Wichita to kick off March Madness
The NCAA has named Wichita, Kansas, as the host city for the opening round of the 2027 and 2028 Division I men's basketball championships. The decision comes as the tournament field has been enlarged from 68 to 76 teams, prompting a reshuffling of early‑round sites.
Games will be played on the Tuesday and Wednesday that follow Selection Sunday, with each of the two host cities — Wichita and Dayton, Ohio — offering three matchups. This schedule allows the lowest‑seeded automatic qualifiers and the lowest‑seeded at‑large teams to compete for a spot in the second round.
Wichita State University will serve as the primary host, working in partnership with Visit Wichita, Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita. Together they will transform INTRUST Bank Arena into a bustling hub for teams, media and fans during the March Madness kickoff.
Keith Gill, commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference and chair of the Division I Men's Basketball Committee, said he was pleased by the strong interest from cities across the country. Dan Gavitt, NCAA senior vice president of basketball, highlighted Wichita's central geography as a key factor in easing travel for participants and spectators.
The selection marks the latest chapter in Wichita's long basketball tradition. The arena previously hosted the 1956 tournament and has been a regular venue for regional games, underscoring the city's deep‑rooted passion for the sport.
Kevin Saal, Wichita State's director of athletics, expressed honor at the appointment and emphasized the expected economic boost for the community. He noted that the influx of visitors will generate significant revenue for local businesses and reinforce the region's commitment to supporting college athletics.
The opening round is slated for March 16 and 17, featuring the 12 lowest‑seeded automatic qualifiers and the 12 lowest‑seeded at‑large teams. The committee finalized seeding arrangements for both the automatic qualifier games and the at‑large team games, ensuring a balanced bracket as the tournament moves forward.
Beyond the immediate competition, the NCAA sees the expanded format as a way to enhance fan engagement and broaden opportunities for schools across the nation. Wichita's central location, combined with its proven infrastructure, positions it as an ideal launch point for the new era of March Madness.