, Inc., Halme Construction, Inc.,
and the previously mentioned Granite Construction Company, and Corridor Contractors, LLC.
The project’s bid tabulation is attached.
OPTIONS: 1) Move to award the contract to the only responsive and responsible bidder, or 2)
take other appropriate action.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Move to award the Pines Road/BNSF Grade
Separation Project to Active Construction, Inc in the amount of $11,625,625 and authorize the
City Manager to finalize and execute the construction contract.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: The project is fully funded with a combination of local, state
and federal funds. The total project budget is approximately $48 Million. If awarded, this phase of
construction will be funded primarily with RAISE funds and Move Ahead Washington State
Funding. There are sufficient funds in the project to cover the costs of this contract.
STAFF CONTACT:Erica Amsden, PE –CIP Engineering Manager
Robert Blegen, PE – Public Works Director
___________________________________________________________________________
ATTACHMENTS: Bid Tabulation
Project Exhibit
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CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date: August 19, 2025 Department Director Approval:
Check all that apply: consent old business new business public hearing
information admin. report pending legislation executive session
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Motion Consideration: 2027 NCAA Division I Venue Lease Agreement
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: N/A
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: July 8, 2025 – Administrative Report from Staff
BACKGROUND:
The City owns and is constructing The Course Spokane Valley at its public park property at 2520
N Flora Rd to host cross-country running events at the local, regional, and national level. Spokane
Sports, in partnership with Gonzaga University, submitted a bid to the NCAA in February 2024 to
host the 2027 Division I Men’s and Women’s West Regional Championships at The Course
Spokane Valley on November 12, 2027, which was subsequently awarded.
To confirm and schedule the event at The Course, the NCAA requires a Venue Lease Agreement
to be signed by the owner of the Venue. The form NCAA Venue Lease Agreement is expansive
and requires the Venue owner to provide most services to conduct and host the event. Given
this, Spokane Sports has agreed to serve as the Host/Local Organizing Committee (“LOC”) for
the event, operate the event, and provide, or cause to be provided, necessary extra equipment
and services required to host the event. This includes but is not limited to an operational plan
subject to approval by the NCAA, a public-address system, on-site concessions, signage and
course setup, and the necessary timing technology and staffing to conduct the championships.
To memorialize the obligations of the City and Spokane Sports with respect to hosting the 2027
NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s West Regional Championships at The Course Spokane
Valley, the City negotiated (1) changes to the form NCAA Venue Lease Agreement to add
Spokane Sports as a party to the agreement and to serve as the LOC and assume responsibilities
for providing necessary extra equipment and services in place of the City as the Venue owner,
and (2) a corresponding Operation Agreement with Spokane Sports that outlines Spokane Sports’
responsibilities as the LOC and the City’s responsibilities as the Venue owner with regards to
holding the NCAA West Regional Championships at The Course.
Spokane Sports has agreed to pay the City a venue rental fee for the City to provide The Course
in clean good working condition for the championships. The City’ consultant, The Sports Facilities
Advisory (SFA), is developing rental fee recommendations for events at The Course. Although
the rental fee for this event has not been determined yet, Spokane Sports has agreed to pay the
recommended venue rental fee once it is developed.
OPTIONS: Move to authorize the City Manager to execute the NCAA Venue Lease Agreement
and the corresponding Operation Agreement for the 2027 NCAA West Region Cross Country
Championship in Spokane Valley.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Move to authorize the City Manager to execute the
NCAA Venue Lease Agreement and the corresponding Operation Agreement for the 2027 NCAA
West Region Cross Country Championship in Spokane Valley.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: The City is currently developing rental fee recommendations
for use of The Course. Once developed, the rental fee will be collected from Spokane Sports for
the NCAA West Regional Championships.
STAFF CONTACTS: John Bottelli, Parks and Recreation Director
____________________________________________________________________________
ATTACHMENTS: NCAA Championships Venue Lease Agreement; Operation Agreement
between the City of Spokane Valley and Spokane Regional Sports Commission
NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS VENUE LEASE AGREEMENT
This Lease Agreement (“Agreement”) is made this day of , 2025, by and between
the CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, a Washington municipal corporation (hereinafter called “Venue”),
THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, an unincorporated association,
having its principal place of business at 700 West Washington Street, Marion County, Indianapolis, Indiana
46204, (hereinafter called "the NCAA"), and the SPOKANE REGIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION, a
Washington non-profit corporation (hereinafter called “Host/LOC” or “Spokane Sports”.) Venue,
Host/LOC, and NCAA are collectively referred to herein as “the Parties.”
Venue and Host/LOC have received a copy of the Championships Host Specifications (the “Host
Specifications”), which setsforth and describesthe basic requirements for the organization of
the 2027 NCAA Men’s and Women’s West Regionals Cross Country Championship (the “Championship”),
and Host/LOC participated in, and Host/LOC agree with, the response to the Bid Specifications (the “Bid”)
submitted by the Host/LOC (i.e. Spokane Sports) as the host bid committee (“Host”) or local organizing
committee (“LOC”), including all Bid Specifications and Bid Responses related to the competition venue.
The Bid Specifications and the Bid Responses (collectively, the “Bid Documents”) are incorporated fully
into this Agreement, except as specifically modified herein. In the event of any conflict between, or among,
this Agreement, the Bid Specifications, or the Bid Responses, the order of precedence shall be as follows:
(1) this Agreement, (2) the Bid Responses, and (3) the Bid Specifications. The exclusion or omission of
any provision or obligation of the Bid Specifications from this Agreement shall in no event be construed as
a waiver or relief from such obligation. Host/LOC acknowledge and agree that by executing this Agreement,
they expressly undertake to satisfy their obligations set forth in the Bid Specifications. Venue and Host/LOC
shall enter into a separate agreement identifying the terms of this Agreement (which includes the terms
contained in the Bid Documents) for which, as between Venue and Host/LOC, each will be responsible.
Venue and Host/LOC must provide an executed copy thereof to the NCAA.
1. Premises.
Upon the terms, covenants, and conditions contained in this Agreement and the Bid Documents,
Venue grants to the NCAA, and the NCAA accepts from Venue, a right for the NCAA to
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exclusively use and occupy The Course Spokane Valley and “surrounding area” (“The Course”
or the “venue") located in the City of Spokane Valley, Washington, on November 9-12, 2027,
except for such offices, mechanical areas, and other portions of the venue that Venue does not
customarily make available for lease, as such portions are set forth and described in the Bid. A
description of the "surrounding area" (i.e., parking lots, frontage property and any other adjacent
areas that the Venue may provide to the NCAA) included in this lease is attached hereto as Exhibit
A.
2. Term and Use of Premises.
The term of this Agreement shall be from date of full execution until final performance by the
Venue and Host/LOC concluding after the Championship.
3. Reasonable Modifications. Specific dates of the Championship are subject to change. In the event
of a date change, Venue and Host/LOC will exercise best efforts to make such adjustments as are
necessary or appropriate to give effect to the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, in the event
the Venue or Host/LOC cannot make such necessary or appropriate adjustments, the NCAA may
terminate this Agreement or, subject to the Parties’ prior written agreement, carry out the
Championships at the Venue in a different year.
In addition, the Venue and Host/LOC understand that the needs of the Championships and changes
in technology may require adjustments to this Agreement. The NCAA reserves the right to make
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modifications to this Agreement that do not have a material effect upon the Venue or Host/LOC by
providing written notification to the Venue’s and Host/LOC’s representative set forth below. For
purposes of this section 3, amendments and modifications shall only be considered to have a
material adverse effect on the financial obligations of the Venue and Host/LOC if the amendments
and modifications collectively exceed five percent (5%) of the total budget identified in the Bid
Responses submitted to the NCAA by Host/LOC.
4.QualityExperience.TheVenueand Host/LOCshallcooperatewitheach other and theNCAAin
order to create a quality environment in the opinion of the NCAA for the participants, fans and
NCAA Corporate Champions and Partners (“CCPs”) and to conduct the Championships in a safe
and secure manner.
5. Unauthorized Resale Ticket Prohibition. The Venue and Host/LOC shall not permit the
unauthorized resale of tickets inside the Venue and on Venue property, except as expressly
authorized by the NCAA in writing, and shall provide resources sufficient to deter and enforce
against unauthorized conduct.
6. Exclusivity. The NCAA shall have the exclusive right to the entire Venue and surrounding area,
including, but not limited to, the meeting rooms, storage spaces, team stores, concourse
display/activity areas, private clubs, suites, plazas in the Venue (and security perimeter of at least
three hundred feet around Venue and surrounding area) during the Championship. All such space
shall be provided at no additional cost to the NCAA. Should there be additional tenants that utilize
space inside the Venue (such as NFL tenants), these spaces can remain outside of the operational
use of the NCAA.
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7. Venue Space Condition. The Course Spokane Valley shall be provided by the Venue fully
cleaned with all venue areas in good working condition, including existing lighting (if and to the
extent existing), plumbing and HVAC (where applicable) at no cost to the NCAA.
Cleanings of the venue, necessitated by the Championships preparations and operations, shall be at
the cost of the Venue. Coordination, scheduling and approval for such cleanings shall be done
jointly by the NCAA, the Venue, and the Host/LOC. Intermediate cleanings for the purpose of
other approved Venue events shall be at the cost of the Venue and jointly determined by the NCAA
and Venue.
The NCAA shall leave the venue in materially the same condition as it took occupancy, subject to
normal wear and tear following the conclusion of the Championships.
The Venue shall furnish the premises in a manner that is set up for the carrying out of the
Championships provided, however, the NCAA or its designees shall have the right to provide and
install equipment as specified in the Host Specifications.
The venue shall not be materially modified in a way that would reduce space available to the public
in the aisles, entranceways and hallways without the NCAA’s advance written approval.
8.Insurance. From and after the Effective Date, the Host/LOC shall carry and maintain, throughout
the Term and at its own expense, the insurance set forth and described in the Host/LOC’s Bid
Responses and applicable to the Host/LOC. Venue shall also maintain its premises and general
liability insurance coverage during the Term of this Agreement with coverage limits that are no less
than the limits in place at the time this Agreement is executed.
9.ADA Seating and Accessibility. The NCAA requires the Venue and Host/LOC to be in full
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compliance with all applicable city, state or federal laws and regulations, including those concerning
accommodations for persons with disabilities. The Venue and Host/LOC must disclose their history
of compliance with ADA regulations and any previous or pending actions or suits and ensure
compliance for the Championships. The Venue and Host/LOC shall be responsible for any costs
imposed on the NCAA that result from disabled access non-compliance of the Venue in its
condition prior to the onset of the Championships. As between the Venue and Host/LOC, the
allocation of each individual entity’s responsibilities under this section shall be determined by the
separate agreement referenced in Section 31 of this Agreement.
While The Course has ample area for spectators along the race track, it does not have constructed
facilities for spectator seating. As of the date this Agreement was executed by the Parties, the
NCAA does not anticipate requiring spectator seating to be provided for spectators at this cross
country Event. If the NCAA later requires spectator seating to be provided, then the Host/LOC
shall be responsible for providing temporary seating, including seating in accordance with
applicable laws concerning accommodation for persons with disabilities.
At its own expense, Host/LOC will provide, or cause to be provided, closed captioning of all PA
Announcer audio and programming on any in-house ribbon boards or video boards, and otherwise
in compliance with applicable law.
10. Products.
a. The NCAA and its designated representatives shall have the right, with no obligation to
make any payments to the Venue or its concessionaire or any other third parties, to provide
complimentary food and beverages of its choice in the team and game officials locker
rooms, NCAA/LOC hospitality areas, NCAA committee hospitality areas, CCP hospitality
area, media refreshment/buffet area, team benches, courtside media areas, including the
official scorer’s table and all courtside media rows, NCAA designated suites and/or other
working areas. The NCAA may provide cups, coolers, bench towels, ice chests, squeeze
bottles, cooler carts and product with commercial marks to all areas under NCAA control,
including all courtside areas.
b. The NCAA and its designated representatives shall have the right to provide equipment
including but not limited to athletic equipment, athletic playing structures, athletic playing
surfaces, temporary seating structures, athletic balls/pucks, bench towels, cups, water
coolers, carts, chairs, other equipment and/or signage on or adjacent to the court. If
furnished by the NCAA, those items shall be provided at the NCAA’s expense. The NCAA
shall notify the Venue if it intends to provide these materials.
11. Venue Space Assignments. At no expense to the NCAA, (1) the Venue shall provide the space and
(2) Spokane Sports will make the space assignments specified in Exhibit A, all subject to the
approval of the NCAA, for the Championships. The NCAA acknowledges and accepts the changes
in Exhibit A from what was submitted with the Bid Documents (specifically: the number of parking
spaces onsite has been reduced to 144 regular parking spaces and 7 ADA parking spaces; see also
updated 6K and 10K course maps). If new construction or other work on existing facilities is
necessary to accommodate the NCAA space, the Venue and Spokane Sports shall have the option
to convert all such space at its expense, in accordance with the instructions of the NCAA.
12. Venue Staffing. The NCAA requires game day staffing levels commensurate with the size,
exposure and logistics of the event. As such, the Host/LOC is required to prepare an Operational
Plan (“Operational Plan”). This Operational Plan shall include Venue and Host/LOC’s portion of
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the public safety plan, guest services, catering, building services and other competition venue
services subject to NCAA review and approval.
Except for landscape maintenance, facilities maintenance, garbage removal and general cleanup of
the venue during and upon conclusion of the Event, the cost of meeting these staffing standards is
the responsibility of the Host/LOC.
Venue Labor/NCAA Out-of-Pocket Costs. In cases in which the NCAA shall be required to pay
for services or recompense the Venue and/or Host/LOC, the NCAA shall pay for pre-approved,
actual out-of-pocket costs for labor (must be 18 years or older), supplies, materials and equipment
rented by the Venue and/or Host/LOC during the Championships, with no additional mark-up or
administrative fee.
13.Security/Medical/EmergencyPreparedness.
a. Event Specific Emergency Response Plan: The Host/LOC, in conjunction with applicable federal,
state and local officials, shall submit a coordinated plan for the event specific emergency
preparedness and response, including all aspects of public safety including but not limited to: traffic
control, threat assessment, emergency preparedness, command and control, and communication.
The Host/LOC shall be required to integrate the activities of law enforcement, public health, public
safety, emergency medical services (EMS), emergency management organizations, and health care
organizations. This plan shall be consistent with national standards, industry best practices,
takeaways for similar events and observation/evaluation of prior Championships. The Venue shall
participate and provide technical assistance to the Host/LOC in developing said event emergency
preparedness/response plan. The development and implementation of this plan shall be at no cost to
the NCAA.
b. Venue Emergency Response Plan: The City will be responsible for developing and submitting
an emergency response and preparedness plan to Spokane Sports that applies generally to all events
at The Course. Spokane Sports shall incorporate this information into the emergency response and
preparedness plan for the Event referenced in Section 14.a. above.
14.Permit/Approval/City Service Priorities. The Venue and Host/LOC shall cooperate with all relevant
government agencies to secure necessary permits or approvals on behalf of the NCAA or in
collaboration with the NCAA for conduct of Championships in the Venue. The NCAA shall not be
responsible for any fees associated with securing permits or approvals.
15. Additional Financial Obligations and Reporting.
a.Personnel/Services. The Host/LOC shall furnish and pay for all Event personnel and
services deemed necessary by the NCAA including, but not limited to ushers, ticket takers,
timing personnel, public announcement personnel, exit watch persons, security personnel,
a fire marshal, a first-aid room staffed by paramedics or other certified emergency
personnel, etc. The Venue shall provide maintenance services, construction and cleanup of
the Venue, venue grounds, etc. All personnel shall be under the sole direction and control
of either the Venue or Host/LOC and are not to be considered employees or agents of the
NCAA.
b. No rent due from NCAA. No rental fee shall be due from the NCAA to the Venue. The venue
will charge the Host/LOC a rental fee that will be paid by the Host/LOC.
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c.Audited Box Office and Revenue Statement. The Host/LOC shall provide the NCAA
with an audited box office statement detailing the number of tickets sold, and other revenue
collected by the Venue during the Championships. The Parties acknowledge and agree that
no tickets will be sold for the Championship.
16.Termination by the NCAA After Right to Cure. This Agreement shall terminate in the NCAA’s
discretion without liability to the NCAA and without prejudice to the right to compensation for
loss or damages thereby sustained by the NCAA upon any of the following conditions left uncured
after the NCAA provides notice and a thirty (30) day period for compliance to the NCAA’s
reasonable satisfaction:
a.material breach of this Agreement by the Venueor Host/LOC, including but not limited to
Venue’s or Host/LOC’s timely payment of sums owed to the NCAA;
b. venue fails to retain its status in the industry as a top-tier facility in terms of competition
area and amenities for participants and fans through a deterioration of physical structure
(failure to maintain conditions) or senior management in the reasonable opinion of the
NCAA;
c.material breach by any one of the entities that made representations relied upon by the
NCAA in awarding the Championship’s host rights;
d. passage or adoption of any state or local law/regulation with effect (or anticipated effect)
in the location of the Championship that the NCAA determines is reasonably likely to be
detrimental to the NCAA, causes (or threatens to cause) damage to the NCAA, or
contravenes or conflicts with an NCAA bylaw, policy, guideline, or value.
17. Termination Without Right to Cure. This Agreement shall terminate immediately by either party
in the event that the other party is the subject of bankruptcy or insolvency. Additionally, the NCAA
may terminate this Agreement if it is unable to conduct the Championships, or otherwise comply
with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, because of an Act of God; strike; labor dispute;
change in federal, state, or local law; war or acts of war; fire; riot; earthquake; pandemic, epidemic,
act of terrorists or other public enemies; or for any similar reason not reasonably within the control
of the NCAA (collectively “Force Majeure”), or otherwise due the cancellation or postponement
of the Championship.
18.Use of NCAA Name, Logos and Marks. Except as may otherwise be expressly provided herein,
both Host/LOC and Venue are prevented from using the NCAA’s name, logos and marks, or any
other proprietary designations thereof, in any manner and for any purpose, without the prior express
approval or direction of the NCAA.
19.Assignment or Transfer. Except for contracts between the Venue and Host/LOC for the Host/LOC
to operate the Championship, neither the Venue nor the Host/LOC may assign, transfer or sublet this
Agreement, in whole or in part, without the express prior written consent of the NCAA.
20.Removal of Disorderly Persons. The Host/LOC and Venue retain the right, with its officers and
agents, including police officers, to eject any disorderly person or persons from the Venue. Venue
and Host/LOC agree to indemnify and hold harmless the NCAA, its officers, employees, agents,
and contractors from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, liabilities, costs and
attorneys’ fees arising out of actions of either Host/LOC or Venue in ejecting any such persons.
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The NCAA also may request the removal of a person for failure to comply with NCAA’s ticket or
credential policies.
21.Indemnity.
a.Venue shall indemnify and hold the NCAA and Host/LOC harmless from any and all suits,
claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees arising out of any
breach of this Agreement or act or omission of Venue of the rights and obligations granted
to it pursuant to this Agreement, provided that, as to the party claiming indemnification,
such suits, claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees are not
directly caused by any material breach of this agreement by the party to be indemnified and
provided, further, that the party to be indemnified shall notify the Venue of any such claim or
litigation to which this indemnity shall apply within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving a
written tort claim notice or being served with legal process asserting such a claim.
b. Host/LOC shall indemnify and hold the NCAA and Venue harmless from any and all suits,
claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees arising out of any
breach of this Agreement or act or omission of Venue of the rights and obligations granted
to it pursuant to this Agreement, provided that, as to the party claiming indemnification,
such suits, claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees are not
directly caused by any material breach of this agreement by the party seeking
indemnification and provided, further, that the party claiming indemnification shall notify
the Host/LOC of any such claim or litigation to which this indemnity shall apply within
thirty (30) calendar days of receiving a written tort claim notice or being served with legal
process asserting such a claim.
c. The NCAA shall indemnify and hold Venue and Host/LOC harmless from any and all third
party suits, claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’
fees arising out of the exercise by the NCAA of the rights andobligations granted to it
pursuant to this Agreement, provided that, as to the party claiming indemnification, such
suits, claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees
are not proximately caused by any breach of this agreement by the party seeking
indemnification and provided, further, that the party claiming indemnification shall notify
the NCAA of any such claim or litigation to which this indemnity shall apply within thirty
(30) calendar days of receiving a written tort claim notice or being served with legal
process asserting such a claim.
22. No Partnership. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a partnership
or joint venture between the Venue, Host/LOC, and/or the NCAA.
23.No Waiver. No waiver by Venue, Host/LOC, or the NCAA of any default or breach of any
covenant, condition, or stipulation herein contained shall be treated as a waiver of any subsequent
default or breach of the same or any other covenant, condition, or stipulation hereof.
24.Governing Law. The validity, interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be
controlled and construed under the laws of the State of Washington. Any claim or cause of action
filed shall be in a court of competent jurisdiction in Spokane County, Washington.
25.Alteration; Severability. No agent, employee or other representative of any of the Parties is
empowered to alter any of the terms hereof, unless done in writing and signed by an authorized
officer of the respective parties. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this
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Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such
invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof and this
Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been
contained herein.
26.Venue Representations and Warranties. Venue and Host/LOC each represent and warrant that
(i) it has the authority and right to enter into this Agreement, and fulfill its obligations hereunder,
(ii) it has obtained (or will timely obtain) all necessary approvals, consents, licenses and
permissions in connection with the services and Work referenced herein, (iii) the services and work
referenced herein do not, and will not, infringe upon any rights of any third party, and (iv) it will
comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Additionally, Venue represents and warrants that it has the right to commit
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The Course Spokane Valley(Venue), and parking lot thereof to the terms and conditions set forth
herein, and that said facility, parking lots and surrounding area shall be in a reasonable and safe
condition. The NCAA retains the right to inspect the facility and parking lots and to require
reasonable changes prior to, and as a condition of, commencement of the Championship, but the
NCAA assumes no duty to see that the facility and parking lots are safe.
27.Entire Agreement. This Agreement (together with the Bid Documents incorporated by reference
herein) contains the complete agreement of the parties hereto, superseding all oral or written
previous and contemporary agreements between the parties and relating to matters herein, and
except as otherwise provided herein cannot be modified without written agreement of the parties
hereto attached to and made a part of this Agreement. This Agreement is conditioned upon the
execution of (1) a related agreement between the Host/LOC and the NCAA for the designated
Championship, and (2) the agreement refenced in Section 31 of this Agreement. The Parties agree
that nothing in this section shall be interpreted to invalidate any provision of either of these
aforementioned agreements.
28. Mediation and Arbitration. The parties agree that any disputes arising hereunder that the parties
cannot resolve between themselves shall be addressed in the following manner:
a. First, the parties shall engage the services of a mediator through the American Arbitration
Association. The parties shall share the cost of the mediation equally. Unless the parties
agree otherwise, the mediation shall be in the city where the NCAA national office is
located at a time reasonably agreeable to both parties. Both parties may be represented at
such mediation by attorneys, and each side shall have present a member of senior
management with full authority to bind said party to any resolution that may be mediated.
b. Second, in the event mediation fails, any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to
this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the
Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment
upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the arbitration hearing shall be held in the city
where the NCAA national office is located.
29. Copies to Chief Executive Officers. Upon the request of the chief executive officer of any active
member institution that is directly affected hereby, the NCAA may provide a copy of this
Agreement to such person.
30. Final Execution.
This Agreement shall not be binding upon the NCAA unless and until it is duly executed by the
President of the NCAA, or his authorized designee.
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31. Agreement between Venue and Host/LOC. As stated herein, the Venue and Host/LOC shall have
entered into a separate agreement that, among other things, shall (a) govern the allocation of
revenue in the Venue during the Championships not otherwise retained by the NCAA, and (b)
identify the services herein and in the Bid Documents that the Host//LOC will provide and those
the Venue will provide for the Championships.
