As basketball fans eagerly await the start of the NCAA Men’s Division I basketball tournament, they are also curious to know which cities will host the event. In this article, we will explore the history and tradition of hosting the tournament, as well as the criteria that the NCAA uses to select the sites.
The History of Hosting the NCAA Basketball Tournament
The NCAA Men’s Division I basketball tournament was first introduced in 1939, with eight teams competing in a single-elimination format. Since then, the tournament has grown exponentially, with 68 teams vying for the championship each year.
In the early years of the tournament, the host city was typically chosen based on the location of the winning school or the team with the best record. However, in recent years, the NCAA has used a more formalized process to select the sites.
The Criteria for Hosting the NCAA Basketball Tournament
According to the NCAA, the following criteria are used to select the host cities for the tournament:
- Convenience: The location of the site should be easily accessible to a majority of the participating teams and fans. This includes factors such as distance from major airports, availability of public transportation, and ease of parking.
- Facilities: The host city must have sufficient facilities to accommodate the needs of the tournament, including arenas, practice facilities, and lodging accommodations.
- Fan base: The NCAA considers the size and passion of the local fan base when selecting a site, as well as the potential for ticket sales and revenue generation.
- Cost: The cost of hosting the tournament is taken into account, including facility rental fees, labor costs, and other expenses.
Case Studies: Successful and Unsuccessful Hosts
Over the years, several cities have successfully hosted the NCAA Men’s Division I basketball tournament, while others have struggled. Here are a few examples of successful and unsuccessful hosts:
Successful Hosts:
- Indianapolis, Indiana: Indianapolis has hosted the tournament 23 times, more than any other city in the country. The city is known for its passionate basketball fan base and has a number of large arenas, including Lucas Oil Stadium and Bankers Life Fieldhouse. In recent years, Indianapolis has invested heavily in improving its facilities and infrastructure to make the tournament as enjoyable and memorable as possible for fans and teams alike.
- Atlanta, Georgia: Atlanta was chosen to host the 2021 tournament after being awarded the event in a highly competitive bidding process. The city is home to several high-profile arenas, including State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will be used for the first round and Sweet Sixteen, respectively. Atlanta is also known for its diverse fan base and thriving restaurant and entertainment scene.
- New Orleans, Louisiana: New Orleans was chosen to host the tournament in 2019 after the state of Louisiana agreed to provide funding for the event. The city is home to several historic arenas, including the Smoothie King Center and the New Orleans Arena, which will be used for the first round and Sweet Sixteen, respectively. The city is known for its vibrant culture and hospitality, making it a popular destination for fans and teams alike.
Unsuccessful Hosts:
- New York City, New York: In 2013, New York City was chosen to host the tournament for the first time in over 50 years. However, the city’s plans to hold the event at Madison Square Garden were ultimately scrapped after a disagreement with the NCAA over ticket sales and revenue sharing. The tournament was eventually held in Atlanta, Georgia, and New York City missed out on the opportunity to host the event.