Dayton has been selected to host the men’s First Four NCAA basketball games from 2016-2018, continuing a run as the host of the tournament tip-off games for a total of 18 consecutive years. NCAA committee chair Scott Barnes says the choice to keep the tournament's opening games in Dayton is a reflection of the city's passion for the game and past success as a First Four host.
“When you think about Dayton’s track record in hosting the First Four and the community and how they’ve embraced this event since its inception really, it’s just been remarkable,” he said.
University of Dayton (UD) Media Relations Director Doug Hauschild says competition for hosting the games has gotten tougher over the years, but Dayton has a geographic advantage.
“We’re very easy to get to from the majority of teams that are going to be in the tournament, very easy to get to for the teams that advance to get to their next site, but again it comes back to experience," Hauschild said. "Other places may have a great crowd, or they may not, but the folks at the NCAA know that they’re in good hands here in Dayton."
The university has hosted 105 games in years past, more than any other venue in tournament history.
UD’s bid for additional second and third round tournament games was unsuccessful.
