OHIO — University of Dayton Arena's streak continues with hosting the start of the NCAA First Four through 2028.

The arena has hosted the start of the Division I men's basketball tournament since 2001 and holds the record for the most tournament games held at any facility at 137.

What You Need To Know

  • University of Dayton Arena has hosted the start of the Division I men's basketball tournament since 2001 

  • Kansas City will host the 2027 Midwest Regional, increasing its 137 total tournament games, which currently holds a tie with Dayton for second-all time

  • With the announcement, University of Dayton takes its total games past 150
  • Women's sports will also have their moment in Ohio in 2027 when the Division I finals of women's volleyball head to Columbus

Currently, University of Dayton Arena has the First Four through 2026. 

"Dayton, Ohio and the University of Dayton Arena have tipped off the NCAA tournament since 2001," said UD Vice-President and Director of Athletics Neil Sullivan in a news release. "Our region is uniquely qualified to continue our long-standing and successful partnership with the NCAA, and we are excited that partnership yields another extension of the NCAA First Four."

Kansas City will host the 2027 Midwest Regional, increasing its 137 total tournament games, which currently holds a tie with Dayton for second-all time.

With the announcement, University of Dayton takes its total games past 150.

In 2028, the first and second rounds of Division I men's basketball will also be held in Ohio at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, hosted by The Ohio State University. 

Division III's football championship game, the Stagg Bowl, will return to Salem Stadium in Virginia in 2027 before it returns to Ohio at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton in 2028. This will be the third time Canton holds the Stagg Bowl.

Women's sports will also have their moment in Ohio in 2027 when the Division I finals of women's volleyball head to Columbus. The finals will take place at Nationwide Arena hosted by The Ohio State University and Greater Columbus Sports Commission.

“Securing both the 2027 NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship and the 2028 Division I Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds is a tremendous honor for Columbus,” said Greater Columbus Sports Commission CEO and President Linda Logan in a news release. “Our city is deeply committed to supporting and elevating both men's and women's sports, and these events are a testament to that dedication. With the 2027 Women's Final Four already on our horizon, we’re proud to continue building a legacy of excellence in hosting premier collegiate championships including others awarded in this cycle. We are ready to welcome fans, athletes, and the entire sports community to experience what makes our city an elite sports destination.”