University of Kentucky - Kentuckian Yearbook (Lexington, KY)

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t IncaH Spotlight wn exmgton We had a marvelous time, said Rosemary Pond, dean of reeidence hall lite, Some of the kids exchanged shirtsf, she said. It was realty an in-depth experience for residents. One of our gals fell in love with a St. John's boy, and I think he's going to transfer here nextyear. Ann Gordon, volunteer coordinator for NCAA said: 'It was tremendous. We were surprised at how smoothly the volunteer organization ran. There would be no way to estimate how many man hours volunteers put in; they helped with transportation, headquarter operations, hospitality, including airport arrivals, all Of the par? ties, and tours? Gordon said the more than 2000 volunteers included Cub Scouts, fraternities, sororities and a multitude 0t organizations, Businesses allowed employees time ott to help. Giving those volunteers the opportunity to show oft Lexing- ton was the hardest task of all. After a tailed attempt to lure the tournament here in 1978, City officials, along with local developers and the Office of eco- nomic development, organized the effort to fix up downtown for the tournament and the people of Lexington. Rupp Arena and the Hyatt Regency Hotel were not enough to get the bid Because Lexington was turned down for lack of hotel space, the 370eroom Radisson Plaza Hotel was proposed for the tournament, said Doug Gibson, director Of the office of economic development for Lexington. The hotel was part of the $50 million Vine Center project. The center, bounded by Broadway, Vine, Main and Mill streets, housed offices and had a parking structure. Developers tooted most of the bill, which was recovered through office rent- al and parking revenues. State and local officials also helped fie nance the venture. Had we not built the Radisson, we wouldnt have gotten the tournament, said Donald Webb, developer and chairman of the downtown NCAA committee With the Radisson making downv town's hotel room count 750, NCAA officials selected Lexington For the 1985 tournamenlt Upon receiving the good news, the people of Lexington sprang into action. A host committee and 1'1 other committees continued on page I7 Harper Shawn, a iunior Education major and member 0t Delta Delta Delta eorority hvhls the colortul basketball in the Basketbali Pamtmg :n Alumni gvm. It Wm une the ev tx botnre the NCAA t arialn out m town irPhom by Breck -mtt. e. UK coach Joe B. Hall hudi ENC: with the plnvors' 0t lhe East team in the dl'r star game during the Fmal Four weekend. PhutwhyClarencr Mlllcr NCAA final Four 15

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Villannva inns cheer their Wildcats in the 1985 NCAA champiumhip in Rupp Arena The Cinderella QUENTIN m the- tournament upset every team on ilk. way to become NCAA Champiuns A wailur al lhe Radisson Hotel gave out champagne to visiting NCAA fans. 77 Phuku bv Brm'k Smlkhcr 14 NCAA Final Four

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Ccnrgeluwn players huddle in a circle, preparing for the champiunshxp game in the NCAA Final Four. Ranked N0. J for most ot the year, the Hoyas tell to duteat against Villannva, 66-64. Villannva fans display signc and yell for their Wildcals Fans From all Over the United States Vis- ited Lexington during the NCAA Final Four Cheering un thelr tavoritc team. rPhotu by Brock Smilher 16 NCAA Final Four Sill Marl Igainst V mints in imiwd w :enter BiI he Redm