The Dayton region is recognized as the Epicenter of College Basketball. Fans from around the world know that THE ROAD STARTS HERE™, in Dayton, Ohio! Dayton looks forward to welcoming the NCAA® First Four® back to the University of Dayton Arena in 2026 - and we're excited by the announcement that UD Arena will host the First Four® through 2028!
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 games! Mark your calendars now for March 2027.
Dayton truly is a basketball mecca! The University of Dayton Arena hosts the NCAA® First Four® Tournament, as well as the Ohio High School Athletic Association Girls State Championships and Boys State Championships during the month of March.
UD Arena is widely considered one of the nation's premier college basketball facilities. In fact, UD Arena has hosted more NCAA® men's Division I basketball tournament games than any other venue in the nation! By 2028, the number of tournament games held at the Arena will surpass 150, reinforcing Dayton’s legacy as a key player in NCAA® history. Since it opened on December 6, 1969, more than 10 million fans have visited UD Arena. The University of Dayton completed a $75 million transformation of UD Arena in time for the 50th season of basketball at the Arena in 2019.
The University of Dayton Arena is located at 1801 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd. in Dayton, exit #51 off I-75. UD Arena is visible from I-75.
In conjunction with the First Four®, the Dayton community is invited to take part in The Big Hoopla! Since 2012, The Big Hoopla has showcased Dayton’s collaborative spirit, basketball unity, and affinity for our military heroes serving locally and around the world. Visit The Big Hoopla's website for more about their community events: the 4 Miler and free STEM Challenge, taking place on March 15, 2026. The NCAA® Basketball Tournament presents a tremendous opportunity to come together as a community, and as a country, to celebrate the great things that can be accomplished with teamwork, dedication, and a shared goal.
Plan Your Stay!
After watching some of the most exciting college basketball games inside the University of Dayton Arena, you will find so much to explore in Dayton! Book your hotel stay now. And, while you're in Dayton for basketball action, don't forget to take in some of our incredible restaurants and world-renowned attractions!
