ORLANDO’S KIA CENTER TO HOST 2028 MARCH MADNESS
AS NCAA REVEALS SITE SELECTIONS
FOR 2026-2028 CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
ORLANDO, FL [October, 2024] – The NCAA announced today Orlando was selected to host the First and Second Rounds of the 2028 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. The Men’s Basketball Championship, also known as March Madness, returns to Kia Center in 2028, co-hosted by UCF. Orlando previously hosted First and Second Round games in 2023, 2017, and 2014 and 2004.
“We are absolutely thrilled to see the NCAA March Madness coming to Orlando! This is a testament to our community’s passion for sports and our commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans from all over the world,” said UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics, Terry Mohajir. “Hosting such a prestigious event not only highlights Orlando as a premier sports destination, but also strengthens our collective efforts to further enhance our college athletics brand. We look forward to showcasing the excitement of March Madness in our vibrant city!”
This iteration of the NCAA championships bidding process saw 293 individual organizations submit bids to host at least one of the organization’s 87 championships available for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years.
More than 1,000 bids were submitted by schools, sports commissions, municipalities and other organizations, according to data provided to Sports Business Journal by the NCAA. The bidders came from 47 states and D.C. This two-year bidding cycle was adjusted from what had been a four-year window when more than 450 preliminary and final host sites were awarded for the 2022-23 through 2025-26 academic years.
NCAA championship events attract spectators and families throughout the state of Florida and from across the United States, driving significant impact on hotels, restaurants and attractions in the Greater Orlando community. Until COVID-19 caused the cancellation of the NCAA’s spring 2020 championships, GO Sports had hosted at least one NCAA national championship or regional championship every year since 1996.
About the Greater Orlando Sports Commission
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is a private, non-profit organization established to attract and manage sports-related events, conferences and activities that drive positive economic development in the City of Orlando, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County. Founded in 1992-93, the organization has hosted or co-hosted more than 1,660 events in the Greater Orlando area with a total economic impact exceeding $3.3 billion in spending within the community. For more information, visit www.
About Kia Center
Kia Center, owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community, hosts major national events, concerts and family shows since its opening in the Fall of 2010. The Orlando Magic served as the developer and the facility was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, including 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Kia Center was honored with the International Association of Venue Managers' Venue Excellence Award, which is bestowed upon facilities that excel in the management and operation of public assembly venues. Kia Center was the only arena to garner this distinction. Additionally, the arena has earned numerous awards, which most notably includes TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and was named SportsBusiness Journal's 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For more information about the Kia Center, visit KiaCenter.com.
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