Wichita has been “selected as one of two host cities for the newly expanded opening round” of the 2027 and 2028 NCAA men’s basketball tournaments. Wichita and Dayton, the longtime home of the tournament’s introductory games, will each host three games on the Tuesday and Wednesday following Selection Sunday. The selection gives Wichita a “recurring and more prominent place on the March Madness calendar” as the NCAA prepares to expand its tournament field from 68 to 76 teams. Wichita’s central location was “one factor working in Wichita’s favor,” as opening round participants have “little time to travel before playing” after Selection Sunday. Since opening in 2010, Intrust Bank Arena has hosted first- and second-round games in the men’s tournament in 2018 and 2025 (WICHITA EAGLE, 7/9).
CBSSPORTS.com cited sources as saying that Wichita “beat out seven other finalists” including “Albuquerque, New Mexico; Des Moines, Iowa and other cities west of the Mississippi River.” Sources indicated that Wichita’s “hotel capacity and passionate local fan base were also major selling points.” Sources said that the “bid process was competitive” with several finalists “putting on a big push in recent weeks.” Meanwhile, West Coast Conference Commissioner Stu Jackson was elevated to vice chair of the Men’s Basketball Committee for the 2026-27 season, meaning he should be the chair of the NCAA Tournament for 2027-28 (CBSSPORTS.com, 7/9).
