So we didn't get an NCAA Final Four between 2012 and 2016. Five great cities got them... Five great cities didn't.

Why did St. Louis miss out? I tried to find out. I participated in a conference call with Mike Slive, the chair of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee. Media members from all the "losing cities" got to ask questions about why their city didn't get it.

After 30 minutes, none of us really got any answers.

Slive was vague and spoke in platitudes saying things like, "The process was extremely difficult because we believe in all 10 cities and expect them to be part of the Final Four in the future and we encourage them to bid again."

The Edward Jones dome is clearly no Lucas Oil Stadium (in Indianapolis) or Reliant Stadium (in Houston) which WILL be hosting upcoming Final Fours. I asked Slive if the outdated Dome was a negative for St. Louis. He didn't bite. "We don't think the Dome was considered a negative. Everyone was extremely cooperative."

Slive went on to say there were a few "issues" from the 2005 Final Four in St. Louis that have since been worked out. When I asked for specifics he offered none.

It's fine to be vague with the media, but the St. Louis Sports Commission doesn't know any more than we do. They NEED non-sugarcoated feedback so they'll know what if anything needs to be changed the next time they make a bid. And they will bid again. There are about 100-million reasons why for the local economy.

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