32.Any notice required by this Agreement shall be delivered to the following representatives of the
Parties:
To the NCAA: Name: ________________________________________
Phone:________________________________________
Address: __________________________
________________________________
Email: _______________________________________
To the Venue: Name: Marci Patterson, City Clerk
Phone: 509-720-5000
Address: 10210 East Sprague Avenue
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Email: mpatterson@spokanevalleywa.gov
To the Host/LOC: Name: Ashley Blake, CEO
Phone: 607-279-9067
Address: 201 W North River Drive, Suite 130
Spokane, WA 99201
Email: ashley@spokanesports.org
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (“NCAA”)
Date:
By:
Title:
VENUE
Date:
By:
Title:
HOST/LOC
Date:
By:
Title:
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EXHIBIT A
Enhancements and Exceptions to the Bid Specifications; and if applicable,
attachment by Venue of "surrounding area" (i.e., parking lots, frontage property and any other
adjacent areas that the Venue may provide to the NCAA) included in this lease.
Exceptions to the General Bid Specifications:
Pages 20-21 – BROADCAST, MEDIA AND INTERNET
o Our venue is a cross country site and not equipped with the television power requirements,
lighting requirements due to the outdoor nature, or in house cable or satellite requirements.
Page 23 – IN-VENUE PRODUCTION
o In-venue control room equipment or staffing will not be provided.
Surrounding Areas:
No surrounding areas outside the venue premises are being provided to the NCAA in this lease
agreement.
Additional parking lot leases and maps may be secured by the Host/LOC and shared with the
NCAA as acquired. Additional parking lots will serve as spectator parking lots and/or bus/van
parking/staging.
Course Maps:
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Ashley Blake, CEO
201 W North River Drive, Suite 130
Spokane, WA 99201
Email: ashley@spokanesports.org
Phone: 607-279-9067
0210 East Sprague Avenue
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Email: mpatterson@spokanevalleywa.gov
Phone: 509-720-5000
It is understood and agreed that this is an arms-length transaction and
that Spokane Sportsand the City are not entering into a joint venture or partnership. No Party or agent,
employee, or volunteer of a Party shall be considered to be an agent, employee, or volunteer of the other
Party. Each Party shall be solely responsible for the conduct and actions of their employees, agents and
volunteers under this Agreement and any liability that may attach thereto.
This Agreement contains the complete agreement of the parties hereto,
superseding all oral or written previous and contemporary agreements between the parties and relating to
matters herein. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement cannot be modified without written
agreement of the parties hereto attached to and made a part of this Agreement.
Condition Precedent. This Agreement is conditioned upon the executionof the aforementioned
Venue Lease Agreement between the City, Spokane Sports, the NCAA for the Event.
14. Waiver. No officer, employee, agent, or other individual acting on behalf of either Party has the
power, right, or authority to waive any of the conditions or provisions of this Agreement. A waiver in one
instance shall not be held to be a waiver of any other subsequent breach or nonperformance. All remedies
afforded in this Agreement or by law shall be taken and construed as cumulative and in addition to every
other remedy provided herein or by law. Failure of either Party to enforce at any time any of the provisions
of this Agreement or to require at any time performance by the other Party of any provision hereof shall in
no way be construed to be a waiver of such provisions nor shall it affect the validity of this Agreement or
any part thereof.
15. Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement is entered into in Spokane County, Washington. Disputes
between City and Spokane Sports shall be resolved in the Superior Court of the State of Washington in
Spokane County. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Spokane Sports
joined as a party in any arbitration proceeding between City and any third party that includes a claim or
claims that arise out of, or that are related to services under this Agreement. Spokane
Sports Spokane Sports and
that judgment may be entered upon it in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
16. The prevailing party in any litigation or arbitration arising out of this
17. Anti-kickback. No officer or employee of City, having the power or duty to perform an official act
or action related to this Agreement shall have or acquire any interest in this Agreement, or have solicited,
accepted, or granted a present or future gift, favor, service, or other thing of value from any person with an
interest in this Agreement.
18.Severability. If any section, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Agreement should be held to be
invalid for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of
any other section, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Agreement.
:
A.NCAA Venue Lease Agreement
B.NCAA General Bid Specificationsfor 2026 through 2028
C.2026 & 2027 NCAA Division I
Bid Specifications
D.Certificates of Insurance
E.Facility Use Agreement (form)
The Parties have executed this Agreement this ____ day of , 20___.
902303136
NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS VENUE LEASE AGREEMENT
This Lease Agreement (“Agreement”) is made this day of , 2025, by and between
the CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, a Washington municipal corporation (hereinafter called “Venue”),
THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, an unincorporated association,
having its principal place of business at 700 West Washington Street, Marion County, Indianapolis, Indiana
46204, (hereinafter called "the NCAA"), and the SPOKANE REGIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION, a
Washington non-profit corporation (hereinafter called “Host/LOC” or “Spokane Sports”.) Venue,
Host/LOC, and NCAA are collectively referred to herein as “the Parties.”
Venue and Host/LOC have received a copy of the Championships Host Specifications (the “Host
Specifications”), which setsforth and describesthe basic requirements for the organization of
the 2027 NCAA Men’s and Women’s West Regionals Cross Country Championship (the “Championship”),
and Host/LOC participated in, and Host/LOC agree with, the response to the Bid Specifications (the “Bid”)
submitted by the Host/LOC (i.e. Spokane Sports) as the host bid committee (“Host”) or local organizing
committee (“LOC”), including all Bid Specifications and Bid Responses related to the competition venue.
The Bid Specifications and the Bid Responses (collectively, the “Bid Documents”) are incorporated fully
into this Agreement, except as specifically modified herein. In the event of any conflict between, or among,
this Agreement, the Bid Specifications, or the Bid Responses, the order of precedence shall be as follows:
(1) this Agreement, (2) the Bid Responses, and (3) the Bid Specifications. The exclusion or omission of
any provision or obligation of the Bid Specifications from this Agreement shall in no event be construed as
a waiver or relief from such obligation. Host/LOC acknowledge and agree that by executing this Agreement,
they expressly undertake to satisfy their obligations set forth in the Bid Specifications. Venue and Host/LOC
shall enter into a separate agreement identifying the terms of this Agreement (which includes the terms
contained in the Bid Documents) for which, as between Venue and Host/LOC, each will be responsible.
Venue and Host/LOC must provide an executed copy thereof to the NCAA.
1. Premises.
Upon the terms, covenants, and conditions contained in this Agreement and the Bid Documents,
Venue grants to the NCAA, and the NCAA accepts from Venue, a right for the NCAA to
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exclusively use and occupy The Course Spokane Valley and “surrounding area” (“The Course”
or the “venue") located in the City of Spokane Valley, Washington, on November 9-12, 2027,
except for such offices, mechanical areas, and other portions of the venue that Venue does not
customarily make available for lease, as such portions are set forth and described in the Bid. A
description of the "surrounding area" (i.e., parking lots, frontage property and any other adjacent
areas that the Venue may provide to the NCAA) included in this lease is attached hereto as Exhibit
A.
2. Term and Use of Premises.
The term of this Agreement shall be from date of full execution until final performance by the
Venue and Host/LOC concluding after the Championship.
3. Reasonable Modifications. Specific dates of the Championship are subject to change. In the event
of a date change, Venue and Host/LOC will exercise best efforts to make such adjustments as are
necessary or appropriate to give effect to the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, in the event
the Venue or Host/LOC cannot make such necessary or appropriate adjustments, the NCAA may
terminate this Agreement or, subject to the Parties’ prior written agreement, carry out the
Championships at the Venue in a different year.
In addition, the Venue and Host/LOC understand that the needs of the Championships and changes
in technology may require adjustments to this Agreement. The NCAA reserves the right to make
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modifications to this Agreement that do not have a material effect upon the Venue or Host/LOC by
providing written notification to the Venue’s and Host/LOC’s representative set forth below. For
purposes of this section 3, amendments and modifications shall only be considered to have a
material adverse effect on the financial obligations of the Venue and Host/LOC if the amendments
and modifications collectively exceed five percent (5%) of the total budget identified in the Bid
Responses submitted to the NCAA by Host/LOC.
4.QualityExperience.TheVenueand Host/LOCshallcooperatewitheach other and theNCAAin
order to create a quality environment in the opinion of the NCAA for the participants, fans and
NCAA Corporate Champions and Partners (“CCPs”) and to conduct the Championships in a safe
and secure manner.
5. Unauthorized Resale Ticket Prohibition. The Venue and Host/LOC shall not permit the
unauthorized resale of tickets inside the Venue and on Venue property, except as expressly
authorized by the NCAA in writing, and shall provide resources sufficient to deter and enforce
against unauthorized conduct.
6. Exclusivity. The NCAA shall have the exclusive right to the entire Venue and surrounding area,
including, but not limited to, the meeting rooms, storage spaces, team stores, concourse
display/activity areas, private clubs, suites, plazas in the Venue (and security perimeter of at least
three hundred feet around Venue and surrounding area) during the Championship. All such space
shall be provided at no additional cost to the NCAA. Should there be additional tenants that utilize
space inside the Venue (such as NFL tenants), these spaces can remain outside of the operational
use of the NCAA.
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7. Venue Space Condition. The Course Spokane Valley shall be provided by the Venue fully
cleaned with all venue areas in good working condition, including existing lighting (if and to the
extent existing), plumbing and HVAC (where applicable) at no cost to the NCAA.
Cleanings of the venue, necessitated by the Championships preparations and operations, shall be at
the cost of the Venue. Coordination, scheduling and approval for such cleanings shall be done
jointly by the NCAA, the Venue, and the Host/LOC. Intermediate cleanings for the purpose of
other approved Venue events shall be at the cost of the Venue and jointly determined by the NCAA
and Venue.
The NCAA shall leave the venue in materially the same condition as it took occupancy, subject to
normal wear and tear following the conclusion of the Championships.
The Venue shall furnish the premises in a manner that is set up for the carrying out of the
Championships provided, however, the NCAA or its designees shall have the right to provide and
install equipment as specified in the Host Specifications.
The venue shall not be materially modified in a way that would reduce space available to the public
in the aisles, entranceways and hallways without the NCAA’s advance written approval.
8.Insurance. From and after the Effective Date, the Host/LOC shall carry and maintain, throughout
the Term and at its own expense, the insurance set forth and described in the Host/LOC’s Bid
Responses and applicable to the Host/LOC. Venue shall also maintain its premises and general
liability insurance coverage during the Term of this Agreement with coverage limits that are no less
than the limits in place at the time this Agreement is executed.
9.ADA Seating and Accessibility. The NCAA requires the Venue and Host/LOC to be in full
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compliance with all applicable city, state or federal laws and regulations, including those concerning
accommodations for persons with disabilities. The Venue and Host/LOC must disclose their history
of compliance with ADA regulations and any previous or pending actions or suits and ensure
compliance for the Championships. The Venue and Host/LOC shall be responsible for any costs
imposed on the NCAA that result from disabled access non-compliance of the Venue in its
condition prior to the onset of the Championships. As between the Venue and Host/LOC, the
allocation of each individual entity’s responsibilities under this section shall be determined by the
separate agreement referenced in Section 31 of this Agreement.
While The Course has ample area for spectators along the race track, it does not have constructed
facilities for spectator seating. As of the date this Agreement was executed by the Parties, the
NCAA does not anticipate requiring spectator seating to be provided for spectators at this cross
country Event. If the NCAA later requires spectator seating to be provided, then the Host/LOC
shall be responsible for providing temporary seating, including seating in accordance with
applicable laws concerning accommodation for persons with disabilities.
At its own expense, Host/LOC will provide, or cause to be provided, closed captioning of all PA
Announcer audio and programming on any in-house ribbon boards or video boards, and otherwise
in compliance with applicable law.
10. Products.
a. The NCAA and its designated representatives shall have the right, with no obligation to
make any payments to the Venue or its concessionaire or any other third parties, to provide
complimentary food and beverages of its choice in the team and game officials locker
rooms, NCAA/LOC hospitality areas, NCAA committee hospitality areas, CCP hospitality
area, media refreshment/buffet area, team benches, courtside media areas, including the
official scorer’s table and all courtside media rows, NCAA designated suites and/or other
working areas. The NCAA may provide cups, coolers, bench towels, ice chests, squeeze
bottles, cooler carts and product with commercial marks to all areas under NCAA control,
including all courtside areas.
b. The NCAA and its designated representatives shall have the right to provide equipment
including but not limited to athletic equipment, athletic playing structures, athletic playing
surfaces, temporary seating structures, athletic balls/pucks, bench towels, cups, water
coolers, carts, chairs, other equipment and/or signage on or adjacent to the court. If
furnished by the NCAA, those items shall be provided at the NCAA’s expense. The NCAA
shall notify the Venue if it intends to provide these materials.
11. Venue Space Assignments. At no expense to the NCAA, (1) the Venue shall provide the space and
(2) Spokane Sports will make the space assignments specified in Exhibit A, all subject to the
approval of the NCAA, for the Championships. The NCAA acknowledges and accepts the changes
in Exhibit A from what was submitted with the Bid Documents (specifically: the number of parking
spaces onsite has been reduced to 144 regular parking spaces and 7 ADA parking spaces; see also
updated 6K and 10K course maps). If new construction or other work on existing facilities is
necessary to accommodate the NCAA space, the Venue and Spokane Sports shall have the option
to convert all such space at its expense, in accordance with the instructions of the NCAA.
12. Venue Staffing. The NCAA requires game day staffing levels commensurate with the size,
exposure and logistics of the event. As such, the Host/LOC is required to prepare an Operational
Plan (“Operational Plan”). This Operational Plan shall include Venue and Host/LOC’s portion of
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the public safety plan, guest services, catering, building services and other competition venue
services subject to NCAA review and approval.
Except for landscape maintenance, facilities maintenance, garbage removal and general cleanup of
the venue during and upon conclusion of the Event, the cost of meeting these staffing standards is
the responsibility of the Host/LOC.
Venue Labor/NCAA Out-of-Pocket Costs. In cases in which the NCAA shall be required to pay
for services or recompense the Venue and/or Host/LOC, the NCAA shall pay for pre-approved,
actual out-of-pocket costs for labor (must be 18 years or older), supplies, materials and equipment
rented by the Venue and/or Host/LOC during the Championships, with no additional mark-up or
administrative fee.
13.Security/Medical/EmergencyPreparedness.
a. Event Specific Emergency Response Plan: The Host/LOC, in conjunction with applicable federal,
state and local officials, shall submit a coordinated plan for the event specific emergency
preparedness and response, including all aspects of public safety including but not limited to: traffic
control, threat assessment, emergency preparedness, command and control, and communication.
The Host/LOC shall be required to integrate the activities of law enforcement, public health, public
safety, emergency medical services (EMS), emergency management organizations, and health care
organizations. This plan shall be consistent with national standards, industry best practices,
takeaways for similar events and observation/evaluation of prior Championships. The Venue shall
participate and provide technical assistance to the Host/LOC in developing said event emergency
preparedness/response plan. The development and implementation of this plan shall be at no cost to
the NCAA.
b. Venue Emergency Response Plan: The City will be responsible for developing and submitting
an emergency response and preparedness plan to Spokane Sports that applies generally to all events
at The Course. Spokane Sports shall incorporate this information into the emergency response and
preparedness plan for the Event referenced in Section 14.a. above.
14.Permit/Approval/City Service Priorities. The Venue and Host/LOC shall cooperate with all relevant
government agencies to secure necessary permits or approvals on behalf of the NCAA or in
collaboration with the NCAA for conduct of Championships in the Venue. The NCAA shall not be
responsible for any fees associated with securing permits or approvals.
15. Additional Financial Obligations and Reporting.
a.Personnel/Services. The Host/LOC shall furnish and pay for all Event personnel and
services deemed necessary by the NCAA including, but not limited to ushers, ticket takers,
timing personnel, public announcement personnel, exit watch persons, security personnel,
a fire marshal, a first-aid room staffed by paramedics or other certified emergency
personnel, etc. The Venue shall provide maintenance services, construction and cleanup of
the Venue, venue grounds, etc. All personnel shall be under the sole direction and control
of either the Venue or Host/LOC and are not to be considered employees or agents of the
NCAA.
b. No rent due from NCAA. No rental fee shall be due from the NCAA to the Venue. The venue
will charge the Host/LOC a rental fee that will be paid by the Host/LOC.
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c.Audited Box Office and Revenue Statement. The Host/LOC shall provide the NCAA
with an audited box office statement detailing the number of tickets sold, and other revenue
collected by the Venue during the Championships. The Parties acknowledge and agree that
no tickets will be sold for the Championship.
16.Termination by the NCAA After Right to Cure. This Agreement shall terminate in the NCAA’s
discretion without liability to the NCAA and without prejudice to the right to compensation for
loss or damages thereby sustained by the NCAA upon any of the following conditions left uncured
after the NCAA provides notice and a thirty (30) day period for compliance to the NCAA’s
reasonable satisfaction:
a.material breach of this Agreement by the Venueor Host/LOC, including but not limited to
Venue’s or Host/LOC’s timely payment of sums owed to the NCAA;
b. venue fails to retain its status in the industry as a top-tier facility in terms of competition
area and amenities for participants and fans through a deterioration of physical structure
(failure to maintain conditions) or senior management in the reasonable opinion of the
NCAA;
c.material breach by any one of the entities that made representations relied upon by the
NCAA in awarding the Championship’s host rights;
d. passage or adoption of any state or local law/regulation with effect (or anticipated effect)
in the location of the Championship that the NCAA determines is reasonably likely to be
detrimental to the NCAA, causes (or threatens to cause) damage to the NCAA, or
contravenes or conflicts with an NCAA bylaw, policy, guideline, or value.
17. Termination Without Right to Cure. This Agreement shall terminate immediately by either party
in the event that the other party is the subject of bankruptcy or insolvency. Additionally, the NCAA
may terminate this Agreement if it is unable to conduct the Championships, or otherwise comply
with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, because of an Act of God; strike; labor dispute;
change in federal, state, or local law; war or acts of war; fire; riot; earthquake; pandemic, epidemic,
act of terrorists or other public enemies; or for any similar reason not reasonably within the control
of the NCAA (collectively “Force Majeure”), or otherwise due the cancellation or postponement
of the Championship.
18.Use of NCAA Name, Logos and Marks. Except as may otherwise be expressly provided herein,
both Host/LOC and Venue are prevented from using the NCAA’s name, logos and marks, or any
other proprietary designations thereof, in any manner and for any purpose, without the prior express
approval or direction of the NCAA.
19.Assignment or Transfer. Except for contracts between the Venue and Host/LOC for the Host/LOC
to operate the Championship, neither the Venue nor the Host/LOC may assign, transfer or sublet this
Agreement, in whole or in part, without the express prior written consent of the NCAA.
20.Removal of Disorderly Persons. The Host/LOC and Venue retain the right, with its officers and
agents, including police officers, to eject any disorderly person or persons from the Venue. Venue
and Host/LOC agree to indemnify and hold harmless the NCAA, its officers, employees, agents,
and contractors from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, liabilities, costs and
attorneys’ fees arising out of actions of either Host/LOC or Venue in ejecting any such persons.
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The NCAA also may request the removal of a person for failure to comply with NCAA’s ticket or
credential policies.
21.Indemnity.
a.Venue shall indemnify and hold the NCAA and Host/LOC harmless from any and all suits,
claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees arising out of any
breach of this Agreement or act or omission of Venue of the rights and obligations granted
to it pursuant to this Agreement, provided that, as to the party claiming indemnification,
such suits, claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees are not
directly caused by any material breach of this agreement by the party to be indemnified and
provided, further, that the party to be indemnified shall notify the Venue of any such claim or
litigation to which this indemnity shall apply within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving a
written tort claim notice or being served with legal process asserting such a claim.
b. Host/LOC shall indemnify and hold the NCAA and Venue harmless from any and all suits,
claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees arising out of any
breach of this Agreement or act or omission of Venue of the rights and obligations granted
to it pursuant to this Agreement, provided that, as to the party claiming indemnification,
such suits, claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees are not
directly caused by any material breach of this agreement by the party seeking
indemnification and provided, further, that the party claiming indemnification shall notify
the Host/LOC of any such claim or litigation to which this indemnity shall apply within
thirty (30) calendar days of receiving a written tort claim notice or being served with legal
process asserting such a claim.
c. The NCAA shall indemnify and hold Venue and Host/LOC harmless from any and all third
party suits, claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’
fees arising out of the exercise by the NCAA of the rights andobligations granted to it
pursuant to this Agreement, provided that, as to the party claiming indemnification, such
suits, claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees
are not proximately caused by any breach of this agreement by the party seeking
indemnification and provided, further, that the party claiming indemnification shall notify
the NCAA of any such claim or litigation to which this indemnity shall apply within thirty
(30) calendar days of receiving a written tort claim notice or being served with legal
process asserting such a claim.
22. No Partnership. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a partnership
or joint venture between the Venue, Host/LOC, and/or the NCAA.
23.No Waiver. No waiver by Venue, Host/LOC, or the NCAA of any default or breach of any
covenant, condition, or stipulation herein contained shall be treated as a waiver of any subsequent
default or breach of the same or any other covenant, condition, or stipulation hereof.
24.Governing Law. The validity, interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be
controlled and construed under the laws of the State of Washington. Any claim or cause of action
filed shall be in a court of competent jurisdiction in Spokane County, Washington.
25.Alteration; Severability. No agent, employee or other representative of any of the Parties is
empowered to alter any of the terms hereof, unless done in writing and signed by an authorized
officer of the respective parties. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this
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Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such
invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof and this
Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been
contained herein.
26.Venue Representations and Warranties. Venue and Host/LOC each represent and warrant that
(i) it has the authority and right to enter into this Agreement, and fulfill its obligations hereunder,
(ii) it has obtained (or will timely obtain) all necessary approvals, consents, licenses and
permissions in connection with the services and Work referenced herein, (iii) the services and work
referenced herein do not, and will not, infringe upon any rights of any third party, and (iv) it will
comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Additionally, Venue represents and warrants that it has the right to commit
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The Course Spokane Valley(Venue), and parking lot thereof to the terms and conditions set forth
herein, and that said facility, parking lots and surrounding area shall be in a reasonable and safe
condition. The NCAA retains the right to inspect the facility and parking lots and to require
reasonable changes prior to, and as a condition of, commencement of the Championship, but the
NCAA assumes no duty to see that the facility and parking lots are safe.
27.Entire Agreement. This Agreement (together with the Bid Documents incorporated by reference
herein) contains the complete agreement of the parties hereto, superseding all oral or written
previous and contemporary agreements between the parties and relating to matters herein, and
except as otherwise provided herein cannot be modified without written agreement of the parties
hereto attached to and made a part of this Agreement. This Agreement is conditioned upon the
execution of (1) a related agreement between the Host/LOC and the NCAA for the designated
Championship, and (2) the agreement refenced in Section 31 of this Agreement. The Parties agree
that nothing in this section shall be interpreted to invalidate any provision of either of these
aforementioned agreements.
28. Mediation and Arbitration. The parties agree that any disputes arising hereunder that the parties
cannot resolve between themselves shall be addressed in the following manner:
a. First, the parties shall engage the services of a mediator through the American Arbitration
Association. The parties shall share the cost of the mediation equally. Unless the parties
agree otherwise, the mediation shall be in the city where the NCAA national office is
located at a time reasonably agreeable to both parties. Both parties may be represented at
such mediation by attorneys, and each side shall have present a member of senior
management with full authority to bind said party to any resolution that may be mediated.
b. Second, in the event mediation fails, any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to
this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the
Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment
upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the arbitration hearing shall be held in the city
where the NCAA national office is located.
29. Copies to Chief Executive Officers. Upon the request of the chief executive officer of any active
member institution that is directly affected hereby, the NCAA may provide a copy of this
Agreement to such person.
