Charlotte is set to kick off this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship journey, hosting the first and second rounds at the Spectrum Center, according to a press release from the NCAA.
The Charlotte 49ers will be the official tournament host team here in Charlotte as we welcome teams and fans to the city for these initial matchups.
The event will feature four first-round and two second-round games, continuing Charlotte’s tradition of hosting March Madness, with previous events in 2018, 2015, and 2011.
| ROUND | CITY | VENUE | DATES | HOST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Four | Dayton, Ohio | UD Arena | March 19 – 20 | University of Dayton |
| First/Second | Brooklyn. N.Y. | Barclays Center | March 22 -24 | Atlantic 10 Conference |
| First/Second | Charlotte, N.C. | Spectrum Center | March 21 – 23 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
| First/Second | Indianapolis | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | March 22 – 24 | IUPUI / Horizon League |
| First/Second | Omaha, Neb. | CHI Health Center | March 21 – 23 | Creighton University |
| First/Second | Pittsburgh | PPG Paints Arena | March 21 -23 | Duquesne University |
| First/Second | Salt Lake City | Vivint Smart Home Arena | March 21 – 23 | University of Utah |
| First/Second | Spokane, Wash. | Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena | March 22 – 24 | University of Idaho |
| First/Second | Memphis, Tenn. | FedExForum | March 22 – 24 | University of Memphis |
| East Regional | Boston | TD Garden | March 28 – 30 | Boston College |
| South Regional | Dallas | American Airlines Center | March 29 -31 | Big 12 Conference |
| Midwest Regional | Detroit | Little Caesars Arena | March 29 – 31 | University of Detroit Mercy / Oakland University |
| West Regional | Los Angeles | Crypto.com Arena | March 28 – 30 | Pepperdine University |
With the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) headquarters now in Charlotte, the city has gained an edge in hosting duties over the traditional choice, Greensboro.
The Charlotte 49ers are vying for their first tournament appearance since 2005, currently standing second in the American Athletic Conference.
Charlotte’s last hosting stint was marked by memorable upsets, including the first-ever win of a No. 16 seed (UMBC Retrievers) over a No. 1 seed (Virginia Cavaliers) and No. 7 Texas A&M’s victory over No. 2 North Carolina Tar Heels.
The NCAA Tournament selection show is slated for March 17, heightening the excitement for what’s to come in Charlotte.
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