ANN ARBOR—It’s generally assumed that mega-sporting events like the Super Bowl?or, in early April, the NCAA Final Four in Detroit?always benefit a city financially, but that’s not necessarily the case.

According to experts in sports economy at the University of Michigan, state and city leaders and planners often tout only the monetary aspects of hosting?and don’t consider the entire economic picture.

For instance, while Detroit hotel rooms might be filled during the Final Four, if those corporate chains aren’t based in Michigan, some or most of that money ultimately leaves Michigan. In another example, one can’t assume the additional cash flow from visitors to local merchants will even begin to offset hosting costs. Nor can one assume a mega-sporting event such as the Final Four will raise Detroit’s profile enough to make visitors return and spend more money.

The following professors from the U-M School of Kinesiology are available to speak to the media about a variety of issues relating to the Final Four:

? Katherine Babiak can discuss corporate social responsibility in sport; community outreach/relations, philanthropy and environmental initiatives launched under the umbrella of corporate social responsibility; and socially responsible activities during mega-sporting events. She can be reached at (734) 763-6922 or kbabiak@umich.edu. For more information on Babiak: www.kines.umich.edu/faculty/full-time/babiak.html.

? Bettina Cornwell can address sponsorship-linked marketing communication platforms; consumer behavior; public policy; and international trade and development topics. She can be reached at (734) 647-0950 or tbettina@umich.edu. For more information on Cornwell: www.kines.umich.edu/faculty/full-time/cornwell.html.

? Rodney Fort can talk about sports economics and business, both in the United States and internationally; the pros and cons of hosting a mega-sporting event; the pros and cons of building a stadium; and can compare North American and world sports leagues. He can be reached at (734) 647-8989 or rodfort@umich.edu. For more information on Fort: www.kines.umich.edu/faculty/full-time/fort.html.

? Jason Winfree can discuss the financial impact on the city and region and quality of life issues. In addition, he studies the factors that affect attendance, ownership and pay in Major League Baseball. These studies have shown that location, as well as venue and team quality, affect demand for professional sports. He can be reached (734) 647-5424 or jwinfree@umich.edu. For more information on Winfree: www.kines.umich.edu/faculty/full-time/winfree.html.