30. Final Execution.
This Agreement shall not be binding upon the NCAA unless and until it is duly executed by the
President of the NCAA, or his authorized designee.
7
31. Agreement between Venue and Host/LOC. As stated herein, the Venue and Host/LOC shall have
entered into a separate agreement that, among other things, shall (a) govern the allocation of
revenue in the Venue during the Championships not otherwise retained by the NCAA, and (b)
identify the services herein and in the Bid Documents that the Host//LOC will provide and those
the Venue will provide for the Championships.
32.Any notice required by this Agreement shall be delivered to the following representatives of the
Parties:
To the NCAA: Name: ________________________________________
Phone:________________________________________
Address: __________________________
________________________________
Email: _______________________________________
To the Venue: Name: Marci Patterson, City Clerk
Phone: 509-720-5000
Address: 10210 East Sprague Avenue
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Email: mpatterson@spokanevalleywa.gov
To the Host/LOC: Name: Ashley Blake, CEO
Phone: 607-279-9067
Address: 201 W North River Drive, Suite 130
Spokane, WA 99201
Email: ashley@spokanesports.org
8
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (“NCAA”)
Date:
By:
Title:
VENUE
Date:
By:
Title:
HOST/LOC
Date:
By:
Title:
9
EXHIBIT A
Enhancements and Exceptions to the Bid Specifications; and if applicable,
attachment by Venue of "surrounding area" (i.e., parking lots, frontage property and any other
adjacent areas that the Venue may provide to the NCAA) included in this lease.
Exceptions to the General Bid Specifications:
Pages 20-21 – BROADCAST, MEDIA AND INTERNET
o Our venue is a cross country site and not equipped with the television power requirements,
lighting requirements due to the outdoor nature, or in house cable or satellite requirements.
Page 23 – IN-VENUE PRODUCTION
o In-venue control room equipment or staffing will not be provided.
Surrounding Areas:
No surrounding areas outside the venue premises are being provided to the NCAA in this lease
agreement.
Additional parking lot leases and maps may be secured by the Host/LOC and shared with the
NCAA as acquired. Additional parking lots will serve as spectator parking lots and/or bus/van
parking/staging.
Course Maps:
10
11
NCAA Site Selection Process
2026-27 through 2027-28
Select Championships
TABLEOFCONTENTS
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................................3
BID PROCESS.....................................................................................................................................................5
BID TIMELINE..................................................................................................................................................5
HOST DETERMINED........................................................................................................................................6
ANNOUNCEMENT OF HOST............................................................................................................................6
DIVISION I CHAMPIONSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR BIDS.......................................................................................7
DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR BIDS......................................................................................9
DIVISION III CHAMPIONSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR BIDS....................................................................................11
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR BIDS................................................................13
CHAMPIONSHIP HOST PERSONNEL.................................................................................................................14
PRACTICE, COMPETITION AND ANCILLARY EVENT VENUE(S)......................................................................16
COMMERCIAL IDENTIFICATION, SIGNAGE AND OFFICIAL MARKS ..............................................................19
BROADCAST, MEDIA AND INTERNET...........................................................................................................20
IN-VENUE PRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................23
FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONCESSIONS........................................................................................................24
MERCHANDISE CONCESSIONS.....................................................................................................................26
SOUVENIR GAME PROGRAMS......................................................................................................................28
NCAA CORPORATE CHAMPION AND CORPORATE PARTNER PROGRAM....................................................30
LOCAL CONTRIBUTOR PROGRAM...............................................................................................................30
FAN FESTIVAL AND ANCILLARY EVENTS .......................................................................................................31
GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES..........................................................................................................................36
LODGING SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................................................................44
TICKET POLICIES/OPERATIONS.......................................................................................................................45
MARKETING PLAN/BUDGET.............................................................................................................................48
FINANCIAL INFORMATION................................................................................................................................50
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/LEGACY PROGRAMS..........................................................................................52
AGREEMENT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS.....................................................................................................53
NOTE:INTHEEVENTOFANYCONFLICTORINCONSISTENCYBETWEENTHECHAMPIONSHIPBID
SPECIFICATIONSTHATFOLLOW (SECTIONSI-XI)ANDANYSUCHSPECIFICATIONSINTHESPORT-
SPECIFICBIDSPECIFICATIONSDOCUMENT,THESPORT-SPECIFICBIDSPECIFICATIONSSHALLPREVAIL
ANDGOVERNTHEMATTER.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page2
INTRODUCTION
TheNationalCollegiateAthleticAssociation(“NCAA”and/or“Association”) invitesallqualifiedmember
institutions/conferencesandsportscommissions/foundationstosubmitaproposaltohostoneormoreoftheNCAA
championshipssetforthbelowinthe“Championships AvailableforBids”inSectionIII. Theinformationinthis
Championships BidSpecificationsdocumentisprovidedtoensureallprospectivehostsforNCAA championshipsare
awareoftheestablishedpoliciesandproceduresandrecommendationstoenablethemto conductasuccessful
NCAAchampionship. Itisunderstoodthatsomeoftherecommendations maynotbe appropriateforallchampionships
butarebeingprovidedforconsiderationbypotentialhosts.
Thesespecifications andtheaccompanying attachmentsprovidetheminimumbidspecifications forhostinganyof
thesechampionships, aswellasessentialinformationthatwillaidinthedevelopmentofacreative, comprehensive
andcompetitivebidproposal. TheNCAAawardstheprivilegeofhostinganNCAAchampionshipto institutionsyears
inadvancesothosecommunitiesmayworkcollaboratively withtheNCAAtocreatepositive experiencesforitsstudent-
athletes,participatinginstitutions,fansandthecommunity.
AmemberinstitutionormemberconferenceoftheNCAAmustbedesignatedasthehostinstitution/conferencefor
eachchampionship.Theadministration ofeachchampionship isundertheauthorityoftherespectivesports committee
subjecttofinalauthorityoftheappropriatedivisionalNCAAChampionshipsCabinetorCommittee. All activitiesand
eventsassociatedwiththechampionshiparetobeapprovedbythesportscommittee.
NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP POLICY RELATED TO ANTI-DISCRIMINATION: On Wednesday, April 27, 2016, the Board of
Governors of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approved the following impact statement.
As an integral component of the higher education mission of our members, our Association strives to enhance the sense
of community and strengthen the identity of a diverse membership. There are many challenges in today’s intercollegiate
athletics environment. And we are faced continuously with evolving social dynamics that require us to adjust in an
appropriate and effective manner. This Impact Statement calls on the membership, the national office staff and
communities to ensure that NCAA events are conducted in a manner consistent with the Association’s core values.
Accordingly, today we, the NCAA Board of Governors, reaffirm that it is the policy of the NCAA to conduct events that
protect the student-athlete well-being and safeguard the experience of our students, fansand campus communities alike.
To that end, we expect that in awarding contracts to host events, the selection process will include as one of many criteria
that each bidder must provide a statement certifying its ability to deliver and maintain an environment that is safe, healthy
and free of discrimination and respects the dignity of all persons. Furthermore, we are directing the NCAA staff to inquire
of all sites, which includes presently awarded predetermined sites and/or non-predetermined sites, as to how they intend
on assuring its ability to deliver and maintain an environment that is safe, healthy and free of discrimination and respects
the dignity of all persons.
We must and we shall operate our championships and events in alignment with our values as we strive to promote an
inclusive and gender equitableatmosphere in which student-athletes participate, coaches and administrators lead, and
fans engage.
All prospective hosts should outline in their bid documents how they will provide an inclusive and equitableenvironment
consistent with the NCAA’s championship policy.
NCAACHAMPIONSHIPPOLICYRELATEDTOSPORTSMANSHIP: Forintercollegiateathleticstopromotethe
characterdevelopment ofparticipants,enhancetheintegrity ofhighereducationandpromotecivilityinsociety, student-
athletes,coaches,andallothersassociatedwiththeseathleticsprogramsandeventsshouldadheretosuch
fundamental valuesasrespect,fairness,civility,honestyandresponsibility. Thesevaluesshouldbemanifestednot
onlyinathleticsparticipation,but alsointhebroadspectrumofactivitiesaffectingtheathleticsprogram.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page3
NCAACHAMPIONSHIPPOLICYRELATEDTOTHEUSEOFCONFEDERATEFLAGS: Nopredeterminedsession of
anNCAAchampionshipmaybeconductedinastatewheretheconfederateflagisflown.
NCAACHAMPIONSHIPPOLICYRELATEDTOAUDITINGOFCHAMPIONSHIPSITES: NCAAchampionshipsites
mayberandomlyselectedfor financialand boxofficeauditsfollowingthe championship.Auditedsiteswill benotified
afterthefinancialreportshavebeensubmitted. Competitionvenueandhonorariumsettlementsaresubjectto
changeuntiltheauditsarereviewedandacceptedbytheNCAA. Ifselectedforaudit,thefollowingdocumentation
willberequested:ticketreports;invoices,contractsortimesheets supportingallexpenses;generalledger;bank
statements;andthecompetitionvenuerentalagreement. Thedocumentation shouldsupportallinformationonthe
hostfinancialreport.
Additionally, theNCAAexpectsallhoststohavepoliciesinplaceforcrowdcontrol,fanconduct,safetyofall
participants,andother appropriateguidelinesthatsupporttheNCAA’spositiononsportsmanshipanditscommitment
tooperatingthefinestathleticseventsintheworld. Eachhostwillberequiredtosubmitasafetyandsecurity
planupontheawardingofanNCAAchampionship.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page4
BIDPROCESS
Belowisascheduleofactivities/meetingswhichcomprisethe bidprocess. Asneeded,adjustmentsin scheduleand
logisticsmaybemade,atthediscretionoftheNCAA.
Amemberinstitutionormemberconferenceofthe NCAAmust bedesignatedasthe host institution/conferencefor all
NCAAchampionships. Theadministrationofthechampionshipsisundertheauthority oftherespectiveNCAAsport
committee,subjecttofinalauthorityoftherespectiveChampionshipsOversightCommittee,DivisionIIChampionships
CommitteeortheDivisionIIIChampionshipsCommittee.
Tosubmitabid,pleasevisithttp://championships.ncaa.org.
Upontheannouncementofsites,championshipeventswillbeawardedtohostscontingentonthesuccessful
negotiationof contractsandsubmissionofthebelowdocuments.
A. Host contract(includescover agreement,bidresponse,confirmationdocumentsfromsupportingathletics
directorand/orvenuemanager,ifapplicable,negotiatedtermsandbudget).
B. Keycontactinformation.
C. Marketingplan(atTBDdate).
D. Emergencymanagementplan(atTBDdate).
E. Hotelagreements(ascompletedbyOn Locationif applicable).
F. Certificateofinsurance.
BIDTIMELINE
August 29, 2023 Host Bid Symposium, Indianapolis
September 6,2023Bidspecificationspublishedand bid portal opens
February 7,2024Bidresponsesdue-bidportalcloses(11:59p.m.Easterntime)
March-August2024Site analysis
September2024Siterecommendations
October 2, 2024Hostsandsitesannounced
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page5
HOSTDETERMINED
The deadline for submitting a proposal to host a championship(s) is 11:59 p.m. Eastern time February 7, 2024. The
appropriate NCAA sport committee will review all proposals and will forward its recommendations to the NCAA Division
I Competition Oversight Committee, Division II Championships Committee or the Division III Championships Committee,
respectively, for review. NCAA sports committee recommendationsare not considered final until they are approved by
the respective NCAA committees.
There will be an official announcement of championship hosts issued by the NCAA. Afterthe official announcement, each
prospective host will receive a letter via email regarding the status of their bid.
Bids are awarded in principlepending the successful negotiation/resolution of any exceptions declared in bid documents
as well as the negotiation and contracting of sufficient hotel and ancillary space as defined in the bid specifications.
Hotel properties will be contracted directly by the NCAA in most instances, as defined by the sport specific bid
specifications, and host will be expected to execute the agreement document, which is outlined in the appendix.
Selected hosts and sites will also be required to submit a key contactsform, certificate of insurance, marketing plan and
emergency management plan at specified times beforethe execution of the championship and pursuant to the
agreement.
ANNOUNCEMENTOFHOST
TheNCAA,inconjunctionwiththeselectedhost,willdevelopacommunicationplanfortheannouncementofthebid
award.There will be an official announcement of championship hosts issued by the NCAA.Bybiddingonthe
championship,each prospective hostagreesthatitshallcoordinateinadvancewiththeNCAAregardingmediaandall
otherpublic discussions,includingbutnotlimitedtopressreleasesandanypubliccommentsorannouncements.
Prospectivehostsshallnotannouncetothemediawhethertheyhavebeenawardedthebidwithoutfirstconsulting
theNCAA. Prospective hosts not receiving bids will be notified after the official selection announcement via email. Cities
thatareawardedafuturechampionship shallnotconductapressconference,issueapressreleaseormakeanypublic
commentsorannouncement until after the official announcement.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page6
DIVISION I CHAMPIONSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR BIDS
DIVISION I CHAMPIONSHIPS
CHAMPIONSHIP
NCAA OPERATIONS STAFF BID
ROUND(S) AVAILABLE
CHAMPIONSHIPAVAILABLE YEARS
POINT PERSON
FOR BID
First Four
Danny Haynor
MEN’S BASKETBALL2027, 2028
First/Second Rounds
dhaynor@ncaa.org
Regionals
Lynne Andrew
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Regionals2027, 2028
landrew@ncaa.org
Jeff Mlynski
MEN’S & WOMEN’SRegionals
2026, 2027
CROSS COUNTRYChampionshipjmlynski@ncaa.org
Will Hopkins
FIELD HOCKEY Championship2026, 2027
whopkins@ncaa.org
Ty Halpin
FOOTBALL (FCS)Championship2027
thalpin@ncaa.org
John Baldwin
MEN’S GOLFRegionals2027, 2028
jbaldwin@ncaa.org
Mark Bedics
WOMEN’S GOLFRegionals2027, 2028
mbedics@ncaa.org
John Baldwin/Mark Bedics
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
jbaldwin@ncaa.org
Championship2027, 2028
GOLF
mbedics@ncaa.org
Chad Tolliver
Regionals
MEN’S ICE HOCKEY2027, 2028
Championship
ctolliver@ncaa.org
Ryan Tressel
Quarterfinals
MEN’S LACROSSE**2027, 2028
Championship
rtressel@ncaa.org
Noël Couch
WOMEN’S LACROSSE Championship2027, 2028
ncouch@ncaa.org
JP Williams
ROWING**Championship2027, 2028
jpwilliams@ncaa.org
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page7
Ryan Tressel
MEN’S SOCCERChampionship2026, 2027
rtressel@ncaa.org
Mark Bedics
WOMEN’S SOCCERChampionship2026, 2027
mbedics@ncaa.org
Paige Newman
MEN’S SWIMMING &
Championship2027, 2028
pnewman@ncaa.org
DIVING
John Bugner
WOMEN’S SWIMMING&
Championship2027, 2028
jbugner@ncaa.org
DIVING
Micaela Liddane/John Bugner
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
mliddane@ncaa.org
Championship2027, 2028
TENNIS
jbugner@ncaa.org
Jeff Mlynski
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
Championship2027, 2028
INDOORTRACK & FIELDjmlynski@ncaa.org
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
Jeff Mlynski
FirstRound2027, 2028
OUTDOOR TRACK &
Championship2028jmlynski@ncaa.org
FIELD
Kristin Fasbender
WOMEN’SVOLLEYBALLChampionship2026, 2027
kfasbender@ncaa.org
Anthony Holman
WRESTLING Championship2027, 2028
aholman@ncaa.org
**CombinedsitewithDivisionsIIandIII
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page8
DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR BIDS
DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIPS
CHAMPIONSHIP
NCAA OPERATIONS STAFF BID
ROUND(S) AVAILABLE
CHAMPIONSHIPAVAILABLE YEARS
POINT PERSON
FOR BID
Eric Breece
BASEBALLChampionship2027, 2028
ebreece@ncaa.org
Eric Breece
MEN’S BASKETBALLChampionship2027, 2028
ebreece@ncaa.org
Karen Kirsch
Championship2027, 2028
WOMEN’SBASKETBALL
kkirsch@ncaa.org
Ashley Caldwell
MEN’S & WOMEN’SRegionals
2026, 2027
CROSS COUNTRYChampionshipacaldwell@ncaa.org
Noël Couch
FIELD HOCKEYChampionship2026, 2027
ncouch@ncaa.org
Randy Buhr
FOOTBALL Championship2026, 2027
rlbuhr@ncaa.org
Antonio Cannavaro
MEN’S GOLFChampionship2027, 2028
acannavaro@ncaa.org
Ashley Caldwell
WOMEN’S GOLFChampionship2027, 2028
acaldwell@ncaa.org
Ryan Rea
WOMEN’S LACROSSE Championship2027, 2028
rrea@ncaa.org
Alexander Mortillaro
ROWING*Championship2027, 2028
amortillaro@ncaa.org
Zach Christopher/Eric Breece
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S
zchristopher@ncaa.org
Championship2026, 2027
SOCCER
ebreece@ncaa.org
Alyssa Rice
SOFTBALL Championship2027, 2028
arice@ncaa.org
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page9
Micaela Liddane
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
Championship2027, 2028
SWIMMING & DIVINGmliddane@ncaa.org
Zach Christopher
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
Championship2027, 2028
zchristopher@ncaa.org
TENNIS
Donisha Carter
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
Championship2027, 2028
INDOORTRACK & FIELD
dcarter@ncaa.org
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
Donisha Carter
OUTDOOR TRACK &
Championship2027, 2028
dcarter@ncaa.org
FIELD
Donisha Carter
WOMEN’SVOLLEYBALL Championship2026,2027
dcarter@ncaa.org
Anthony Holman
WRESTLINGChampionship2027, 2028
aholman@ncaa.org
Karen Kirsch
FESTIVAL Championship2026, 2028
kkirsch@ncaa.org
*CombinedsitewithDivisionsIandIII
Note:TheDivisionIIFestivalwillbeconductedthefollowingyearssothosechampionshipsin agivenyear
shouldbeincludedas part of aFestivalbidonly.
2026FallFestival
Men’sandWomen’sCrossCountry
FieldHockey
Men’sandWomen’sSoccer
Women’sVolleyball
2028SpringFestival
Men’sandWomen’sGolf
Women’sLacrosse
Softball
Men’sandWomen’sTennis
** Note: As of June 2023, the softball date formula is under review. If the date formula changes (i.e., the championship is pushed back
a week), softball would be removed from the Festival.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page10
DIVISION III CHAMPIONSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR BIDS
DIVISION III CHAMPIONSHIPS
CHAMPIONSHIP
NCAA OPERATIONS STAFF BID POINT
ROUND(S) AVAILABLE
CHAMPIONSHIPAVAILABLE YEARS
PERSON
FOR BID
Jonathan Youngblood
BASEBALLChampionship2027, 2028
jyoungblood@ncaa.org
AlexanderMortillaro
MEN’S BASKETBALL Championship2027, 2028
amortillaro@ncaa.org
Kelly Whitaker
WOMEN’S
Championship2027, 2028
kwhitaker@ncaa.org
BASKETBALL
Laura Peterson
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
Regionals
2026, 2027
Championshiplpeterson@ncaa.org
CROSS COUNTRY
Caleb Kolby
FIELD HOCKEY Championship2026, 2027
ckolby@ncaa.org
JP Williams
FOOTBALLChampionship2026, 2027
jpwilliams@ncaa.org
Ryan Richardson
MEN’S GOLF Championship2027, 2028
rrichardson@ncaa.org
Ryan Richardson
WOMEN’S GOLFChampionship2027, 2028
rrichardson@ncaa.org
Ashley Caldwell
MEN’S ICE HOCKEY Championship2028
acaldwell@ncaa.org
Caleb Kolby
WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEYChampionship2027
ckolby@ncaa.org
Kevin Alcox
WOMEN’S LACROSSEChampionship2027, 2028
kalcox@ncaa.org
Alexander Mortillaro
ROWING* Championship2027, 2028
amortillaro@ncaa.org
Kevin Alcox/Kelly Whitaker
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S
kalcox@ncaa.org
Championship2026, 2027
SOCCER
kwhitaker@ncaa.org
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page11
Caleb Kolby
SOFTBALLChampionship2027, 2028
ckolby@ncaa.org
Will Hopkins
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S
Championship2027, 2028
SWIMMING AND DIVING
whopkins@ncaa.org
Lindsey Eldred/Victoria Lipscomb
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
leldred@ncaa.org
Championship2027, 2028
TENNIS
vlipscomb@ncaa.org
Laura Peterson
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
Championship2027, 2028
INDOORTRACK & FIELD
lpeterson@ncaa.org
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
Laura Peterson
OUTDOOR TRACK &
Championship2027, 2028
lpeterson@ncaa.org
FIELD
Jonathan Youngblood
MEN’S VOLLEYBALLChampionship2027, 2028
jyoungblood@ncaa.org
Victoria Lipscomb
WOMEN’SVOLLEYBALLChampionship2026, 2027
vlipscomb@ncaa.org
JP Williams
Regionals
WRESTLING2027, 2028
Championshipjpwilliams@ncaa.org
*CombinedsitewithDivisionsIandII
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page12
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR BIDS
NATIONAL COLLEGIATECHAMPIONSHIPS
CHAMPIONSHIP
NCAA OPERATIONS STAFF BID
CHAMPIONSHIPROUND(S) AVAILABLE AVAILABLE YEARS
POINT PERSON
FOR BID
Kristin Fasbender
BEACH VOLLEYBALL Championship2027, 2028
kfasbender@ncaa.org
Zach Christopher
BOWLINGChampionship2027, 2028
zchristopher@ncaa.org
Zach Christopher
FENCING Championship2027, 2028
zchristopher@ncaa.org
Alyssa Rice
MEN’S GYMNASTICSChampionship2027, 2028
arice@ncaa.org
Noël Couch
Regionals
WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS2027, 2028
Championshipncouch@ncaa.org
Mark Bedics
WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEYChampionship2027, 2028
mbedics@ncaa.org
Victoria Lipscomb
RIFLE Championship2027, 2028
vlipscomb@ncaa.org
Kevin Alcox
SKIING Championship2027, 2028
kalcox@ncaa.org
Ethan Walker
MEN’S VOLLEYBALLChampionship2027, 2028
ewalker@ncaa.org
Paige Newman
MEN’S WATER POLO Championship2026, 2027
pnewman@ncaa.org
Paige Newman
WOMEN’S WATER POLOChampionship2027, 2028
pnewman@ncaa.org
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page13
CHAMPIONSHIPHOSTPERSONNEL
1.Local Organizing Committee. Based onthescopeofthechampionship,itmaybenecessarytoappointalocal
organizingcommittee toactasthelocalentityresponsible forfulfillingtheLOCobligationsandtoprovidethe
NCAAcertain servicesandassistanceinconnectionwiththevariousactivitiesrelatedtoeachchampionship.
Thehost institution/conferencemustbea partof theleadershipoftheLOC.
2.LOCChair/TournamentDirector. IfanLOCisformed,thehostshallappointanindividualtoassumethe
positionofchairoftheLOC. IfanLOCisnotformed,thehostshallappointanindividualtoassumethe
positionoftournamentdirector. Thisindividualgenerally isthedirectorofathleticsofthehostinstitutionor the
commissionerofthehostconference. ForchampionshipsthatrequireanLOC,theLOCchairmayalso bethe
executivedirectorofthesportscommission. TheLOCchair/tournament directorshallmaintain ultimate
responsibilityforthelocaloperationoftheevent. TheFacility/SiteQuestionnaireandFacility Specifications
Agreementfrom prospectivehostsshallbeauthorizedbytheLOCchair/tournamentdirector.
