The NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship First & Second Rounds are returning to Dickies Arena March 18 – March 20, 2027.
Fort Worth has been selected by the NCAA to host the 2027 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Rounds 1&2 at Dickies Arena. This decision follows a rigorous bidding process where numerous cities across the US competed to host March Madness. It will be the second occasion that Dickies Arena and Fort Worth will host the 1st & 2nd Rounds, having previously hosted in 2022 as well.
“Dickies Arena couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome back the NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds to Dickies Arena,” said Matt Homan, President and General Manager of Dickies Arena. “This is an incredible honor for our fantastic city along with our partners the University of North Texas. We are more than ready to host exciting basketball games and create another memorable experience for our guests at Dickies Arena.”
In 2022, the event saw a complete sell-out with over 13,000 fans filling the stands, resulting in $11.5 million in direct spending and 14,000 room nights booked. The ultimate champion that year was Kansas, which emerged victorious from a competitive bracket featuring Baylor, North Carolina, Creighton, San Diego State, Texas Southern, Marquette, and Norfolk State.
“We are extremely honored the NCAA has chosen to bring March Madness back to Fort Worth and Dickies Arena,” said Jason Sands, executive director for the Fort Worth Sports Commission. “Our community is all in on sports and with each high-profile event we secure like this we further cement our place as a premiere sports tourism destination.”
“We are excited for the opportunity to serve as an institutional liaison and host in partnership with the Fort Worth Sports Commission, Dickies Arena, and the NCAA for the 2027 Division I Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds,” said Jared Mosley, Vice President and Director of Athletics at UNT. “We appreciate the partnership from each of the organizations and entities involved in the planning and hosting of this championship and look forward to serving in 2027.”
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