I can remember when the entire State of North Carolina (and some parts of SC/VA/MD) essentially shut down for the ACC Tourney. Lots of folks were "sick" from work on Thursday and/or Friday. Some people would at least consider renting out their first-born to have a chance to attend any ACC Tourney game.
Of course, there were four games (two afternoon, two evening) on Thursday, two games on Friday, and one game on Saturday.
Overall I think it is a positive to have the finals on Saturday night, for several reasons others have cited. But it is obvious the "basketball gods" are now rearranging the leagues/games/broadcasts not necessarily for the fans but more for the $$$ involved.
Alas.
k