3.Personnel.Allchampionshipsshouldappointthefollowingindividuals:
a.TournamentManager.Aknowledgeablepersonwithsignificantexperienceintournamentadministration
andgamemanagement.Thefunctionofthetournament manageristoensurethepoliciesofthesport
committeeandNCAAareimplementedandfollowedintheadministrationofthetournament. Specific
responsibilitiesmayinclude:directionandsupervisionofcompetitionvenuearrangements, development
ofparticipantinformation,security,lodging,transportation,marketing,financialadministration,securinga
diversestaffandadherencetopoliciesoutlinedintheNCAAtournamentmanual.
ThetournamentmanageralsowillprovidetheNCAAapost-championshipsreport,whichshouldinclude
thefollowing:
(i)Acompilation ofvitalstatisticsanddata,suchasthenumberofcopiesofvariousformsusedfor the
championship,etc.
(ii)Anoutlineof thelocaloperatingstructurethatassistedwiththelocalorganization.
(iii)Suggestionsforfutureconductof thechampionship.
Thetournamentmanagershallensurethatindividualsareassignedresponsibility forthefollowing
componentsofthechampionships: tickets,drug-testing coordination,gameproduction,fan festival/ancillary
events,hospitalitycoordination,andtransportationcoordination.
b.FacilityManager.Aknowledgeableperson,preferablyamemberofthehostinstitution’s/conference’s
facility stafforcompetition venue’sfacilitystaffifthecompetitionvenueisoffcampus. Specific
responsibilities mayincludeassistingtheNCAAwithdirectionandsupervisionofcompetitionvenue
arrangements,coordinatingchampionshipsignageinstallation,workingwiththebroadcastentitiesand
supportingitsneeds,andassistinginthedevelopmentof participantinformation.
c.MarketingCoordinator. Anindividual responsiblefordevelopingandimplementinganNCAAapproved
marketingplanandbudgetcontaininggrassrootsmarketingandadvertising.
d.LodgingLiaison. Thisindividualwillcoordinatetheroomblock,confirmrates,schedulemeetingsand
serveastheNCAA’sliaison withthehotelcommunity. Thisindividualispreferablyamember ofthehost
city’sconventionandvisitorsbureaubutalsocanbea memberof thehostinstitution/conferencestaff;
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page14
For Division I Men’s Basketball only: Thisindividualwillcoordinatetheroomblock,confirmrates,
schedulemeetingsand serveastheNCAA’sliaison withthehotelcommunity. Thisindividualispreferably
amember ofthehost city’sconventionandvisitorsbureaubutalsocanbea memberof thehost
institution/conferencestaff;
e.Media/PRCoordinator.Preferablya member of the sports information staffof the host institution/conference.
This individual shall ensure that the NCAA andsportcommittee's policiesregarding mediaareobserved.
Specific responsibilities, underthedirectionoftheNCAAstaff,mayincludeissuingcredentials,planning
and supervisionofmediaworkareas,coordinationofallnewsconferences, lodgingandtransportation,
statisticalservices,communications,hospitality,andentertainment. Themediacoordinatorshallassist
thetournamentmanagerwithcompilingthepost-championshipsreport.Thispersonalsoshalldevelopa
PRplantohelpgeneratestoriesinthelocalmediamarket relatedtoticketssales,human interestand
overallcoverageofthechampionship.
4.Staff/Volunteers. The LOC/host will be responsible for securing staff/volunteers for various functions during the
championships and ancillary events. Staff/volunteers may be needed for assignments, including scoreboard
operations, PA, game production, scoring control, spotters, hospitality, media, gameprogramsandmerchandise
sales.(Referto thesport-specificbiddocumentationforthenumberofvolunteersneeded.)
The NCAA encourages the participation, directly or indirectly, by diverse businesses in providing goods and
services in support of NCAA championships and requests LOCs/hosts explore opportunities for diverse
businesses to provide any necessary goods and services for awarded championships. The NCAA defines a
diverse supplier as a business owned, managed and controlled by women, veterans, minority, LGBTQ or disabled
persons.
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PRACTICE,COMPETITIONANDANCILLARYEVENTVENUE(S)
1.General Venue Guidelines.
a.Operational Control. The NCAA will retain the right to determine and approve all aspects related to the
practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue operations during the championship. This includes, but is
not limited to, space allocation and useof meeting rooms, storage and tent space, novelty and
food/beverage concessions, parking lots and any structures (temporary or permanent) on the practice,
competition and/or ancillary event venue property.
b.Exclusivity. The NCAA shall have the exclusive right to use all spaces in the practice, competition and/or
ancillary event venue(s) and surrounding area/facilities including, but not limited to the meeting rooms,
concourse display/activity areas, privateclubs, suitesand plazas in the competition venue during the
specified “hold” dates. All such space shall be provided at no cost to the NCAA.
c.Venue Space Condition. The practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) shall be provided fully
cleaned with all venue areas in good working condition at no cost to the NCAA. The practice, competition
and/or ancillary event venue(s) shall furnish the premises set up for the championship and the ancillary
events at no cost to the NCAA; however, the NCAA or its designees shall have the right to provide
equipment, as defined in the sport-specific bid specifications. The LOC/host shall be responsible for securing
or assisting in securing all necessary permits.
The practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) shall not be materially modified in a way that would
reduce space available to the public in the aisles, entranceways and hallways without the approval of the
NCAA.
d.Championship Experience. The NCAA will consider the ability of a site to provide a quality experience for
the participants andfans and to conduct the championship and its accompanying events safely. In
determining whether a proposed site can provide a quality experience, the NCAA will consider the site's
ability to assure the benefits inherent in championship competition will beprovided fairly to all participants
and its ability to promote an atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person. The
NCAA's focus will be on a quality championship experience for all involved.
e.Construction/Renovation. No construction or renovations to the practice, competition and/or ancillary
event venue(s) should be in progress, beginning one (1) month prior to the championship. Any plans for
construction or renovation, prior to the championship, must be fully disclosed and approved by the NCAA.
The NCAA, at its sole discretion, may require the practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) to
replace lost revenue resulting from such construction or renovation, cover the costs of installing temporary
structures or reimburse the NCAA for expenses incurred in restoring the practice, competition and/or
ancillary event venue’s aesthetics with banners, coverings or other decorative elements in the event that
any planned construction or renovation is not complete and in “finished form” no later than one (1) month
preceding the championship.
f.Third-Party Agreements. The practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) agrees that it will not
permit any entity or other third party to be entitled to hospitality, entertainment or temporary signage
privileges inside or on the premises of the practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) and
surrounding areas (e.g., parking lots, frontage property, other adjacent areas made available to the NCAA)
unless specifically authorized by the NCAA. Additionally, the practice, competition and/or ancillary event
venue(s) shall not limit or prohibit the ability of the NCAA to offer such hospitality, entertainment or signage
to its own third-party designees, including NCAA corporate champions and partners, regardless as to
whether these designees conflict with practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue sponsors and/or
partners.
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g.Practice, Competition and/or Ancillary Event Venue(s) Seating Configuration. The NCAA expressly
reserves the right to reasonably modify the practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) seating
configuration at any time. The practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) expressly agrees to
make all such adjustments without additional cost to the NCAA.
h.ADA Seating and Accessibility. The Americans with Disabilities Act, which went into effect January 26,
1992, requires that public establishments offer equal access and services to people who are physically and
mentally disabled. The facility must agree that it will be in compliance withall applicable cities, state or
federal regulations concerning access and seating for people with disabilities. The NCAA will rely on host
organizations to confirm compliance with the act by host facilities. The host is responsible to check and see
that its facility will be in compliance as of the dates of the championship and to advise the NCAA national
office if it will NOT be in compliance.
The NCAA requires that the practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) is in full compliance with
all applicable city, state or federal laws and regulations, including those concerning access and seating for
persons with disabilities. The practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) must disclose its history
of compliance with ADA regulations and any previous or pending actions or suits and ensure compliance
for the championship. The practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) shall be responsible for any
costs imposed on the NCAA that result from disabled access non-compliance that exists in its condition prior
to the onset of the championship.
i.Equipment. At its expense, the practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) shall provide the
complete, working systems/equipment at no cost to the NCAA unless notified otherwise by the NCAA, all
subject to the approval of the NCAA.
j.Playing Rules. All NCAA championships shall follow applicable NCAA playing rules (or official NCAA
modifications in sports that the NCAA does not publish playing rules). By submitting a bid, the LOC/host
confirms the designated competition venue satisfies all NCAA playing rules (or official NCAA modifications),
as well as any other more stringent NCAA championship policies listed in the sports specific bid
specifications. If a site is awarded and subsequent to the award it is determined that the competitionvenue
does not meet all NCAA playing rules (or official NCAA modifications), the competition venue shall be
responsible for making the necessary modifications to satisfy NCAA playing rules (or official NCAA
modifications) at its own expense. If the competition venue is unable to make the necessary modifications,
the NCAA shall have the right to move the championship to another location at the NCAA’s sole discretion
and the non-complying competition venue and/or LOC/host shall be liable for any and all additional costs of
moving the championship to another location. To view current NCAA playing rules and modifications, go to
www.ncaa.org/playingrules.
k.Risers/Temporary Seating. The cost of all risers and any other temporary seating shall be the responsibility
of the practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) or host.
l.Hospitality. The NCAA reserves the exclusive right to create and sell hospitality packages (which may
include tickets) for the championships and any ancillary events. Any hospitality packages contemplated by
the LOC/host must be approved in advance by the NCAA.
m.Control of Ticket Sales. The NCAA will control all ticket sales for the championship, assigning specific
duties to the LOC/host and venue(s) as needed. The LOC/host and venue(s) shall cooperate fully with the
NCAA’s official ticketing vendors and/or ticketing partners (e.g., primary ticket sales system provider, official
ticket and hospitality package provider, official fan-to-fan ticket exchange). The NCAA will not be responsible
for securing an exemption to any exclusive contracts the LOC/host, venue(s) or surrounding areas/facilities
might have, nor will the NCAA be responsible for any buyout or other means necessary to secure such an
exemption. Every individual, regardless of age, must have a ticket for admission, unless the NCAA makes
an exception to the contrary.
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n.Open Practices. Specified practice sessions must be open to the public at no admittance charge or parking
charge in the practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) lots, unless the NCAA makes an
exception to the contrary. Programs, merchandise and concessions must be sold during the open practices
and must be conducted in accordance with the direction and parameters of the NCAA and its designees.
o.Sustainability Initiatives. The NCAA encourages practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) to
engage in sustainability initiatives. The practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) shouldnotate
itseffortsrelated tosustainability as part of the bid. The practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s)
shall be responsible for any costs related to these efforts.
2.Lighting/Electrical.At no cost to the NCAA or its designees, the practice, competition and/or ancillary event
venue(s) shall provide sufficient lighting and electrical power and a sufficient number of power outlets in all
broadcast booths, press locations and identified mediawork and interview areas for the operation and
transmission of television and radio broadcasts, operation and transmission of all NCAA interviews and for the
operation of equipment used by the media. This includes, but is not limited to, media areas, media workroom,
media interview room, interview breakout rooms, audio/video distribution area, the main press area and any
work areas assigned to the NCAA’s broadcast partner and/or other NCAA designees. Any supplemental lighting
and/or electrical power shall be obtained from the NCAA’s official suppliers in these areas unless authorized
otherwise by the NCAA. Additionally, at no cost to the NCAA, lighting and electrical shall be provided at the
ancillary event venues that sufficiently meets the operating needs of the ancillary events.
3.Advertising/Signs/“Look” and Décor
a.Advertising/Banners/Signs/Displays. The host shall not permit advertising, marketing identification,
banners, signs or displays of any kind to be hung, posted or displayed anywhere within the general public
seating/viewing area of the competition, practice and/or ancillary event venue(s) (i.e., any place that can be
seen from the playing surface or seats), including the scoreboard, other than NCAA, media partner or NCAA
corporate champion/partner banners approved by the NCAA. Any permanentlyaffixed (or previously leased)
advertising banners, signs, or displays shall be covered with décor elements by the competition, practice
and/or ancillary event venue(s) and at the expense of the venue(s)and host institutionor LOC as specified
by the NCAA, including costs of production and installation and strike. Similarly, for any surrounding
areas/facilities that are to be used by the NCAA for official events, no advertising, marketing, identification,
banners, signs, decals, sampling, distribution or displays of any kind shall be hung, posted or displayed
anywhere within those areas unless authorized by the NCAA.
The addition of any fixed or temporary sponsor signage in or around the competition venue or seating bowl
must be communicated by the host or venue to the NCAAwithin 10 days of installation. Any costs related
to coverage of additional sponsor signage will be the responsibility of the venue or host institution.
b.Alcohol/Tobacco/Gambling.All alcohol, tobacco and gambling advertisements/corporate identification
visible by broadcast cameras or game attendees from any area visible from the competition area or seating
bowl must be covered at the expense of the host or venue. Any alcohol, tobacco or gambling advertising
that is deemed by the NCAA as not viewable from the competition area or seating bowl does not need to be
covered, whether in the concourse or in ancillary venues. All other advertisements/corporate identification
in the noted areas must, at a minimum, not be backlit unless otherwise authorized by the NCAA.
c.ExternalSigns. Exterior venue corporate signagedoes not need to be covered unlessspecified by the
NCAA and must be covered with décor elements as specified by the NCAA at the expense of the
competition, practice and/or ancillary event venue(s).
d.CommerciallyNamed Venues. Commerciallynamed competition, practice and/or ancillary event venue(s)
may display no more than two preexisting interior signs consisting only of the competition, practice and/or
ancillary event venue(s)’ name at the top of the venue, with placement designated by theNCAA. The
competition, practice and ancillary event venue(s) signage design and placement must be approved.
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e.Covering existing signage. In regard toany signage that is to be covered in accordance with these bid
specifications, the practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s) shall not limit or prohibit the ability
of the NCAA to use signage of its own third-party designees in covering such existing signage.
f.NCAA Corporate Champion and Partner Signage. The NCAA shall have the right to display NCAA
corporate champion/partner banners and NCAA signage inside and outside of the competition, practice
and/or ancillary event venue(s) in various locations, including but not limited to on the concourse, within the
competition bowl and venue exterior without limitation. The NCAA shall have the right to display banners
and the like (e.g., inflatables, projections, kiosks, decals, window clings, lighting, street teams, logos, etc.)
on the concourse (without limitation) and in other areas designated by the NCAA inside and outside the
competition, practice and/or ancillary event venue, identifying its media partners and corporate
champions/partners.
COMMERCIALIDENTIFICATION,SIGNAGEANDOFFICIALMARKS
1.No advertisements shall be displayed on the media tables or scorer’s table beforeor during the conduct of the
championships, except those approved in advance by the NCAA.
2.No advertisements shall be displayed on the competition venue’s playing surface beforeor during the conduct
ofthe championships.
3.The NCAA shall provide the competition venue with the appropriate decals/field stencils for the approved playing
surface markings for the championship.
4.No announcements, except those approved in advance by the NCAA, or for public emergencies, shall be
allowed over the public-address system.
5.No video board or LED content, except those provided by or approved in advance by the NCAA, shall be allowed
during the time that the NCAA is on-site for the championship.
6.Only NCAA official marks may be used in promotion of, or in the branding of, the championship. All usage of
marks must follow NCAA brand guidelines and must be approved by NCAA staff in advance.
7.At no charge, the NCAA will have full access to, and control of, any and all LED and other digital signage
inventory, both internal and external to the competition venue. This includes TV monitors, video screens, video
walls, LED fascia, concourse LED’s, temporary LED’s such as table boards or basket stanchionsand all external
signage, digital or otherwise. This includes any and all digital inventory to be made available leading up to and
throughoutthe championship, inclusive of any inventory that may be added by the venue after this bid document
is signed.
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BROADCAST, MEDIA AND INTERNET
1.Television Truck Parking and Technical Setup. Adequate television facilities and space shall be available at
no cost for all NCAA championship venues for broadcast partners. An area for parking the mobile unit shall be
available within 150 feet of the power service closest to the anticipated camera positions or announce booth.
This designated area should provide enough room for two TV production trucks 65 feet long by 25 feet wide.
There must be room for a third vehicle (Uplink truck) to park in close proximity (within 100 feet) to the primary
mobile unit. In addition, the primary television entity must have adequate space in the television compound to
install work trailers.
Competition venues, local organizing committees and/or host institutions/conferences shall not charge the
NCAA a fee for television crew parking at the venue.
2.Television Power Requirements. The competition venue shall provide the access to sufficient and reliable
electrical power to operate equipment reasonably necessary to effectuate a first-quality, high-definition color
telecast. Minimum power requirements are as follows:
Service size - 200 kVA, 208 volt, three phase, three wire – no-load voltage at shore power service
disconnects to be 220 volts;
1 – 400 amp solid state circuit breaker service disconnect (can provide 2-200 amp in lieu of the 1 - 400
amp);
2 – 200 amp solid state circuit breaker service disconnect;
2 – 100 amp solid state circuit breaker service disconnects;
2 – 120 volt, 20 amp duplex outlets each fed from a dedicated 20 amp single pole breaker; and
If a generator is required, it shall be a dual twin pack, crystal sync with operator; operator to stay with such
generator from hook up to power down.
NCAA reserves the right to request additional power as needed for enhanced productions.Any generator(s)
provided are the sole financial responsibility of the championship host and may not be submitted for
reimbursement by the NCAA.
3.Lighting Requirements. Light levels shall meet the requirementsnoted within the NCAA’s Best Lighting
Practices. Those requirements can be found by clicking on the following link:
NCAA Best Lighting Practices
All potential sites that submit a bid to host a future NCAA championship event must provide a professional
lighting survey. Some NCAA championship sites are awarded in advance and the competition venue must
provide a follow-up professional lighting survey to the NCAA beforethe event. The NCAA preferred lighting
vendor may be available to conduct a lighting survey at competition venue if needed and requested.The venue
canprovide at its own expense supplemental lighting to meet the NCAA lighting requirements.
4.Broadcast Partner Site Survey. The NCAA’s broadcast partner, in conjunction with the NCAA and the
competition venue, will conduct a site survey in advance of the championship to determine the host set location,
camera locations and determine the need for “seat kills.” If necessary, this survey will be determined by the
NCAA in conjunctionwith the broadcastentity and host.
5.Announce Booth/Announce Position.Theprimary television entity shall have access to first choice of all
available television boothsor courtside table space at no charge. Appropriate seating shall be made available
for broadcast announce positions.An additional six announce positions withthe same power requirements
may be needed if theNCAA’s national radio partner is providing live coverage ofthe event. TheNCAA will
informthe host six months in advance if national radio coverage is beingprovided. For outdoor championships,
the announce position shall provide protection fromthe weather. Protection includes coverage from the sun,
rain or snow and a climate-controlledarea.
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6.Camera Locations and Platforms. Competition venues shall be required to provide locations for all camera
positions that are industry standard for a national telecast for specific sports. Any existing camera platforms
sufficient for a broadcast of the event at the venue must meet Occupational Safety and Hazard Association
standards. If not, the venue is responsible for ensuring OSHA compliance at the venue’s expense. The network
shall have the right to install, maintainand remove wires, cables and apparatusfor the broadcast. The network
will cover or secure any exposed wires. The installation of any temporary camera platforms or lifts shall be at
the network’s expense.
The broadcast entity shall be responsible for the costs of any special construction or facilities not generally
required for a customary television production, including without limitation, the construction of any scaffolding
or the use of lifts or any other equipment necessary to provide specific television camera angles.
7.Venue Fees. Competition venues, LOCs and/or host institutions/conferences shall not charge any venue fees
to the broadcast entity. The broadcast entity will pay for services and personnel it deems necessary for the
telecast. The venue shall work with the broadcasting network to secure the best possible rates for production if
union entities exist in the competition venue.
8.Meal Area/Catering. Competition venues must provide an adequate location at no charge for the television
entity to accommodate crew catering. Depending on the event, television crews normally number in size
between 40 and 100 people. Venues shall provide adequate tables and chairs for the crew catering.
9.Audio/Video Distribution Area. Competition venues shall provide two eight-foot tablesand chairsnearthe
broadcast mobile unitor an alternative area approved by the NCAA media coordinator accessible by the media
for the audio/video distribution area.Competition venues will provide adequate power based on the NCAA
projected estimate of media attending the championship. For select championships, an area in the press
conference room shall be made available for an NCAA crew to shoot the press conferencesand uplink them
for national media. The NCAA crew will also provide the audio/video distribution in this area.
10.Interview Room. If requested, the competition venue shall provide a separate dedicated spacefor the primary
broadcast entity at no charge. Thespaceshall have power for television needs. For selected rounds of
championships, broadcast partners may request multiple spaces if available.Each host should designate a
press interview room or area at the facility. The interview/press conference area should have a public address
system and an elevated head table, if possible.
11.Media/Additional Uplink Parking.
a.Media and Satellite Truck Parking/Other Remote Equipment. The venue shall provide parking spaces
adjacent or close to the venue for satellite trucks and mobile equipment of all credentialed print and
electronic media.
b.NCAA Satellite Uplink Trucks. For selected championships and championship rounds, the NCAA will use
a satellite truck to uplink the news conferences. The venue shall provide a parking position as close to the
media interview room as possible while allowing the truck a clear view of thesouthern horizon.
c.Broadcast Entity Parking. The venue shall provide access to sufficient parking without cost to the
broadcast entity.
12.In-House Cable or Satellite. Competition venues that have cable or satellite television access shall provide
theNCAA with a network feed at no charge.
13.Data and Telecommunications Services.The competition venue is required to provide a secured high-speed
data network to support the NCAA, host institution staff, radio-rights holders, media and other users approved
by the NCAA. The competition venue must provide dedicated bandwidth to support back-of-house locations
such as the print media workroom, photo workroom, press conference interview room, NCAA and host
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institution staff work areas, and other areasdesignated by the NCAA. The data network must include hardware
and software tosupportindustry-standard security requirements; this includes providing encryption tools, a
methodology to restrict user access, and support for real-time reporting of usage and bandwidth utilization.
The competition venue shall provide technical support at no charge to the NCAA and other users during the
championship. If the network is managed by a third-party contractor, technical staff must be on-site during the
championship.
14.Forevents that will be streamed live on NCAA.com, the competition venue shall provide:
Dedicated, wiredbandwidth that consists of at least 50 Mbpsupload and 50 Mbpsdownload to the internet
broadcast, 75+ Mbpspreferred. Static IP address(es), free of any firewall restrictions, requested. Partner
will provide router/switch to connect multiple hardware components. The connection should be no more
than 150 feet from the broadcast location. The venue shall also make available on-site IT support, as
needed.
A secure, weather-proof production space of 8’x8’, at minimum, for equipment setup with one 8’ table and
four chairs. If this space is to include talent, another table and additional space is required.All cameras will
be wired to this production location.
Access to sufficient electrical power to operate equipment reasonably necessary to effectuate a quality,
high-definition webcast. In most cases, equipment can be run on astandard power outlet as long as it
isadedicated 20 AMP, single phase 110V outlet (non GFI).
Access and use of existing wire, cabling, set locations and other equipment, at no cost to the broadcast
partner.
Storage for production equipment shipped to each hostsite (approximately large 20 boxes is also
suggested).
The broadcast partner shall not be assessed any origination, access, hookup or similar fees by the
applicable venue site operator in connection with the production of coverage related to the championship.
Access to lighting reasonably necessary to effectuate a first-quality, high-definition color telecast. Please
click herefor a summary of lighting requirements.
Official live statistics shall be provided by the host institution/conference and are exclusive to www.ncaa.com
unless otherwise noted by the NCAA. Host institutions/conferences may be required to purchase or upgrade
necessary software in order to supply appropriate feeds. The costs to upgrade or purchase this software shall
be the responsibility of the host institution/conference. Generally, the software version that will be required will
be the latest version available by the manufacturer.All hosts at predetermined championship sites are required
to use NCAA LiveStats software for sports in which the product is available.Specific requirements will be shared
with competition venues beforethe event and the host institution shall make the necessary upgrades or
purchases beforethe start of competition.
