The building performed how its managers promised the NCAA it would on Thursday, and it even outshone other venues around the country in a few areas.
One of its most notable accomplishments, Boleski said, was filling up the arena up to near-capacity with school kids and excited local fans on Wednesday, which was open practice day. That never happens in other venues, and people took note.
"The practice day was just a home run," Boleski said. "A lot of the players were really impressed that they saw that many people there for practice day," he said.
Visiting national media also was impressed.
"In my three decades associated with college basketball, I've never witnessed an NCAA first round practice session quite like the one the Jayhawks had Thursday," said Steve Lavin, a Turner Sports NCAA analyst in town for the game. "It was not only a large crowd but the energy was palpable. "
"Overall, it's gone fantastic," Boleski said. "We've head a lot of comments from out of town guests who have been at other NCAA sites who say it ranked up there with the atmosphere of a Final Four."
