Western's regional dream also a boost for local economy

The city of Bellingham wasn't just seeing blue when Western Washington University hosted both a men's and a women's NCAA Division II West Regional last week - there was quite a bit of green, as well.

According to estimates in a WWU release, hosting both tournaments pumped an estimated $1 million into the local economy by drawing more than 2,500 fans to town over the course of the two tournaments, which were held at Sam Carver Gymnasium from March 15 through 19.