15.Media Coordination. NCAA championships hosts shall complywithmedia policiesfoundat
www.ncaa.com/mediaand use guidelines found in the NCAA Media Coordination Manual, found here.A
member of the NCAA media coordination and statistics staff will be on-site at select championships. In addition,
a staff member will serve as the liaison to the host media coordinatorat all championships.
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IN-VENUE PRODUCTION
The NCAA shall provide planning resources, including public address announcer script templates, run of show and video
content/templates, for use.
The competition venue shall provide video boards, LED boards, control room equipment, video camera equipment, clear
com/radio communication, etc. for use at its expense.
Minimum equipment and staffing requirements are below and should be provided for all load-in and event days (e.g.,
game days, open practice days, ancillary event days) at its expense. In addition, the host shall provide access to and
use of control room equipment and staff beforethe championships for any pre-production needs. Please note, certain
championships may have additional requirements that can be found in the championship-specific bid specifications. Any
new technologies or additional staffing resources that the competition venue possesses that are not listed in the
production requirements should also be available for incorporation into the in-venue production on request at the host’s
expense.
Minimum Control Room Requirements:
One (1) M/E switcher with twenty-four (24) inputs.
HD video playback with audio, with two (2) channels of output capable of storing at least six (6) GB of content.
Character generator (CG) with two (2) channels of output.
One (1) replay machine with four (4) inputs and two (2) outputs.
Four (4) cameras.
Four (4) truck feeds with the ability to up/down/cross convert (if applicable).
Computer for social media display link routable to switcher.
PA microphone with and on/off switch.
One (1) wireless microphone.
In-ear monitor or IFB (if applicable).
Comms for all staffed positions plus two (2) wireless comms.
All systems Windows 10 or newer.
A multi-view monitor.
An audio playback device.
Minimum internet speed of 200Mbs upload and download.
Capability to integrate with current NCAA statistics platform and/or appropriate programming to do so.
Two (2) to four (4) spotlights (if applicable).
Video shoot equipment (if applicable).
HD camera (1080i) with (p2, SD, or SSD) memory card and reader.
Green screen or solid backdrop.
Boom mic.
Lighting kit.
Minimum Staffing Requirements:
Control room engineer in charge (EIC).
Director.
Technical Director (TD).
Video playback operator.
Character generator (CG) operator.
Replay operator.
LED/ribbon board operator (if applicable).
Table board operator (if applicable).
Four (4) camera operators.
Two (2) utilities (if applicable).
DJ/music playback operator.
House audio operator.
Adobe Photoshop/After Effects editor.
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Two (2) spotlight operators (if applicable).
Video shoot operators (if applicable).
Videographer.
Audio operator.
Additional host responsibilities:
Space allocation for on-site NCAA staff and their production partners (if applicable).
Meals and parking for venue control room staff.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONCESSIONS
1.The competition and/or practice venue(s) shall retain, operate and control all food and beverage concession
rights subject to the provisions of this section, unless otherwise prescribed by the NCAA.
The NCAA and its designated representatives shall have the right, with no obligation to make payments of
any kind to the competition venue and surrounding areas/facilities that are to be used or their concessionaire
or any other third parties, to provide food and beverages of its choice in any areas other than those for
general fan concessions including, but not limited to, the locker rooms, media refreshment area, other
working areas, private suites or gathering areas, hospitality space and office space as noted herein. If NCAA
Corporate Champion/Partner requests to sample/sell product within venue footprint for general fan
consumption, the competition venue agrees to make best efforts to accommodate or negotiate the
parameters.
2.The competition venue or its concessionaire shall provide food and beverages(and related services)to the
NCAA and its designated agents at costs not greater than the most favorable pricing that the venue (or its
concessionaire) offers or makes available to other clients or customers that have used, or will use, the venue.
3.Unless prior approval is granted from the NCAA, no foodorbeverages of any nature may be vended or
dispensed in the seating areas during actual competition; however, they may be sold in the seating areas before
and between contests as specified by the NCAA.
4.Alcoholic Beverages.
Divisions I and II
Alcoholic beverages may be sold and dispensed at NCAA Divisions I and IIchampionship and ancillary events,
providedthat the host, venue and/or concessionaire:
Comply with, and certifies in writing the compliance with,the NCAA Championship and Ancillary Event
Alcohol Sales Policy, as amended by the NCAA from time to time, which addresses such matters as:
o Permissible types of alcoholic beverages;
o Eligibility for the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages;
o Indemnity, warranty, and insurance obligations;and
o Verification.
Agree to (i) keep and maintain, or cause its designated vendor or concessionaire to keep and maintain,
complete and accurate records of all (a) alcohol-related incidents (e.g., expulsions, arrests)and (b) sales
transactions related to the sale of concessions at the NCAA Championship and related ancillary events,
including gross revenue, cost of goods, allocable overhead, and applicable taxes; (ii)no later than sixty (60)
days after the conclusion of the event, providethe NCAA with a report setting forth in reasonabledetail such
information, together with the corresponding dates of transaction, including (a) alcohol-related revenue
generated on each day of the event, (b) the direct cost of selling alcohol at the event (including the cost of
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page24
goods), and (c) the indirect cost of selling alcohol at the event (including overhead and increased security
needs at the event venue site); and (iii) permit the books, records, and accounts of host, venue, and
vendor/concessionaire pertaining to the sale of concessions at the event to be inspected, audited, and copied
by NCAA or its agents at any time during normal business hours upon giving reasonable notice to host,
venue, and vendor/concessionaire.
Agree to meet the NCAA’s expectation for a share of the revenue derived from the sale of concessions
during the event with the NCAA, with such agreement to be reflected in a written agreement between the
NCAA and the applicable parties (host, venue, and/or concessionaire) executed prior to, or simultaneously
with, the NCAA’s official selection of the host for the applicable championship. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary, the parties agree that the NCAA shall retain, and Host/Venue hereby agrees to pay an amount
of twenty percent (20%) of the gross revenue generated from the sale of alcohol during the Event, less the
pro rata applicable sales tax and credit card fees (without deduction of any operating, costs of goods, indirect,
or other expenses, such as overhead, marketing, fulfillment, general & administrative,interest, or other
expenses). Such payment shall be made to the NCAA within sixty (60) days after the conclusion of the event.
Division III
Unless expressly permitted in writing by the NCAA (subject to the applicable legislative and/or policy changes
at the NCAA), no alcoholic beverages or nonalcoholic beer may be sold or dispensed for consumption in the
competition venue from the time the doors open until 90 minutes after the conclusion of the games and
practices, nor shall any such beverages be brought to the competition venue during the championship (i.e.,
during the period from the time access is available to spectators until all patrons have left the competition venue
or area used for competition) unless otherwise approved by the NCAA.
If permitted by private lease agreement, alcoholic beverages may be consumed inside the private suites, subject
to the host’s, venue’s and/or concessionaire’s compliance withcertain insurance and indemnification
requirements imposed by the NCAA. However, alcoholic beverages may not be delivered to private viewing
suites on the dates of NCAA practice or competition. Additionally, it is not permissible for alcoholic beverages
to be distributed or consumed in the competition venue outside the private viewing suites unless otherwise
approved by the NCAA.
5.The NCAA shall determine in its sole discretion whether alcohol will be sold or distributed at the ancillary events.
The venue, LOC/host and/or caterer shall be responsible for any permits unless otherwise directed by the NCAA.
6.Promotional items (e.g., cups, shakers, flags, signs, etc.) with commercial slogans or identification or other
unauthorized markings are not permitted inside the practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue(s), inside
surrounding areas/facilities that are to be used, or outside on practice, competition and/or ancillary event venue
property unless expressly approved in advance by the NCAA. Items such as newspapers, handbills, flyers,
memorabilia, t-shirts, caps, etc. (except products sold or authorizedby the NCAA or its vendors) may not be
distributed on these premises. Demographic or other studies may not be conducted unless approved in advance
by the NCAA.
7.An economic impact study can be executed at an NCAA championship to examine the effect of the
championship(s) on the local economy. In some cases, the NCAA will conduct an onsite study and will provide
the data to the host once the study is completed. In other cases, the NCAA will support the hosts' efforts to
execute a study. This can be done using the hosts' own approach/tools or the NCAA's Economic Impact Study
"In-a-Box" tool."
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MERCHANDISE CONCESSIONS
1.The NCAA retains the exclusive right to sell souvenir products at all rounds and sites of the 90 championships.
Hostinstitutions/conferences and sponsoring agencies for all NCAA championships are required to sell items
provided by the official NCAA event souvenir merchandiser.
2.At no cost to the NCAA or its designees, the NCAA shall have exclusive right to the venue property, surrounding
area/facilities or any other area designated for NCAA use, including but not limited to meeting rooms, hospitality
areas, retail stands/stores, private clubs and restaurants in the competition venue or the surrounding area during
the period noted above.
3. The NCAA, by and through its official event merchandiser, will have the right to operate the sale of merchandise
at all NCAA championship and ancillary events. In the eventthe NCAA exercises such right (for itself or on
behalf of its official event merchandiser), the host/venue or sponsoring agency (or its designated concessions
vendor) will provide the following services in return for a commission fee of not more than 10% of net revenues
derived from the sale of official NCAA merchandise, defined as gross revenues less applicable taxes and credit
card fees:
a.Merchandise Receiving. Receive and count in all inventory on arrival of merchandise fromevent
merchandiser, as well as receiving all reorders required to meet customers demand. Reorders could arrive
any day of the week and could be as early as 8 a.m. on Saturday or Sundaybeforethe event.
b.Merchandise Security. Locked and supervised storage adequate to accommodate all championship
merchandise.
c. Display/Vending Facilities. An adequate number of:
(1) Covered and/or skirted tables.
(2)Merchandising display boards, booths, and/or carts.
(3)Tents or shelters for outside locations(if any).
d.Electricity and Internet Connectivity. Electricity and internet network connectivity, either hard internet lines
or dedicated WiFi network connection.
e.Moving Equipment. Equipment to move merchandise on-site.
The host/venue or sponsoring agency right to receive such commission fee will be contingent on it entering into an
agreement with the NCAA’s official event merchandiser.
4.If the NCAAevent merchandiser does not exercise its right to operate merchandise sales as set forth above,
thehost/venue or sponsor agent (by and through its designated concessions vendor, if any) shall be responsible
for operating the sale of merchandise at the NCAA championship and applicable ancillary events identified by
the NCAA, and will maintain complete retail vending accountability (including full responsibility for inventory). In
such event, the host/venue or sponsoring agency (or its designated concessions vendor) will provide the
following services in return for a commission fee of not more than 20% of the revenues derived from the sale of
official NCAA merchandise, defined as gross revenues less applicable taxes and credit card fees:
a.Merchandise Receiving. Receive and count in all inventoryupon arrival of merchandise from event
merchandiser, as well as receiving all reorders required to meet customers demand. Reorders could arrive
any day of the week and could be as early as 8 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday prior to the event.
b.Merchandise Security. Locked and supervised storage adequate to accommodate all championship
merchandise.
c. Inventory Reconciliation. Immediate notification (within 24 hours of receipt) to the NCAA event
merchandiser of any discrepancies in initial inventory counts, with failure to provide such notification
constituting the host/venue’s (or designated concessions vendor’s)acceptance of the initial inventory as
provided by the NCAA event merchandiser.
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d.Custody and Control of Merchandise. Total management, control, and accountability of the merchandise,
with full responsibility for any goods that are lost, stolen,or damagedafter delivery.
e.Vending Plans. Development and delivery of the vending plans (including sales locations, vendor policies,
display plans, and staffing levels) for the sale of merchandise at the venue during the event, delivered to
the NCAA and its official event merchandiser in reasonable advance of the event for review, comment, and
approval.
f.Vending Locations.Areasonable andappropriate number of selling locations (and vendor personnel)
throughout thevenuein high-traffic and easily accessible areasto meet the consumer demand at the event,
with all such locations well displayed and fully stocked beforethe public’s access to thevenue.
g.Signage. Correctly hanging and maintaining display and signage materials provided by the NCAA or its
official event merchandiser.
h.Restocking. Restocking backup inventory in a fast, efficient and orderly manner.
i.Inventory and Display Management. Transferring merchandise as necessary among selling locations to
ensure adequate inventory levels of merchandise necessary to meet the demands of the consumers.
j.Reorders. Calling the NCAA’s official event merchandiser to request re-orders,as necessary.
k.Display Standards. Strict adherence to the merchandising and display standards set forth below, subject in
all cases to the review, approval, and change by the NCAA’s official event merchandiser:
Merchandiseshall be displayed andavailable for sale:
o At all times during the event;
o With correct prices clearly marked;
o Folded at all times(with dedicated staff to ensure merchandise is folded and re-folded as necessary
during the event);
o Located on skirted tables for display and checkout; and
o Available for viewing on display boards and grids (note: peg board will not be an acceptable form
of display board).
Personnel will be neatly dressed, customer-oriented, polite and professional.
Display locations shall be kept and maintained in a clean,neatand orderlymanner at all times.
l.Electricity and Internet Connectivity. Electricity and internet network connectivity, either hard internet lines
or dedicated WiFi network connection.
m.Inventory Accounting. A complete inventory accounting of all merchandise sold with a final inventory count
and merchandising report supplied to the NCAA’s event merchandiser no later than 24 hours after the
conclusion of the event.
n.Sales Report. Total gross sales revenues and a final copy of the inventory report must be sent to the NCAA’s
event merchandiser within five business days after the conclusion of the event.
o.Merchandise Return. Within two days after the conclusion of the event, return unsold merchandise to the
NCAA event merchandiser, or forwarded to another location or round of the event, as directed by the NCAA
merchandiser.
The host/venue or sponsoring agency will remit revenues derived from the sale of official NCAA merchandise
(gross revenues less applicable taxes, credit card fees, and earned commission) to the NCAA (or its designated
event merchandiser) within sevendays after the conclusion of the event, together with a statement of accounting
setting forth in reasonable detail the gross revenues, applicable taxes, credit card fees and commissions
payable.
5.The host/venue or sponsoring agencymay not sell,or allow for sale,any merchandise that infringes on the
exclusive rights of the NCAA or its event merchandiser.
6.Should the competition venue and the NCAA’s designated official merchandiser choose not to use merchandise
locations or stores to sell NCAA merchandise, the locations or stores are permitted to be open and sell its regular
merchandise provided the following conditions are met:
a.There is an outside entrance into the location or store from outside the ticketed area. Patrons must enter
the location or store without going through the ticketed area, and then exit the location or store normally
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through the same door or another exit that remains outside the ticketed area. Patrons cannot enter the
location or store from the outside, and then exit into the venue’s ticketed area;
b.If there is also an entrance into the location or store from inside the ticketed area, that entrance must be
closed and locked. In addition, display windows that can be seen from inside the ticketed area must be
covered; and
c.Merchandise locations or stores located on the concourses or near the venue’s main entrance that are not
being used, must be locked and the lights turned off.
7.Unless prior approval is granted from the NCAA, no merchandise may be vended or dispensed in the seating
areas during actual competition; however, merchandise may be sold in the seating areas before and between
contests as specified by the NCAA.
8.In the event the host/venue or sponsoring agency wishes to sell merchandise that features non-championship
merchandise (i.e., bearing the host mark or logowith no NCAA championship indicia)at the event, the
host/venue or sponsoring agency may seek a buy-out of the NCAA event merchandiser by agreeing to purchase
the entire NCAA merchandise inventory provided by the NCAA event merchandiser. In such event, subject to
the host/venue’s or sponsoring agency’s provision of the services set forth in Section 3 above, the host/venue
or sponsoring agencywill receive of not more than 20%of the net revenues derived from the sale of official
NCAA merchandise, defined as gross revenues less applicable taxes and credit cardfees, on NCAA
merchandiser, and the host/venue or sponsoring agency (or its designated concessions vendor) will remit to the
NCAA an amount of 15% of net revenue derived from the sale of non-NCAA merchandise at the event (again
defined as gross revenues less applicable taxes and credit card fees). The quantity of NCAA merchandise
available for sale shall not be less than a comparable shipment to a comparable site of the previous year’s
championship \[Divisions I and III -NCAA Bylaw 31.6.2-(a); Division II Bylaw 31.1.2-(a)\].
SOUVENIRGAMEPROGRAMS
The NCAA or its designee has the exclusive right to market, sell and distribute souvenir championship programs at
or in areas adjacent to the competition, practice and/or ancillary event venue(s). The programs may come in the form
of a digital program accessed online (or via mobile) or printed. The NCAA shall provide the host/venue or sponsoring
agency reasonable advance notice of theformat the souvenir championship program to be produced.
If the NCAA elects to produce a printed program, the NCAA or its designee reserves the right to vend the programs at
the event sites (including practice and ancillary event sites). In the event the NCAA exercises such right (for itself or
on behalf of its official program vendor), the host/venue or sponsoring agency (or its designated concessions vendor)
will provide the following services in return for a commission fee of not more than 10%of net revenues derived from
the sale of official NCAA programs, defined as gross revenues less applicable taxes and credit card fees:
a.Program Receiving. Receive inventory on arrival.
b.Program Distribution. Distribute for-sale and complimentary programs (for participating student-athletes,
media, etc.) around the event venue as directed by the NCAA or its designee.
c.Program Security. Locked and supervised storage adequate to accommodate programs in centralized
storage, plus secure areas near sales locations.
d.Display/Vending Facilities. An adequate number of:
(1)Covered and/or skirted tables.
(2)Program display boards, booths, and/or carts.
(3)Tents or shelters for outside locations (if any).
e.Internet Connectivity. Access to a secured WiFi network.
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If the NCAA or its designee does not exercise its right to vendprint programs at thecompetition, practice or ancillary
event venue(s),the host/venue or sponsor agent (by and through its designated concessions vendor, if any) shall be
responsible for operating the sale of programs at the NCAA championship and applicable ancillary events identified by
the NCAA, and will maintain complete program vending accountability. In such event, the host/venue or sponsoring
agency (or its designated program vendor) will provide the following services in return for a commission fee of not more
than 20%of the revenues derived from the sale of official NCAA merchandise, defined as gross revenues less
applicable taxes and credit card fees:
a.Program Receiving. Receive and count in allprintprograms on arrival from the NCAA (or its designee), as
well as receiving all program reorders required to meet customers demand.
b.Program Security. Locked and supervised storage adequate to accommodate all programs.
c.Program Reconciliation. Immediate notification (within 24 hours of receipt) to the NCAA (or its designee) of
any discrepancies in initial program inventory counts, with failure to provide such notification constituting
the host/venue’s (or designated program vendor’s) acceptance of the initial inventory delivered.
d.Custody and Control of Programs. Total management, control, and accountability of programs, with full
responsibility for any programs that are lost, stolen or damaged after delivery.
e.Vending Plans. Development and delivery of the vending plans (including sales locations, vendor policies
and staffing levels) for the sale of programs at the venue, delivered to the NCAA (and its designee) in
reasonable advance of the event for review, comment and approval.
f.Vending Locations. A reasonable and appropriate number of selling locations and personnel throughout
the venue in high-traffic and easily accessible areas, such as entrances,to meet the consumer demand at
the event, with all such locations well displayed and fully stocked beforethe public’s access to thevenue.
g.Signage. Correctly presenting and maintaining signage to market and promote the sale of programs, which
may be provided by the NCAA (or its designee).
h.Inventory Accounting. A complete inventory accounting of all programs sold with a final inventory count and
program report supplied to the NCAA(or its designee) no later than 24 hours after the conclusion of the
event.
i.Sales Report. Total gross sales revenues and a final copy of the inventory report must be sent to the NCAA
(or its designee)within threebusiness days after the conclusion of the event.
j.Program Return. Within two days after the conclusion of the event, return unsold programs to the NCAA
(or its designee), or forwarded to another location or round of the event, as directed by the NCAA (or its
designee).
The host/venue or sponsoring agency will remit revenues derived from the sale of NCAA programs (gross revenues
less applicable taxes, credit card fees, and earned commission) to the NCAA (or its designee) within two weeksafter
the conclusion of the event, together with a statement of accounting setting forth in reasonable detail the gross
revenues, applicable taxes, credit card fees and commissions payable.
Upon the NCAA’s prior approval, if the NCAA elects to produce a digital (non-print) program, the host/venue or
sponsoring agencyshall have the right to produce heat sheets, bout sheets and/or rosters for distribution at its own
expense.
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NCAA CORPORATE CHAMPION AND CORPORATE PARTNER PROGRAM
The NCAA Corporate Champions and Corporate Partners Program (i.e., corporate sponsors of the NCAA), managed
by the NCAA along with Warner Brothers Discovery and CBS Sports, authorizes the exclusive rights to license NCAA
trademarks, ticketsand taglines in commercial promotions with respect to the NCAA championships.
The host shall not solicit or permit involvement by any corporations or entities whose products may be in competition
with any of the NCAA Corporate Championsor Corporate Partners.All proposed commercial involvement must
receive prior approval of the NCAA.
NCAA Corporate Champions and Corporate Partners are dedicated to emphasizing the role of athletics in higher
education, support all 90 NCAA championships and are granted a wide variety of benefits, including certain category
exclusivity around use of NCAA logos, trademarks, designations and championship tickets.
For more information and a current list of corporate champions and partners, please click on the following link:
NCAA Corporate Champions & Partners
LOCAL CONTRIBUTOR PROGRAM
Currently, localnon-CCPentities are not permitted to usethe NCAA’s registered marks, logos, tickets, name or
references to the championship in a promotional/commercial manner. If a host institution/conference has an interest in
using value-in-kind contributors, the contributor plan must be approved in advance by the NCAA corporate relations
staff. The LOC is permitted to involve a local contributor in the championship only as a sponsor of LOC activities or as
a ticket package purchaser (pending NCAA approval of said local entities and approval of the arrangement).
Local contributors may only be referred to as “local contributors of the LOC.” Local contributors may not use the word
“official,” “official sponsor of” or “corporate champion/partner” in any manner. Local contributors will not receive any in-
venue or on-site recognition/branding/exposure, except forsmall signage in private hospitality locations; in the souvenir
(print or digital) game program, and/or additional digital advertisement space. In being recognized, these local
contributors must be referenced as supporters of the local organizing committee, and not of the NCAA. Any recognition,
branding and/or exposure creative must be submitted to the NCAA corporate relations staff for review and approval.
Local contributors may be provided an opportunity to purchase an advertisement in the souvenir game program,
provided the corporation is not a competitor of any NCAA Corporate Champion. All advertisements must be submitted
to the NCAA corporate relations staff for advance approval. As noted above, local contributors who purchase an NCAA-
approved ticket package may not receive recognition of any kind without the advanced approval of the NCAA staff.
NON-PROFITS, COACHES ASSOCIATIONS, PROFESSIONALSPORTS TEAMS/LEAGUES, NATIONAL
GOVERNING BODIES AND MILITARYGROUPS
Any and allrequests and plans with these types of groups must be submitted to the NCAA for review and approval. It
is beneficial to understand the enhancement and value back to the championship in which these types of groups will
provide in order to determine if/how appropriately they are involved in the championship.If approved, there are specific
guidelines and parameters that these groups must adhere to.
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FAN FESTIVAL AND ANCILLARY EVENTS
AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS
If requested by the NCAA, the LOC/host shall be responsible for providing mutually agreed on space and volunteer
staff for an autograph session location or locations that may take place simultaneously. The LOC/host or facility shall
provide at no chargeall tables, linens, chairs, pipe and drape, stanchions, security,and hydration for all locations. The
NCAA will provide guidance and approvals for these areas,but may ask the LOC/host representative to be the lead
organizer and day-to-day contact for these.
