The NCAA announced today that Orlando was selected to host the First-and-Second Rounds of the 2028 NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Championship, as well as the 2027 Division II Women’s Golf Championship. The Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, also known as March Madness, will return to Kia Center in 2028, co-hosted by UCF. Orlando most recently hosted First-and-Seconds Round games in 2023, 2017 and 2014, and 2004. The 2027 Division II Women’s Golf Championship will be held at Mission Resort + Club in Lake County, co-hosted by Rollins College.
"As the nation's premier sports destination, we're looking forward to welcoming student-athletes and fans from around the country to downtown Orlando for NCAA March Madness,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We can't wait to continue to showcase our vibrant community on the national stage and attract even more visitors to our region."
“On behalf of our Chairman, Sharon Line Clary, our Board of Directors and our partners at UCF, City of Orlando, Orlando Venues, Orange County, Visit Orlando, and the Florida Sports Foundation, we want to thank the NCAA for awarding these championships to our region,” said Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “The NCAA knows our community will come together to provide an exceptionally positive experience for the student-athletes that participate, as well as their families, alumni and fans who travel to watch them compete.”
“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!”
"We are thrilled to partner with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission and bring the excitement and prestige of NCAA Division II national championships back to Central Florida," said Rollins College Associate Vice President of Athletics Pennie Parker. "Orlando is one of the top destinations for amateur sporting events, and we take great pride in providing the NCAA with a first-class experience for student-athletes from around the country."
This iteration of the NCAA championships bidding process saw 293 different organizations submit bids to host at least one of the organization’s 87 championships that were 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 cycle of bidding 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 to 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.
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Greater Orlando Sports Commission
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Chase DeMayo
- October 02, 2024
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