STUDENT-ATHLETE BANQUET OR RECEPTION
If requested by the NCAA, thehost site will be responsible for providing, at no cost to the NCAA, banquet or reception
space and volunteer staff for all participating student-athletes, coaches and support staff, the NCAA staff and committee,
the LOC,and NCAA affiliated organizations (e.g.,coaches associations and equipment suppliers). Projected
attendance and format will be provided bythechampionshipstaff. When possible,the space chosen should showcase
the host city or provide a unique experience for the student-athletes.
FAN FESTIVAL
During the championship, the NCAA may request space for use as a fan festival or similar ancillary eventwhich may
be produced by the LOC or a designated production company at the sole direction of the NCAA.The space chosen
should be conveniently located to the venue.The fan festivalor related ancillary event should be fully operational for
the duration of competition.Althoughsome fan festivals or ancillary events may be much smaller in scope than what is
described below and not require many of the items listed, the host should be prepared to provide any of these items if
needed.
1.Availability.
.Move-In/Move-Out. The facility or space ideally should be available for move-in no later than 8 a.m. three
days before the start of competition. Move-out should ideally be allowed until noon two days after the
completion of competition.
a.Financial Arrangements. The venue and services (e.g.,rental fee, utilities expense, staffing, parking,
security, internet, etc.) outlined below will be provided at no cost to the NCAA or the NCAA’s production
company.
2.Facility Specifications.
a.Facility Space. Space to accommodate theneeds of theNCAA fan festival or ancillary eventand to host
various interactive and possibly on-stage events. This space ideally will be adjacent to the competition venue,
but must not be outside of a one-half mile radius of the facility.
b.Indoor or Outdoor Space. For host cities that are in warmer climates (anticipated daytime temperatures in
the 60’s or above) outdoor space will be considered and should be provided as an option. However, the
preferred space would be in an adjacent convention center or large hall,which could provide the needed
amountof lighted, heated, barrier-free space which is in compliance with all applicable city, state or federal
laws and regulations, including those concerning access for the disabled.
c.Exclusivity. Confirmation that no agreement or understanding will be made that would entitle any corporation
or third party to contract space within the chosen facility or in the same outdoor space as the NCAA fan festival
without the approval of the NCAA.
d.Office Space. Office space for the NCAA and any affiliated production companies, preferably overlooking the
fan festival space, will be provided whenever possible.
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e.Utilities. At no cost to the NCAA or its designee, the NCAA fan festival venue shall provide sufficient utilities
including electrical power, water hookups, internet access for all participants in all areas and phones as
needed to execute the event. If the space is outside, the LOC will also take financial responsibility for providing
power even if this entails bringing in portable generators.
f.Stage and Décor. If needed the local organizing committee or facility shall provide, at no charge, a temporary
stage (approximately 20’ x 30’) with risers and roof, if outdoors, for use during the duration of the fan festival.
The local organizing committee or facility shall also provide, at no charge, all stage décor necessary for the
production ofstage events. These needs include, butare not limited to carpeting; pipe and drape; couches;
director’s chairs; a podium and decorative plants.
g.Tables, Chairs, Pipe and Drape.The local organizing committee or facility shall provide at no charge all
tables, chairs, pipe and drape for the fan festival as well as all chairs for the audience in the stage area of the
fan festival.
h.Restrooms. If event is held outside the local organizing committee or facility shall provide at no charge
portable restrooms to accommodate the estimated number of attendees.
i.Drayage. No charges will be assessed for drayage on incoming and outgoing shipments to and from venue
docks or parking lot.
j.Video/Sound/Public Address System. Except for use by the facility in the event of any emergency, the
NCAA shall retain sole, exclusive and complete control over the video, sound and public-address systems
and all other audible or visible information or communication systems in the facility.
k.Audio-Visual. The NCAA has the ability toselect and contract with an audio-visual company of its choosing.
If the NCAA fan festival venue’s audio-visual company is selected, it agrees to provide the NCAA and its
designee with a 20% discount on all audio-visual spending.
l.Security. The facility shall have a comprehensive security/emergency-situation plan. In addition, at no cost
to the NCAA, the facility orthe LOC shall provide all security personnel and equipment.
m.Products. The NCAA, its designated representatives and/or official corporate partners shall have the right to
provide complimentary sampling of food and/or beverages and other products/services of its choice at the
NCAA fan festival venue without limitation. There shall be no limitations on the size and amount of sampling
and no fee shall be required to be paid to a concessionaire or any other party.
The NCAA and its designated representatives shall also have the right to serve food and beverages of its
choice inside the volunteer break room, band/performer holding room and all offices occupied by the NCAA
or its designated representatives.
The NCAA and its designees, including its official corporate partners, shall have exclusive rights to all food
and beverage branding within the venue, including equipment (e.g., vending machines, soft drink fountains,
etc.), cups, tableware, etc. Such branding shall have commercial marks as directed and provided by the NCAA
(e.g., Coca-Cola, if a corporate partner of the NCAA at the time of the event). In the event the venue has food
and beverage branding that is competitive with the NCAA’s official corporate partner, such branding shall be
covered at the venue or LOC’s expense.
The NCAA and its designated representatives shall have the right to bring in a restaurant and/or
food/beverage category partner(s) (i.e., official NCAA sponsor in the restaurant service, food and/or beverage
categories) that will have the ability to distribute and/or sell any size or type of food or beverage. The
restaurant, food and/or beverage category partners will not be subject to any sampling restrictions and will
retain the revenue from their sales.
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The NCAA and its designees shall have no obligation to make any payments to the venue or its concessionaire
or any third parties with regard to sampling or NCAA restaurant, food and/or beverage category partner sales,
or other sales or giveaway by the NCAA or its sponsors or other designees. For clarity, this clause shall apply
to the primary NCAA fan festival venue and all adjacent and related areas.
n.Coordination of Events. If outside entities around the stadium are planning tailgating style activities
associated with the championship, the LOC should make the NCAA and their designated production company
aware of this and work with both parties for possible incorporation or atleast non-competition.
3.Staffing.
a.Local Production Manager. The local organizing committee shall provide one person to serve as the primary
point of contact for the NCAA and/or their designated fan festival production agency and to serve as a local
production manager for the fan festival.
b.Staffing. The facility or local organizing committee shall provide and pay for all services deemed necessary
for the NCAA fan festival area by the NCAA or its designee including, but not limited tosecurity, janitorial
services, ticket sellers, ticket takers, a first-aid room staffed by paramedics or other certified emergency
medical personnel, maintenance and cleanup for all areas used by the NCAA or its patrons (e.g.,restrooms,
concession stands). All such personnel are to be under the sole direction andcontrol of the facility or LOC
and are not to be considered employees or agents of the NCAA or its designee.
4.Merchandising.The NCAA, or its designee, shall have the exclusive right to market and sell products licensed
by the NCAA and will administer all souvenir merchandising within the contracted space. The NCAA and its
designee shall have no obligation to make any payments to the venue or its concessionaire or any third party with
regardsto merchandising or other products.
5.Advertising.
a.No promotional, public relations, political, marketing, sponsorship, advertising or similar activity shall take
place at the NCAA fan festival venue area during the time the venue is leased to the NCAA without the express
written advance approval of the NCAA. Without limiting the generality of the LOC/venue obligations in
paragraph 5b, immediately below, alcohol, tobacco and gambling related advertising shall be covered at the
NCAA fan festival venue at the LOC’s expense.
b.Unless specifically authorized by the NCAA, no advertising, banners, signs, inflatables, projections, kiosks,
promotional areas, decals, window clings, lighting, marketing street teams, branded food and beverage
equipment, branded food and beverage equipment logos, brand identification or other displays of any kind
shall be hung, posted or displayed anywhere at or adjacent to the NCAA fan festival venue during the dates
the venue is leased to the NCAA, other than advertising, banners, signs and television/radio/Internet/sponsor
banners and other displays approved in advance by the NCAA or its designee. Any advertising, banners,
signs or displays (other than those approved by NCAA in advance) shall be covered by the venue at its (or
the LOC’s) expense, as designated by the NCAA.
c.Except for use by the NCAA fan festival venue in the event of an emergency, the NCAA shall retain sole,
exclusive and complete control over the video, sound and public-address systems and all other audio and/or
visual informationor communication systems in the NCAA fan festival venue.
d.Without limiting the generality of the NCAA’s other rights stated herein, an NCAA sponsor (or other NCAA
designee) shall be permitted to provide recycling bins to be used to collect recyclable materials during the
NCAA fan festival (and, unless otherwise agreed with the NCAA, the venue shall be responsible for recycling
such bins and their contents).
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6.Promotions and Community Awareness. The LOC, at its expense, shall work in cooperation with the NCAA
and/or its designees to market and promote the event in the local community through a comprehensive cross
platform marketing, public relations, digital and media campaign. All LOC promotionalefforts shall be subject to
the NCAA’s advance review and approval, which may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion.
7.Parking.The NCAA requires space for visitor, staff, contractor and delivery parking.
a.Tractor-trailer and Box Truck Space. Space for several tractor-trailers and box trucks to load-in, load-out
and, if necessary, park will be provided at the facility at no cost to the NCAA. Since certain tractor-trailers and
box trucks may be used as part of a permanent NCAA fan festival display inside of the NCAA fan festival, an
adequately sized entry to the facility for these vehicles should also be provided.
b.Staff and Contractors. A minimum of 25 parking spaces located in close proximity tothe fan festival shall be
provided for staff and contractor parking and will be provided throughout the load-in, event and load-out at no
cost to the NCAA.
8.Street Closures and Permits (for outdoor venues). As needed, the LOC shall work with the NCAA or its
designees on street closures and permits of any kind. If any streets are deemed necessary to close, the LOC will
work with local officials and law enforcement to secure the needed permits and staff required to complete and
enact these closures. The LOC and venue shall pay all permitting costs.
9.Food and Beverage Vendors.The NCAA or its designee shall control all food and beverage rights and retain all
food and beverage revenue for the ancillary events unless other arrangements are authorized by the NCAA.Also, the NCAA
may restrict the sale of certain food and beverage products within the ancillary events if they conflict with NCAA
corporate champions or partners. For clarity, there shall be no food and beverage buyout required in the ancillary
events, andthe NCAA shall have the ability to (a) allow its quick-service restaurant or casual dining sponsor to
serve food within the ancillary events with no buyout; (b) to bring in selected food trucks or vendors for event
guests; and (c) bring into the ancillary events outside food and beverage for staff, crew and volunteer meals if
desired. Additionally, the NCAA shall determine in its sole discretion whether alcohol will be sold or distributed at
ancillary events. The venue, LOC and/or caterer shall be responsible for any permits unless otherwise directed
by the NCAA.
10.Content Rights. The NCAA and/or its designee shall have the exclusive rights to produce, capture, reproduce,
display, broadcast and otherwise use and distribute all images, photographs, data, footage, information and other
content on and of the venue from the NCAA fan festival and all other related events (Content) on all existing and
future media outlets and platforms, including, but not limited to television, radio, internet and mobile/wireless (and
the NCAA and its designees shall not be required to pay any fees or other compensation to the venue, the LOC
or any other parties with respect to the Content). The NCAA and its designee shall have the sole right and authority
to designate usage of all radio and internet broadcast, television,and other media broadcast space and press
locations and work areas. Except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed in writing by the NCAA, the venues
and the LOC shall have no license or other rights in or to any Content, and to the extent any Content rights vest
in thevenue or LOC (e.g., via operation of law), the venue and LOC agree to assign all such rights throughout the
world to the NCAA in perpetuity.
11.Public Performance License.The venue shall secure and maintain in place at its cost all music public
performance licenses, permits and/or ordinance exemptions necessary to cover all music performed or otherwise
played at the venue.
12.Weapons/Firearms.The venue and LOC shall ensure that subject to applicable law, the NCAA shall be permitted
to prohibit the possession of firearms, guns or weapons of any kind and remove anyone from the venue who fails
to comply with such prohibition. NCAA and its designees will be permitted to post signage and other written
communications, and make related verbal communications, at each entry or exit point of the venue for the purpose
of informing patrons and other individuals that firearms are not permitted in the venue.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page34
Currently, the NCAA produces fan fest events for the following championships: Division I women’s volleyball, Division I
Football Championship Subdivision, Division Iwrestling, Division Imen’s basketball, Division Iwomen’s basketball,
Division Imen’s ice hockey, Division Imen’s lacrosse, Division Isoftball and Division Ibaseball.
Further, additional fan activation occurs at the following championships: Division I women’ssoccer, Division I men’s
soccer, National Collegiate women’s gymnastics, Division I women’s lacrosse, National Collegiate beach volleyballand
Division I outdoor track and field.
Fanfest production or activation level at various NCAA championshipsis subject to change based on the annual review
of championship enhancements and resources.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page35
GOVERNMENTGUARANTEES
Although the championship is played at the competition venue, the increasing number of guests, activities and hotel
facilities make the championship an event of region-wide impact. As such, a number of government guarantees are
requested, in part to protect the rights of the NCAA.
1.Ambush Marketing.
a.Commercial-Free Zone. If requested by the NCAA, the LOC/host and the appropriate governmental agencies,
in cooperation with the NCAA, shall also establish an area(s) (designated on a case-by-case basis, but typically
encompassing the NCAA hotels, team hotels, major ancillary event venues and the competition venue) which
shall be free from temporary advertising, marketing, promotional and commercial activities not expressly
authorized by the NCAA. Restrictionsshall apply to publicly and privatelyowned exterior spaces or spaces
temporarily enclosed.
At a minimum, the temporary sale or complimentary distribution of food, beverage, literature merchandise or
temporary entertainment, not expressly authorized by the NCAA, shall be prohibited within the commercial-
free zone on public property and on private property subleased for temporary business specific to the timing
of the NCAA event.
Also, the LOC/host shall work with the NCAA and governmental agencies to otherwise protect against false
association, commercial and non-commercial, with the NCAA and the championship.
b.Merchandising/Trademark Enforcement. Appropriate city, county or other governmental entities shall (1)
provide full cooperation to the NCAA in preventing unauthorized use of the NCAA’s trademarks, championship
tickets, or other intellectual property and the sale or distribution of unlicensed NCAA merchandise, and (2)
cooperate with the NCAA by permitting the NCAA the right to pursue (at NCAA expense) legal enforcement
measures against any seller or distributor of unlicensed merchandise. The governmental entities shall help to
identify and communicate information regarding sales or distribution of unlicensed merchandise to the NCAA.
The decision to pursue civil legal action or settle claims against a seller or distributor of unlicensed merchandise
shall be atthe sole discretion of the NCAA.
2.Public Safety/Security.
a.Event Safety Commitment. The LOC/host and agencies responsible for public safety shall be financially
responsible for any charge for public security/safety services provided outside the competition, practice and/or
ancillary event venue(s) and with regard to all other venues used for any NCAA official events as described in
these specifications.
b.Security Personnel.The competition, practice and/or ancillary event venues are required to provide
experienced qualified security personnel in all positions for the championship. A comprehensive staffing plan
with identification of key personnel and their experience shall be provided to the NCAA as part of the security
plan that accompanies the bid. In the event appropriate personnel cannot be provided (as reasonably
determined by the NCAA) and after 30 days’notice to the competition, practice and/or ancillary event venue(s)
and the LOC/host, the NCAA, at its sole discretion may contract with a security organization of its choice, at
the LOC’s/host’s expense.
3.Safety/Medical/Emergency Preparedness. Upon the awarding of the bid, the LOC/host, in conjunction with
appropriate federal, state and local agencies and officials, shall submit to the NCAA a coordinated plan for security,
law enforcement, and emergency preparedness and response, including all aspects of public safety. The LOC/host
will be required to integrate the activities of law enforcement agencies, public health, public safety, emergency
medical service, emergency management organizations and health care organizations. Thissafety/security
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page36
plan shall be consistent with industry best practices, takeaways from similar events and observation/evaluation of
prior championships. The development and implementation of this plan shall be provided at no cost to the NCAA.
4.Fire and Medical Emergency Agencies. The NCAA requires support be obtained from fire and medical
emergency agencies during the championship and during other events related to the championship.Local fire and
EMS services shall be provided to the NCAA during the championship and during other events related to the
championship at no cost to the NCAA.
5.Taxes andTax Exemptions. The NCAA is a 501c (3) tax exempt organization and the bid respondents shall
specify any state or local tax exemption that will be granted to the NCAA. If tax exemption is not applicable, then
all applicable taxes and rates shall be disclosed (disclose in the sport-specific facility questionnaire) and any
increases in the tax rates from the time the bid submission shall be absorbed by the bid respondent or rebated
back to the NCAA if bid respondent is approved for a NCAA championship.
6.Open Records/Public Information Laws. The NCAA requires the disclosure of all state and/or local Open
Records/Public Information Acts laws,which could apply to any agreements or documents entered into or supplied
to the bid and/or local organizing committee.
7.Insurance Requirements.
ALL CHAMPIONSHIPS (Excluding Division I basketball, final rounds of Division I men’s ice hockey, men’s
lacrosse, baseball, softball, women’s volleyball, wrestling and FCS football)
On-Campus Venue:
Host institution must maintain and provide proof of at least $1 million of Commercial General Liability (CGL)
insurance on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, including Products Liability (including
completed-operations coverage), coverage for contractual liability, independent contractors, and personal and
advertising injury. Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol, or food-
borne illness. Certificate must be submitted to NCAA prior to competition. State institutions subject to state
governing tort laws are permitted to provide proof of limited liability under state laws insteadof CGL coverage.
(This is the minimum requirement per NCAA bylaws).
Off-Campus Venue (also applies when on-campus venue is operated by a third-party):
Host institution must maintain and provide proof of at least $1 million of Commercial General Liability (CGL)
insurance on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, including Products Liability (including
completed-operations coverage), coverage for contractual liability, independent contractors, and personal and
advertising injury. Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol, or food-
borne illness. Certificate must be submitted to NCAA prior tocompetition. State institutions subject to state
governing tort laws are permitted to provide proof of limited liability under state laws instead of CGL coverage.
(This is the minimum requirement per NCAA bylaws).
Venue must maintain and provide a minimum of $1 million in Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance limits
on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, including Products Liability (including completed-
operations coverage), coverage forcontractual liability, independent contractors, and personal and advertising
injury. Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol, or food-borne
illness. NCAA must be named as an additional insured.
Final rounds of Division I men’s ice hockey, men’s lacrosse, baseball, softball, women’s volleyball,
wrestling and FCS football
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page37
On-Campus Venue:
Host institution/conference must maintain:
a.Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage
and Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed, Host Liquor Liability, Operations and
Contractual Liability. Coverage cannot excludeliability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol,
or food-borne illness. NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits
of:
$5,000,000 Per Occurrence
$5,000,000 General Aggregate
$5,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leased or hired autos, with a minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the host
institution/conference is located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers.
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers with
minimum limits of:
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease -Policy Limit
Off-Campus Venue (also applies when on-campus venue is operated by a third-party):
Host institution/conference or Local Organizing Committee must maintain:
a.Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage
and Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed, Host Liquor Liability, Operations and
Contractual Liability. Coverage cannot excludeliability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol,
or food-borne illness. NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits
of:
$5,000,000 Per Occurrence
$5,000,000 General Aggregate
$5,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leased or hired autos, with a minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the host
institution/conference or LOC is located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased
workers.
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers with
minimum limits of:
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease -Policy Limit
All venues (for competition and ancillary events) must maintain:
a.Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage
and Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed Operations and Contractual Liability.
Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol, or food-borne illness.
NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits of:
$10,000,000 Per Occurrence
$10,000,000 General Aggregate
$10,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leased or hired autos, with a minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the venue is
located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page38
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers with
minimum limits of:
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease -Policy Limit
DIVISION I MEN’S BASKETBALL
Preliminary Rounds
Host institution/conference or Local Organizing Committee must provide:
a.Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage
and Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed, Host Liquor Liability, Operations and
Contractual Liability. Coverage cannot excludeliability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol,
or food-borne illness. NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits
of:
$5,000,000 Per Occurrence
$5,000,000 General Aggregate
$5,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leased or hired autos, with a minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the host
institution/conference or LOC is located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased
workers.
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers with
minimum limits of:
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease -Policy Limit
Venue must provide:
a.Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage
and Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed Operations and Contractual Liability.
Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol, or food-borne illness.
NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits of:
$10,000,000 Per Occurrence
$10,000,000 General Aggregate
$10,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leased or hired autos, with a minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the venue is
located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers.
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers with
minimum limits of:
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease -Policy Limit
Men’s Final Four
Host institution/conference or Local Organizing Committee must provide:
a.Commercial General Liability coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage and
Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed, Host Liquor Liability, Operations and
Contractual Liability. Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol,
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page39
or food-borne illness. NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits
of:
$20,000,000 Per Occurrence
$20,000,000 General Aggregate
$20,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leased or hired autos, with a minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the host
institution/conference or LOC is located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased
workers.
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers with
minimum limits of:
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease -Policy Limit
Competition Venue and March Madness Music Festival venue(s) must provide:
a.Commercial General Liability coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage and
Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed Operations and Contractual Liability.
Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol, or food-borne illness.
NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits of:
$20,000,000 Per Occurrence
$20,000,000 General Aggregate
$20,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leased or hired autos, with a minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the venue is
located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers.
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers with
minimum limits of:
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease –Policy Limit
Venues for ancillary events must provide:
a.Commercial General Liability coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage and
Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed, Host Liquor Liability, Operations and
Contractual Liability. Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol,
or food-borne illness. NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits
of:
$10,000,000 Per Occurrence
$10,000,000 General Aggregate
$10,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leased or hired autos, with minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the venue is
located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers.
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers with
minimum limits of:
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page40
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease –Policy Limit
DIVISION I WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Preliminary Rounds
Host institution/conference or Local Organizing Committee must provide:
a.Commercial General Liability coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage and
Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed, Host Liquor Liability, Operations and
Contractual Liability. Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol,
or food-borne illness. NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits
of:
$5,000,000 Per Occurrence
$5,000,000 General Aggregate
$5,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leased or hired autos, with a minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the host
institution/conference or LOC is located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased
workers.
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers with
minimum limits of:
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease -Policy Limit
Venue must provide:
a.Commercial General Liability coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage and
Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed Operations and Contractual Liability.
Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol, or food-borne illness.
NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits of:
$5,000,000 Per Occurrence
$5,000,000 General Aggregate
$5,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leased or hired autos, with a minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the venue is
located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers.
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers with
minimum limits of:
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease -Policy Limit
Women’s Final Four
Host institution/conference or Local Organizing Committee must provide:
a.Commercial General Liability coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage and
Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed, Host Liquor Liability, Operations and
Contractual Liability. Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol,
or food-borne illness. NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits
of:
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page41
$10,000,000 Per Occurrence
$10,000,000 General Aggregate
$10,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leased or hired autos, with a minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the host
institution/conference or LOC is located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased
workers.
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers. with
minimum limits of:
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease -Policy Limit
Competition Venue must provide:
a.Commercial General Liability coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage and
Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed Operations and Contractual Liability.
Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol, or food-borne illness.
NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits of:
$20,000,000 Per Occurrence
$20,000,000 General Aggregate
$20,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leasedor hired autos, with a minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the venue is
located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers.
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers with
minimum limits of:
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease –Policy Limit
Venues for ancillary events must provide:
a.Commercial General Liability coverage on an occurrence form for Bodily Injury and Property Damage and
Personal and Advertising Injury, including Products/Completed, Host Liquor Liability, Operations and
Contractual Liability. Coverage cannot exclude liability arising from athletic participation, spectators, alcohol,
or food-borne illness. NCAA must be named as an additional insured and the policy must have minimum limits
of:
$5,000,000 Per Occurrence
$5,000,000 General Aggregate
$5,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
b.Automobile Liability Insurance, covering owned, non-owned, leased or hired autos, with a minimum combined
single limit of $5,000,000 Each Accident.
c.Workers’ Compensation Insurance in compliance with the laws of the state or province where the venue is
located, covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers.
d.Employers’ Liability Insurance covering employees, volunteers, temporary workers and leased workers with
minimum limits of:
$1,000,000 Each Accident
$1,000,000 Disease -Each Employee
$1,000,000 Disease –Policy Limit
Notes applicable to Division I men’s ice hockey, men’s lacrosse, baseball, softball, women’s volleyball, wrestling
FCS footballand Division I basketball championships insurance requirements:
1.All agreements, whether with the institution, conference, an LOC or the venue should include mutual
indemnification language.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page42
2.Certificates of insurance must be submitted to NCAA 30 days prior to competition.
3.Waivers for state institutions can be offered, but will not be offered in cases where the host institution is not
responsible for championship operation.
4.Coverage limits may be satisfied through a combination of primary and umbrella/excess policies.
Umbrella/excess policies shall follow form of the underlying coverage. Subject to the NCAA’s prior written
approval, contractors may be permitted to maintain limits which are less than the limits required herein.
5.Should host, LOC, or venue engage a consultant or subcontractor, all of the coverage requirements set forth
above will apply to each consultant or subcontractor, including, but not limited to, the requirement that each
consultant or subcontractor name NCAAas an additional insured with regards to commercial general liability
coverage on a primary and non-contributory basis, unless written exception is granted by NCAA.
6.All insurance policies must be issued by an admitted insurance carrier with an A.M. Best rating of A-VII or
better. All liability insurance policies must provide cross liability coverage (separation of insureds or
severability of interest provisions). Further, coverage for the NCAA shall apply on a primary basis irrespective
of any other insurance maintained by the NCAA, whether collectible or not. No policy shall contain a self-
insured retention without prior written approval of the NCAA. No policy shall contain a deductible in excess of
$25,000, and any/all deductibles shall be the sole responsibility of the host institution/conference, LOC or
venue and shall not apply to the NCAA. All policies shall be endorsed to provide a waiver of subrogation in
favor of the NCAA. Prior to execution of the agreement, host institution/conference, LOC or venue shall furnish
NCAA with certificates of insurance evidencing compliance with all insurance provisions noted above. The
insurance requirements set forth will in no way modify, reduce, or limit the indemnification herein made by host
institution/conference, LOC or venue. Any actions, errors or omissions that may invalidate coverage for host
institution/conference, LOC or venue shall not invalidate or prohibit coverage available to the NCAA. Receipt
by the NCAA of a certificate of insurance, endorsement or policy of insurance which is more restrictive than
the contracted for insurance shall not be construed as a waiver or modification of the insurance requirements
above or an implied agreement to modify same, nor is any verbal agreement to modify same permissible or
binding.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page43
LODGINGSPECIFICATIONS
The NCAA has partnered with On Locationto manage the NCAA Championship Housing Program and all championship
housing needs. On Locationserves as the housing partner for hundreds of events annually and, through strong
relationships with various hotel brands, is able to deliver the appropriate mix of amenities, location and price for
hundreds of thousands of room nights each year. Usingtheir expertise, On Locationwill be responsible for managing
the selection and contracting process for all championship housing accommodations.
Housing will be required for all participating teams, NCAA staff, committee members, media, game officials, contractors,
and other special guests as designated by the NCAA.Separate hotels are needed for the NCAA, media, officials and
participating teams unless specified otherwise by the NCAA. It may be permissible for the media or game officials to be
assigned to the same property as the NCAA headquarters hotel. (Game officials and teams may not stay in the same
hotel.) Efforts will be made to provide some deference to the official corporate champion/partner in the hotel category
(should one exist at the time of contracting) of the NCAA. While hotels are the primary housing offerings that will be
contracted, alternative options may be considered in certainsituations.
Bids will be awarded contingent on the successful negotiation of housing needs at reasonable rates. Failure to secure
such reasonable rates and properties may result in rescinding of the bid award.
Host Institution/Conference/Sponsoring Agency Obligations
The host institution/conference or sponsoring agency must guarantee sufficient housing is available to meet the
room block needs identified in the sports specific bid specifications. Properties must meet the required service
levels and be in reasonable proximity to the event venues. Rooms should not be secured or contracted,nor
should rates be discussed with specific properties, unless requested to do so by the NCAA.
Bid responses may highlight any recommended properties On Locationshould consider when contracting.
Properties considered by On Locationand the NCAA must meet the required service levels, room type needs,
amenities and proximity to venues required by the specific championship. Bid responses should disclose any
special relationships, agreements and/or financial arrangements you may have inplace with the recommended
properties. On Locationwill take into consideration all recommendations when selecting hotels; however,
guarantees cannot be made that contracts will be secured with these properties.
The Contracting Process
During the bid evaluation process, the host institution/conference or sponsoring agency may be contacted by On
Locationto obtain additional information on their housing recommendations. Once the bid is awarded, On
Locationwill manage a request-for-proposal process to evaluate, secure and contract all hotels for the necessary
room blocks and sports specific housing needs. Housing recommendations provided in the bid specifications will
be taken into consideration; however,there is no guarantee that these properties will be contracted. Beforebeing
finalized, housing recommendations will be presented to the NCAA to obtain feedback/input. All hotel contracts
will be drafted using a standard contract template and signed by the NCAA. Information related to the room
blocks and housing will be communicated on a timely basis to the host institution/conference or sponsoring
agency and the participating teams.
All hotels contracted must have experience with and understand the needs of large groups. For certain
championship events, additional room blocks may be required for fan travel.
The NCAA or its designees shall have the exclusive right to sell products licensed by the Association for
merchandising at the selected hotels (inside and outside the premises controlled by the hotels). The hotel will
provide adequate space in its lobby for such sales.
Contracted properties will be responsible for complying will all requirements in the contract terms as presented
in the sample contract.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page44
TICKETPOLICIES/OPERATIONS
1.Ticket Design/Printing. The NCAA will manage the design and printing for championship tickets, assigning
specific duties to the LOC/host and competition venue as needed. The NCAA will forward artwork of the proposed
ticket design to the LOC/host and competition venue for review and input. The NCAA logo shall be theonly logo
used on the front or back of the tickets unless specifically authorized by the NCAA. The name of the host
institution/conference may be printed on the front of the ticket(s) and/or on the cover of the ticket booklet. The
NCAA will coordinate theprinting of the tickets unless the NCAA directs the LOC/host or competition venue to
coordinate the printing. The LOC/host shall incur all expenses associated with ticket printing.
2.Ticket Pricing. With input and a recommendation from the LOC/host, the NCAA shall establish all ticket prices,
including tickets for suites and standing room only. One hundred percent (100%) of the revenues from ticket sales
shall be included in the championships receipts to help offset the NCAA guarantee (if applicable), championship
expenses, and further revenue sharing opportunities. As further noted in the Government Guarantees section
(page 36), revenue from the sale of championship tickets and championship-related event tickets will be exempt
from sales, amusement, entertainment taxes and other surcharge obligations to the extent possible. The NCAA
is a 501c (3) tax exempt organization and the bid respondents shall specify any state or local tax exemption that
will be granted to the NCAA. If a tax exemption is not applicable, then all applicable taxes and rates shall be
disclosed (disclose in the sport-specific facility questionnaire) and any increases in the tax rates from the time the
bid submission shall be absorbed by the bid respondent or rebated back tothe NCAA if bid respondent is approved
for a NCAA championship.
3.Control of Ticket Sales. The NCAA shall control all ticket sales for the championship, assigning specific duties
to the LOC/host and competition venue as needed. The LOC/host and competition venue shall cooperate fully
with the NCAA’s official ticketing vendors and/or ticketing partners (e.g., primary ticket sales system provider,
official ticket and hospitality package provider, official ticket exchange). The NCAA shall not be responsible for
securing an exemption to any exclusive contracts the LOC/host, competition venue or surrounding areas/facilities
might have, nor will the NCAA be responsible for any buyout or other means necessary to secure such an
exemption.
Admittance to the competition venue on game days will be by ticket or NCAA-issued credential only. Every
individual, regardless of age, must have a game ticket for admission, unless specified by the NCAA or venue
policy. Unless specifically granted an exception, the NCAA requires that the competition venue usea ticket
scanning system at all general public access points into the competition venue. The host venue system will be
used for access control, box office walk up sales and day of event issue resolution in the box office.
4.Control of Venue Seating. The NCAA shall control all seating assignments within the competition venue,
including club seating, press boxes, hospitality clubs and restaurants.
The NCAA shall be responsible for determining the allocation and the location of all ticket allotments.
The LOC/host or competition venue may not re-sell allotted championship game tickets at any price, nor may
enter into a sponsorship agreement or hospitality/travel package agreement with any ticket broker, tour packager
or other secondary ticket marketer to provide championship tickets in return for other considerations unless
specifically authorized by the NCAA.
5.Suites.
a.At the time of the bid, the competition venue shall stipulate a quantity of private viewing suites available for
the sole use of the NCAA or its designees. Preferred consideration will be given to those sites offering suites
for NCAA use. All revenue from such suites will belong to the NCAA.
b.The NCAA will provide tickets, as necessary to the LOC/host and/or competition venue for those suite holders
displaced to fulfill the NCAA suite seat requirements.
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c.Subject to NCAA approval, suites not made available to the NCAA or its designees shall remain under the
control of the competition venue, but the face value ticket revenue for such suite seats will belong to the
NCAA.
d.Suite holders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the suite to which they have purchased tenant
rights. The venue’s box office staff if assigned by the NCAA, shall solicit and confirm suite purchases by suite
holders. At that time, suites notpurchased by suite holders will be made available to the NCAA for additional
use/sales opportunities in accordance with the agreed upon financial parameters.
6.LOC/Host Ticket Policies.
a.Allocation. For all championships accepting bids, the NCAA may allocate to the LOC/host a number of
saleable competition venue seats. These tickets shall be used to accommodate LOC/host guests, including
but not limited to local contributors.
b.Ticket Allocation Limitation. No more than 20 tickets shall be made available from the LOC/host or
competition venue to any one entity without NCAA approval.
c.Assignment Information.The LOC/host shall provide the NCAA with the names of those individuals
assigned to each seat within the LOC/host’s ticket allocation.
7.Competition Venue Responsibilities.
a.Seating Manifest. At the time of the bid, the competition venue shall forward the NCAA a complete ticket
manifest with a PDF or CAD drawing of the venue’s configuration and cooperate fully with any NCAA ticketing
partners.
b.Broadcast Partner Site Survey. The NCAA’s broadcast partner, in conjunction with the NCAA and the
competition venue, will conduct a site survey approximately nine months in advance of the championship to
determine the host set location, camera locations and determine the need for “seat kills.”
c.Final Manifest. On completion of the site survey and determination of “kill” seats, the competition venue
shall provide the NCAA with a final seating manifest, reflecting all saleable seats, available suites and
available hospitality/party suites.
d.General Public Assignments. Subject to NCAA approval, the assignment of general publicseats is the
competition venue box office’s responsibility, unless directed otherwise by the NCAA. The seat locations
shall be designated by the NCAA. The competition venue must be in compliance with all applicable city, state
or federal laws and regulations including those concerning access and seating for the disabled and assist
with inquiries from ticket holders in need of disabled tickets. Additionally, the box office shall assist with all
lost, stolen, or misdirected ticket issues. The competition venue shall be responsible for the labor necessary,
as well as costs incurred, to process and distribute lost, stolen, or misdirected tickets.
e.Participating Institutions’ Shipments. The competition venue’s box office shall send the tickets allocated
to the participating institutions to the host tournament managers by a date designated by the NCAA, unless
directed otherwise by the NCAA. An invoice, manifest, seating diagram, instructions and payment deadline
information shall be sent with the participating institution’s tickets. The competition venue shall be responsible
for the labor necessary, as well as costs incurred, to ship these tickets.
f.Sales Reports. The competition venue’s box office shall be responsible for providing the NCAA with timely
and accurate sales reports. The NCAA shall be responsible for determining the schedule in which reports
will be received from the competition venue’s box office. The competition venue’s box office shall cooperate
fully with the NCAA’s official ticketing vendors and/or ticketing partners in providing the reports.
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g.Final Ticket Database. The competition venue’s box office shall send the ticket database to the NCAA
tournament manager on request. Ticket databases should include the following field information: last name,
first, name, city, email, phone, address, state, zip code, country, event, event year, event zip, sport and
source.
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MARKETINGPLAN/BUDGET
With guidance and approval from the NCAA, the LOC/host shall establish the development and oversight of a
comprehensive marketing plan and proposed budget (e.g., marketing, advertising, promotions, printing, public relation
efforts, social media and grassroots opportunities including database marketing, direct marketing and regular-season
efforts) in support of ticket sales and/or ancillary event attendance and should be submitted by a mutually agreed upon
date.
The marketing plan and budget prepared by the LOC/host should outline tactics, key ticket sales phases and expenses
related to marketing the championship. Factors used to determine the marketing budget will include, but not be limited
to: target demographics, venue capacity, market size, historical and anticipated attendance.
1.Marketing. The LOC/host shall appoint an individual with strong marketing experience and extensive knowledge
of the local market to support the NCAA with day-to-day execution. Responsibilities include developing a sales
and advertising strategy and budget to market ticket sales and all fan events at the championship. In addition,
establish a marketing team consisting of representatives from the host, venue, CVB and or sports commission.
2.Advertising/Media Buying. The LOC/host shall appoint an individual with strong advertising experience to work
in conjunction with the NCAA and to serve as the point person for all media advertising buys. This individual shall
work in the host market to negotiate advertising buys promoting various NCAA-approved fan events and general
event information.
3.Community Awareness. The LOC/host should identify effective ways to involve the community through
community affairs calendars, social media, community newspapers, convention and visitors bureau, chambers of
commerce, etc. It is important to ensure that local residents have an opportunity to purchase tickets learn about
and enjoy the environment created by the championship.
4.Grassroots Efforts: The LOC/host should identify all possible methods to communicate information about the
championship to targeted audiences. Championship information should be provided to area middle school and
high school coaches, school systems, recreation centers, sport organizations and youth leagues/teams.
Information should be shared via email, digitally, socially, through marketing collateral and presence at events and
venues.
5.Database Outreach: The LOC/host is expected to communicate championship, ticket and fan event information
to all relevant databases (e.g., venue, season ticket holders, alumni, donor, sports commission, youth, conference,
third party, key stakeholders, etc.) as requested. The LOC/host is encouraged and expected to reach out to
institutions within a determined mile radius of each site requesting championship information be sent to available
databases. Hosts should be prepared with NCAA approved electronic promotional materials should neighboring
institutions agree to send championship information to their databases on behalf of hosts.
6.Final Ticket Database. The LOC/host shall send the ticket database including all requested fieldsto the NCAA
tournament manager on request.
7.Public Relations. The LOC/host shall appoint an individual with strong contacts with the local media.
Responsibilities include developing, in conjunction with the NCAA, a comprehensive public relations plan for all
ticket sales and fan engagement events for the championship.
Host institutions/conferences should solicit the cooperation of local media outletsin providing coverage of the
sport/championshipleading up to and duringthe championship. The coverage could include human interest stories
and features on the nation's top players, coaches and teams or on anyonewho would be deemed as of interest
locally.Media outlets should be requested to provide specific information about how to purchase tickets and special
ticket offers/promotions.
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8.Creative. It is not permissible for the LOC/host to create or design marketing relateditems. The NCAAwill provide
all collateral artwork in conjunction with marketing the championship.
9.LOC/Host Related Assets. The LOC/host is responsible for compiling a list of assets available to market ticket
sales which should include, but are not limited to interior and exterior signage, digital banners, broadcast inventory,
in venue promotional inventory, etc. Dates of availability, specs and delivery information should be submitted by
a mutually agreed upon date.
10.Promotional Items. Items such as bumper stickers, balloons, key chains, refrigerator magnets, etc. can be created
for specific NCAA approved marketing efforts. If such items are produced, they must be given away and not sold.
The items must be purchased from an official NCAA licenseeand approved in advance by the NCAA.
11.Ticket Promotion. The NCAA does not allow complimentary tickets to its championships. However, the NCAA will
permit the purchase of tickets to use for championship promotional efforts. All ticket promotions must be approved
in advance by the NCAA.
12.Ticket Sales Commission Plan. The LOC/host may develop a ticket sales commission plan in order to assist in
the sale of tickets. All commission plans must be approved by the NCAA beforeentering into any agreement with
any outside group.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, a brief proposal including a commission plan, a list of group(s) that
plan to participate and ticket distribution method(s) must be submitted to the NCAA for approval.
13.Use of NCAA Marks. The NCAA must approve any use of the NCAA’s name, logos or marks. No commercial
entity’s logo can be used in conjunction with the NCAA’s name or marks, unless approved in advance by the
NCAA.
14.Championship Website. The NCAA will maintain a website at ncaa.com/ticketsthat will serve as the official site
for the championship. The LOC/host shall provide this link as the sole source for championship information. The
official NCAA championship site must be the only URL associated with the championship in promotional materials.
15.Local Organizing Committee Website. The LOC/host can create anevent-specific website to supplement the
official ncaa.com/tickets website to increase exposure for their championship.This specific website should direct
patrons to a landing page that is free of any corporate or sponsor marks in order to not compete with the NCAA’s
Corporate Champions and Partners. All LOC specificevent websites must be approved by the NCAA before
making it live on their platform.
NCAA championships marketing staff will provide feedback and approval for the final marketing plan and budget on a
collaborative basis. Any adjustments to the marketing budget after the final plan and budget have been approved must
be submitted to the NCAA for review and approval.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page49
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
In an effort toprovide more consistency and efficient partnership with host communities, institutions and conferences,
and in recognition of the economic impact NCAA championships bring to local communities, the NCAA is instituting the
following financial structure for the selected NCAA championships covered by these bid specifications. The following
financial arrangements shall apply:
The NCAA shall receive a minimum guarantee for selected championships. Please review the sport-specific bid
specifications to verify if any championships require a minimum guarantee. This will also be noted when completing
the budget.
The LOC/host may receive an approved allocation for carrying out championship game responsibilities.
The NCAA may receive reimbursement of various championship expenses identified in the championships budget.
Revenue sharing opportunities between the NCAA and the LOC/host for any receipts in excess of the accepted
budget.
As part of its bid, the LOC/host is encouraged to provide a detailed plan reflecting proposed modifications to the minimum
basic financial structure outlined below that represents an additional commitment by the LOC/host. Examples may
include forgoing, forthe benefit of the NCAA, any portion of revenue or expense allocation reserved to the LOC/host
and/or offer additional forms of value to the NCAA.
The LOC/host shall submit, as part of its bid, a detailed budget for the championship event. This shall include all revenue
sources and expenditure uses, including the amount retained by the LOC/host or the sponsoring agency. Any
modifications to the approved budget must have prior approval from the NCAA staff.
The following are minimum financial parameters for completing the proposed budget for the specified championship:
1.Championship Receipts.Includes all revenue from sale of tickets, including ticket revenue from suites (less
admissions taxes, discount fees, and commission expenses, if any), handling fees and other income derived from
the operation of the championship, except as hereinafter specifically excluded.
a.Tickets (includes all ticket sales regardless of the seller, whether sold by the host institution, the NCAA, the
venue);
b.Other Revenue (includes sponsorship revenue, food/beverage, parking and other event-related revenues).
2.Championship Expenditures. Each sponsoring agency shall submit a championship budget that includes the
following:
a.
Promotion(promotions, advertising, printing and grassroots opportunities).
b.Ticket Expense(charge card expenses, commissions, state and city taxes, ticket vendor fee, host box office
fee). As part of the tax related expense associated with the championship, the host shall be required to remit
all state and local taxes to the appropriate agencies. Hosts shall remit the taxes on the sale of all tickets from
the championship, and not just thosesold through their box office (Host channel). Also note, that as part of
the bid process, it is the responsibility of the host to accurately report all state and local tax rates to the NCAA,
so that the proper remittance is completed. The NCAA may, at its discretion, require a host to provide a letter
of tax attestation from an independent CPA firm, verifying the state and local tax requirements of the
championship. This shall be done at the cost of the host andis not reimbursable by the NCAA.
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page50
c.
Equipment(telephone installation, copy machines, game equipment).
d.As a result of the positive impact NCAA championships have on the
Facility Rental, Supplies and Personnel.
local community, the NCAA views reduced or rent-free use of NCAA championship venues as a favorable
term and condition for a bid submission. The venue rental(s) shall include all personnel and services for the
practice, competition and ancillary event venue(s) deemed necessary by the NCAA, including butnot limited
to ushers, ticket sellers, ticket takers and other ticket personnel, game production staff, exit personnel,
security personnel, fire personnel, a first-aid room staffed by paramedics or other certified emergency
personnel, maintenance, construction, and clean-up of the venue, venue grounds, etc. All personnel shall be
under the sole direction and control of the venue and are not to be considered employees or agents of the
NCAA.
e.Games management personnel(public address announcer, timers and scoreboard operators, statisticians,
official scorer, medical personnel).
f.
Entertainment(media hospitality, meetings, luncheons and banquets, participants’ refreshments).
g.OfficiatingExpenses. Thefollowingofficiatingrelated expenses,which may be the responsibility of the host,
shall be included in the budget:officials’lodging, travel, fees, and per diem.Please refer to sport-specific bid
specifications for clarification on if the host is responsible for these expenses.
Additional Financial Requirements.
The following additional financial requirements shall also apply to the bid response:
1.In addition to the specific requirements cited above, any LOC that participates in a bid of an NCAA championship
shall provide one year of the LOC’s most recent audited financial statements for review by the NCAA. \[Note: This
requirement is only for LOCs andis not requested of NCAA institutions and/or conferences.\]
2.Submit all actual financial information via the approved budget system in the NCAA Championships Bid Portalno
later than 60 days after the last date of the competition.
3.Adhere to the established and agreed-upon budget for the operation and execution of the event, and as such, any
changes to the budget must be approved by the NCAA.
4.Provide detailed consistency in budget to actual reporting in the budget system in the NCAA Championships Bid
Portal, so as to provide the most accurate detail of revenues and expenses for the event(s).
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/LEGACY PROGRAMS
The NCAA is committed to offering sustainability initiative, community engagement opportunities and legacy programs
within the framework of NCAA championships. The information below outlines some of the programs and initiatives
currently in place around championships.
Division I: Read to the Final Four
The Read to the Final Four program provides the NCAA and LOC an opportunity to support elementary literacy efforts
with local school districts througha March Madness style competition between schools. The program is promoted
throughout the championship year. The actual competition traditionally starts in January and ends twoweeks before
Final Four week. The “Final Four” schools are rewarded with a trip to a Final Four-weekcelebration program at Fan Fest
or Open Practice, where a winner is announced and presented with a trophy and prizes. The programs havetraditionally
attracted thousands of participants andhas accounted for millions of minutes read by the children.
Hostsare expected to develop relationships with the local school districts and recruit school district staff to serve on the
community committee. The host is expected to raise/provide funds to support the costs of a technology vendor, book
purchases, prizes and food and beverage for the field trip Final Four week.
Division II: Make-A-Wish
Continuing its longstanding commitment to philanthropy, in 2003, NCAA Division II established a national alliance with
Make-A-Wish®, a global charity that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the
human experience with hope, strength and joy.
In the spirit of service, NCAA Division II student-athletes, coaches, administrators, parents, fans and communities across
the countryare workinghard to makea differencein the lives of Make-A-Wish families through their fundraising efforts.
Since 2003, NCAA Division II has raised more than $6.75million to help grant more than 780wishes in support of the
Make-A-Wish Foundation. In addition, Division II has partnered with Team IMPACT to connect teams with children facing
serious and chronic illnesses. Since 2015, the division has formed over 620matches with Team IMPACT children.
Hosts are encouraged to develop programs and relationships with their local Make-A-Wish chaptersor recognize their
Team IMPACT childin conjunction with hosting an NCAA championship. While no specific information is needed with
your bid, upon the award of a Division II championship hosts will be encouraged to celebrate one or both of Division II’s
community engagement partnersonsite during the championship event.
To learn more about Division II’s approach to community engagement, please visit:http://www.ncaa.org/about/division-
ii-community-engagement
Division III: Special Olympics
The NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee initiated a partnership with Special Olympics in August 2011.
The purpose of the partnership is threefold: 1) to improve the lives of Special Olympic athletes through their involvement
with Division III student-athletes and to foster a mutual learning experience between Division III student-athletes and
Special Olympic athletes; 2) to provide a platform for recognition of Special Olympic athletes, and 3) to raise awareness
about Special Olympics and the programs and services it provides.
In addition, the partnership serves as an opportunity to demonstrate citizenship and comprehensive learning attributes
of Division III student-athletes.Student-athletes giving back to their local communities not only adds to the
comprehensive learning component of Division III, but also provides a venue for passion and service.
As part of this partnership, many of the NCAA Division III championships since August 2011 have included activities
involving local Special Olympic athletes. If your institution/host agency intends to include activities that include Special
Olympic athletes as part of the hosting an NCAA championship, please provide a summary of these plans.
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AGREEMENTTOTERMSANDCONDITIONS
The championship host that is bidding on this championship agrees to all terms and conditions as outlined
above in this Championship Bid Specifications Agreement. We agree to comply with all the requirements listed
in this document and to administer the designated championship in accordance with the policies of the NCAA
and the applicable NCAA sports committee. Prospective hosts that agree with all the requirements listed in
this document for the designated championship shall signify agreement by selecting “Yes” below.
YESNO
Prospective hosts who do not agree with all requirements in this document shall select “No” above and
complete Attachment A specifying the terms the prospective host is proposing. Please note any proposed
revisions to the language in this document must be specified in Attachment A to be considered. Any revisions,
deletions, stipulations, etc. made directly in this document to the specifications listed above shall not be
accepted
GeneralBidSpecifications2026-27 through 2027-2028Page53
2026 & 2027
CHAMPIONSHIPS (All Regions)
SPORT SPECIFIC INFORMATION
2
Table of Contents
Page No.
Section I Introduction..................................................................................................................... 4
Section II Championship Structure (Future Dates/Date Formula) .................................................. 5
Section III General Facility Requirements ....................................................................................... 6
Section IV 0
Section V Lodging........................................................................................................................... 11
Section VI NCAA/Host Responsibility .............................................................................................. 12
Section VII 4
Section VIII Marketing........................................................................................................................ 14
Section IX Tentative Schedule of Events ......................................................................................... 16
Section X 17
Section XI Volunteer Needs ............................................................................................................. 18
Section XII Budget History ................................................................................................................ 19
IN THE EVENT OF ANY CONFLICT OR INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN THE SPECIFICATIONS THAT FOLLOW
AND ANY SUCH SPECIFICATIONS IN THE GENERAL BID SPECIFICATIONS DOCUMENT, THE FORMER
SHALL PREVAIL AND GOVERN THE MATTER.
3
SECTION I: INTRODUCTION
The
institutions/conferences the opportunity to submit a proposal to host one or more NCAA championships.
The information contained in this document and the accompanying attachments provides the minimum bid
specifications for hosting any of these championships, as well as essential information that will provide
assistance in the development of a creative, comprehensive and competitive bid proposal. The NCAA awards
the privilege of hosting an NCAA championship several years in advance so those communities may work
collaboratively with the NCAA to create positive experiences for its student-athletes, participating institutions,
fans and the community.
A member institution or member conference of the NCAA must be designated as the host
institution/conference for the championship. The administration of the championship is under the authority of
the respective sports committee subject to final authority from the NCAA Division I Competition Oversight
Committee and Division II and Division III Championships Committees. All activities and events associated
with the championship are to be approved by the sports committee.
4
SECTION II: CHAMPIONSHIP STRUCTURE (FUTURE DATES/DATE FORMULA)
DATE FORMULAS
Regionals (9) Eight days prior to the national championships (Friday)
2026 November 13
2027 November 12
within a particular region to compete at the championships. For a complete list of institutions within a region, refer to the
-Championships Manual www.NCAA.org, select Membership,
Division I, Division I Championships Home, fall sports, cross country.
ve-seven person)
teams and 38 individuals per gender for a total of 255 competitors per gender. To be eligible to participate in the
championships, teams and individuals must qualify through participation at their respective regional championship sites.
Eighteen teams automatically qualify to the championships races by finishing as one of the top two teams at any of the
nine regional championship races. The remaining 13 at-large teams are selected by the NCAA Division I track and
field/cross country subcommittee. Thirty-six individuals automatically qualify to the championships races by being one
of the top four regional finishers not on an advancing team. Two additional individuals are selected at-large by the
championship races will be championship races will be 6,000 meters.
However, courses should have the capabilities to run 6,000 meters, 8,000 meters and 10,000 meters.
5
SECTION III: GENERAL FACILITY/COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. The Americans with Disabilities Act, which went into effect January 26, 1992, requires that public
establishments offer equal access and services to people who are physically and mentally disabled.
The facility must agree that it will be in compliance with all applicable cities, state or federal regulations
concerning access and seating for people with disabilities.
2. The facility must be available from 7 a.m. Thursday preceding the competition through the day after the
championships (Saturday) for the purpose of preparing for, practicing for, conducting the competition (Friday is
competition day the women will race first followed by the men) and in the case of inclement weather that may
require the championships to carry over to Saturday. During that period of time, the facility will be clean and
accessible, and racing conditions must be safe and of championships caliber. The facility shall be set with all
course markings (i.e. mile/km marks, start line, etc.) in place prior to the start of practice.
The host site must also provide assurance that there will be no large-scale competing events (e.g., home football
game, convention, conference, etc.) within the host city that would negatively impact the student-athlete and
spectator experience. This includes assurance of adequate hotels, rental cars, travel accommodations (flights
in/out of host city), support staff/personnel, availability and access to dining/restaurant options, and access to
championship resources and infrastructure items (e.g., tents, scaffolding, generators, security, parking/traffic
control, etc.).
3. The NCAA specifically disclaims any responsibility to investigate the safety or code compliance of the facility
and parking lots or the component products, equipment, materials, designs and constructions.
4. The championships courses must conform to specifications outlined in the NCAA Cross Country/Track and Field
Rules Book. Special attention must be paid to the following:
Course Distance: Men 10,000 meters; Women 6,000 meters. (Note: Course should be
capable of running an 8,000 meter race distance as well).
The starting line shall be wide enough to provide at least a 50-centimeter space for each of
four front-line team starters and a 50-centimeter space fo each individual starter.
The optimal distance to the first turn is 600 meters (800 meters preferred).
The preferred width of the course is not less than 10 meters throughout.
Should the course change after the bid is awarded or deemed that the course does not meet
the noted specifications, the track and field/cross country committee reserves the right to
withdraw the bid.
5. During competition, the facility must be equipped to relay key split marks throughout the course (e.g. every mile
or kilometer) to competitors (e.g. read aloud or make electronic clocks visually available). Additionally, all course
6
markings (i.e. mile/km marks, start line, etc.) must be in place prior to the start of practice.
6. The facility/course must have a comprehensive safety and security plan in case of inclement weather conditions
or emergencies.
7. At the discretion of the NCAA, practice sessions may be open to the public at no admittance charge. Programs,
merchandise and concessions may be sold during practice sessions, if applicable.
8. The facility must provide the following additional space at its expense with all areas subject to the
approval of the NCAA:
a. A sports medicine area for student-athletes.
b. Media work space for 30 with appropriate power, Internet access, lighting, heat, air-conditioning and toilet
facilities.
c. One area of private meeting space for use of the games committee/NCAA site representative.
d. A results control area containing one photocopy machine with capabilities for reproducing results and
other materials with a minimum per-copy speed of 75 per minute. The copy machine also shall include
a collator and automatic stapler. The facility shall be responsible for the installation, service costs and
paper for these machines during the championships.
e. A room for drug testing, with a waiting area, separate toilet facilities (one for each gender) and a
minimum of 500 square feet of space.
f. A location to conduct packet pickup the day prior to the regional championships.
9. The host must secure the primary timing and live results group for the regional championships and ensure that
the necessary timing technology is in place to conduct the championships. In addition, note the following
requirements for meet management: 1) Employ three methods of timing and recording places (bib chip timing,
FinishLynx, and video emphasis placed on the use of FinishLynx); 2) split timing with a minimum of 2 splits for
4 ) Supply and ensure application of hip numbers and bibs with
chips attached for all student-athletes; and 4) Conduct a complete review of the finish. The host will recommend
within the bid submission the timing group by attaching a contract. The NCAA committee must approve all
timing groups before a contract is signed.
10. The facility/course shall provide tents, tables, chairs, skirting, bunting, pipe-and-drape and platforms for all areas
described herein as required by the NCAA. Areas include, but may not be limited to merchandise, clerking,
medical and protest area.
11. The facility/course shall provide complimentary parking spaces for the participating teams, NCAA site
representatives, timing and officials in prime locations. Sufficient parking spaces must also be made available
7
to attending spectators. If there is any cost associated with securing adequate parking, that cost shall be the
responsibility of the host.
12. A traffic support plan for all spectator and participant vehicles shall be provided.
13. The facility/course shall be responsible for and pay the costs of the coordination and installation of all
signage/decorations at the course and ancillary events. NCAA will provide a basic signage package for each
regional site.
14. The facility/course shall provide at least one main results area and a protest area for coaches that is separated
from the public.
15. Ability to conduct a virtual coaches meeting prior to institutions arriving onsite.
16. A full complement of facility/course crew personnel must be on site at all times during practice and competition.
17. The facility/course will provide a public-address system. It is also preferred to have a video board and associated
equipment to display meet results, live action, and NCAA messaging. Plans to accommodate the video board
should be detailed in the facility/course questionnaire. Preference may be given to hosts willing to provide a
video board for the regional championships please note videoboards are non-reimbursable items for the cross
country regional championships and should not be included in your proposed budget.
18. If broadcast rights are obtained in the future, the NCAA will work with future hosts on the details of the
requirements. For broadcast specific details please reference the General Section, Broadcast, Media and
Internet. Please complete the power verification form and attach it with your bid (available in the bid portal).
19. Host should be able to secure meet personnel as outlined in the NCAA Cross Country/Track and Field Rules
Book. The host will submit to the NCAA their recommendations for referee and starter, but final approval is with
the NCAA committee. Both of these positions are paid. The host will need to secure additional officials to include
clerks, finish line judge, marshals, umpires and required assistant/recall starters as outlined in the NCAA Cross
Country/Track and Field Rules.
The host institution/conference/sponsoring agency must submit a facility diagram with bid materials which indicates
the location of the areas noted below. In addition, include a written description of the course \[e.g. start rolls out flat for
860 meters before a gradual right hand turn. A rise in elevation (approximate 3% grade) occurs at one kilometer mark,
etc.\].
Facility diagram to include:
Awards area
start and finish lines marked
Team tent areas
8
Locker rooms/shower access (if any) Public flow
Concessions Parking
Merchandise Clerking
Restrooms Video board (if applicable)
Media area Results area
Drug testing Protest area
Sports Medicine area
The prospective host that is bidding on this championship agrees to all terms and conditions as
outlined above in this Championship Bid Specifications Agreement. We agree to comply with all the
requirements listed in this document and to administer the designated championship in accordance
with the policies of the NCAA and the applicable NCAA sports committee. Prospective hosts that
agree with all the requirements listed in this document for the designated championship shall signify
_____YES _____NO _____NO with Exception
terms. Please note: any proposed revisions to the language in this document must be specified in
the bidding portal to be considered.
9
SECTION IV: EVENT HISTORY
Past/Future
Hosts 2022 2023 2024 2025
Greater Cleveland
Evansville Sports
Indiana State University of Sports Commission
Corporation/University
Great Lakes University Wisconsin and Mid-American
of Evansville
Regional Conference
Mid-Atlantic Penn State Penn State
Lehigh University Lehigh University
Regional University University
Midwest Oklahoma State Oklahoma State
Missouri Bradley University
Regional University University
Reno Sparks
Convention and
University of New
Texas Tech University Visitors University of Utah
Mexico
Mountain Authority/University
Regional of Nevada, Reno
Columbia University of
Northeast
Columbia University Boston College
University Massachusetts Lowell
Regional
Huntsville Sports
Huntsville/North Florida State
University of Florida Commission/University
Alabama University
of North Alabama
South Regional
Texas A&M Texas A&M
University of University of Arkansas,
South Central University, College University, College
Arkansas, Fayetteville Fayetteville
Regional Station Station
Spartanburg
Convention and
Visit York
University of Visitors
County/Winthrop University of Virginia
Louisville Bureau/University of
University
Southeast South Carolina
Regional Upstate
Sacramento Sports Sacramento Sports
University of Commission/California Washington State Commission/California
Washington State University, University State University,
Sacramento Sacramento
West Regional
10
Attendance History and Ticket Pricing: The NCAA cross country regional championships will vary in attendance
size based on the size of the region. Host can anticipate anywhere from 500-2,000 spectators depending on the region.
If tickets are sold for the event, the NCAA and host will mutually agree on ticket pricing. Typical pricing for the regional
championships has been $5-10 per person.
Media Attendance: Media attendance varies, but typically consists of popular running media outlets and the high
majority of media being institutional sport information directors, team content personnel and photographers.
SECTION V: LODGING
The host institution/conference/sponsoring agency is responsible for securing non-risk/attrition free hotel blocks as
options for all participating teams.
corporate partner in the hotel category (should one exist at the time of the bid). All hotels shall be in close proximity to
the competition venue. The team hotels must be of comparable quality and distance from the venue. All hotels
contracted must have experience with and understand the needs of large sports related groups. Teams are responsible
for making their own hotel arrangements and are not required to stay in any host secured blocks.
Efforts should be made to assist teams in securing sleeping rooms for each participating team at favorable rates for
the duration of the championships (early check-in on Wednesday and check out on Friday). Refer to the Division I
-Championships Manual for a list of eligible institutions in each region.
In addition, the host is responsible for securing hotel accommodations for the NCAA site representative and the meet
starter and referee, if necessary (check-in on Thursday and check out on Friday). The host institution is financially
responsible for these accommodations to be reimbursed by the NCAA.
The prospective host that is bidding on this championship agrees to all terms and conditions as
outlined above in this Championship Bid Specifications Agreement. We agree to comply with all the
requirements listed in this document and to administer the designated championship in accordance
with the policies of the NCAA and the applicable NCAA sports committee. Prospective hosts that
agree with all the requirements listed in this document for the designated championship shall signify
_____YES _____NO _____NO with Exception
terms. Please note: any proposed revisions to the language in this document must be specified in
the bidding portal to be considered.
11
SECTION VI: NCAA/HOST RESPONSIBILITY
NCAA PROVIDES:
1. Transportation, lodging and per diem for the NCAA site
ons Manual. Host pays for the lodging expenses (room and tax) and
will be reimbursed by NCAA through the online host reporting system budget.
2. Transportation, p
the NCAA through the online host reporting system budget.
3. Game fee for the meet starter and allotment of $500 dollars to cover additional officials at the discretion of the
host and Manual. Host
will pay for these expenses and will be reimbursed by the NCAA through the online host reporting system budget.
4. Funding for promotional efforts.
5. Funding for championship operational expenses as approved in the bid process (see Financial Administration
document for more details)
6. Basic signage package.
7. Merchandise.
HOST INSTITUTION/CONFERENCE AND/OR SPONSORING AGENCY PROVIDES:
1. Facilities (including complimentary participant and championship staff parking).
2. Volunteers.
3. Media coordination.
4. First aid/medical services/AED on-site/ambulance on-site.
5. Championships hospitality (limited allowance in operational budget).
6. Food/beverage concessions.
12
7. Hydration for student-athletes at practice and meet.
8. Public address system.
9. Support personnel ticket takers, media runners, etc.
10. Security.
11. Media area.
12. Tickets, if applicable.
13. All computers, printers, video equipment, photocopy machines, internet, etc. necessary to administer the
championships, and as may be required by the NCAA.
14. Appropriate directional signage within and outside the venue.
15. Creation and maintenance of regional microsite. (See NCAA microsite guidelines)
16. Meet personnel (e.g., public address announcers, support for timing system, etc.)
17. Securing of timing personnel. (Must be approved by NCAA committee before signing contract)
18. Ordering of bibs, pins and hip numbers.
19. Other items as later requested by the NCAA.
The prospective host that is bidding on this championship agrees to all terms and conditions as
outlined above in this Championship Bid Specifications Agreement. We agree to comply with all the
requirements listed in this document and to administer the designated championship in accordance
with the policies of the NCAA and the applicable NCAA sports committee. Prospective hosts that
agree with all the requirements listed in this document for the designated championship shall signify
_____YES _____NO _____NO with Exception
terms. Please note: any proposed revisions to the language in this document must be specified in
the bidding portal to be considered.
13
SECTION VII: TRANSPORTATION
There are no additional transportation requirements from the host for the Division I Cross Country Regional
Championships outside of the parking requirements listed in Section III.
SECTION VIII: MARKETING
1. Marketing Plans. Upon selection, the host is required to submit a marketing plan for review and approval
prior to activation by the NCAA marketing staff. Please refer to the appropriate marketing plan template as a
guide.
2. Budgets. When the proposed budget is submitted, a maximum of $500 should be allocated for these
purposes. The marketing budget should only include items needed for: marketing, advertising, printing costs,
grassroots opportunities and promotions.
3. Creative Process. A creative marketing assistance website is available to the host for their marketing needs.
This marketing website, NCAAChampsPromotion.com, is a comprehensive tool designed to help hosts create
marketing pieces which will generate awareness and promote tickets and or attendance for the
championship.
Hosts should customize and download all necessary artwork to promote the championship. Every effort should
be made to use the online marketing templates, produce the items locally and obtain reimbursement for
production costs, up to the reimbursable allocation provided.
All artwork and reimbursement requests must be approved by the NCAA prior to proceeding with production.
Artwork requests and approvals will be managed through the website. Should you not have a local vendor, a
list of preferred NCAA vendors is available on the website
4. Radio/TV. Host institutions/conferences may create television and/or radio advertisements, if approved in
advance by NCAA staff. The following must be submitted for approval:
a. Script and footage for television ads.
b. Script for radio ads.
5. Support Documents. Hosts should refer to the following support documents when developing marketing
plans and budgets: NCAA Ticket Promotional Use Guidelines, NCAA Sales Commission Guidelines, and
NCAA Micro-Site Guidelines.
14
The prospective host that is bidding on this championship agrees to all terms and conditions as
outlined above in this Championship Bid Specifications Agreement. We agree to comply with all the
requirements listed in this document and to administer the designated championship in accordance
with the policies of the NCAA and the applicable NCAA sports committee. Prospective hosts that
agree with all the requirements listed in this document for the designated championship shall signify
_____YES _____NO _____NO with Exception
terms. Please note: any proposed revisions to the language in this document must be specified in
the bidding portal to be considered.
15
SECTION IX: TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Tuesday
Mandatory virtual coaches meeting.
Wednesday
Course preparation.
Thursday
Course preparation.
Course walk-through with NCAA site representative.
Course review and practice by participants.
Packet pick-up.
Friday
Course preparation.
Course review and warm-up by participants.
Wom race start time to be determined.
M race start time to be determined.
Post-competition recognition ceremony.
*Start times are subject to the approval of the track and field/cross country committee.
16
SECTION X: ANCILLARY EVENTS
A virtual coaches meeting will be held on the Tuesday prior to the regional championships at a time agreeable
between the NCAA and the host.
The United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) may conduct a business
meeting following the mandatory virtual coaches meeting and presents awards following the conclusion of the NCAA
regional championships. All coaches association activities held in conjunction with the championship are conducted
at the discretion of the NCAA and are subject to NCAA approval.
17
SECTION XI: VOLUNTEER NEEDS
Approximately 75-150 volunteers on competition day will be needed for assignments, including course safety, team
basket/gear crew, finish chute, concessions, parking, media and merchandise sales.
The prospective host that is bidding on this championship agrees to all terms and conditions as
outlined above in this Championship Bid Specifications Agreement. We agree to comply with all the
requirements listed in this document and to administer the designated championship in accordance
with the policies of the NCAA and the applicable NCAA sports committee. Prospective hosts that
agree with all the requirements listed in this document for the designated championship shall signify
_____YES _____NO _____NO with Exception
terms. Please note: any proposed revisions to the language in this document must be specified in
the bidding portal to be considered.
18
SECTION XII: BUDGET HISTORY
Expenditures Three-Year Average
Total Expenses $22,000.00
Promotion $200.00
Tickets $100.00
Facility $1,500.00
Personnel $11,200.00
Entertainment $700.00
Equipment $7,300.00
Officiating $1,000.00
19
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date: August 19, 2025 Department Director Approval:
Check all that apply: consent old business new business public hearing
information admin. report pending legislation executive session
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Admin. Report Sullivan Property Update
GOVERNING LEGISLATION:
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN:
BACKGROUND:
In the spring of 2025, the City was approached by a benefactor indicating an interest in
developing and constructing a regional tourism facility to serve youth sports within Spokane
Valley and the region and associated economic development facilities. The benefactor is
partnering with Innovia Foundation, which has been tasked to lead the project on behalf of the
benefactor. Staff identified the recently acquired Sullivan Property north of Sullivan Park as a
potential location for the project. The benefactor has indicated a desire to provide a substantial
portion of the project, but has requested some City participation. Tonight, Innovia Foundation
will discuss the potential project and staff will discuss options for City participation in the project.
Staff will be seeking input and direction from Council on its desire to continue to work with
Innovia and the benefactor on the project.
OPTIONS: Discussion
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Discussion. Staff will be seeking input and direction
from Council on its desire to continue to work with Innovia and the benefactor on the project.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: Unknown at this time.
STAFF CONTACT:
___________________________________________________________________________
ATTACHMENTS:
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date: August 19, 2025 Department Director Approval:
Check all that apply: consent old business new business public hearing
information admin. report pending legislation executive session
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: City LTAC Application Discussion
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: N/A
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: Based on Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)
recommendations, Council awarded $6.9 million in lodging tax funds for the construction of The
Course Spokane Valley facility. Discussion of maintenance costs of the facility occurred at the
June 10, 2025 Budget Workshop.
BACKGROUND:
The City owns and is constructing The Course Spokane Valley at its public park property at 2520
N Flora Rd to host cross-country running events at the local, regional, and national levels. The
Advisory (SFA), is developing rental fee recommendations
for these events. Once The Course is up and running, the rental fees are expected to offset a
portion of the ongoing operating and maintenance costs of the facility. However, until that time
the operating and maintenance in the Parks and
Recreation Department. These costs are currently estimated at about $257,000.
As The Course Spokane Valley will serve as a tourism facility owned and operated by a
municipality, the operations and maintenance costs are eligible for lodging tax funds. Staff is
seeking Council consensus for the City to submit an application to the LTAC to for a portion of
meeting for a motion approving the submission of the application.
OPTIONS: Consensus for staff to return with a motion for the City to apply for lodging tax funds
for the operating and maintenance costs of The Course Spokane Valley for 2026, or other
discussion by Council.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Consensus for staff to return with a motion for the City
to apply for lodging tax funds for the operating and maintenance costs of The Course Spokane
Valley for 2026, or other discussion by Council.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACTS: Estimated costs for ongoing operations and maintenance of
The Course Spokane Valley cross-country facility are currently $257,000. These will be budgeted
in the General Fund in the Parks and Recreation Department.
STAFF CONTACT: John Bottelli, Parks and Recreation Director; Mike Basinger, Community and
Economic Development Director; Chelsie Walls, Finance Director
ATTACHMENTS: None