The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) has revealed that the 2028 State Basketball Tournament’s semifinal and championship rounds will be staged entirely within the Wichita metropolitan area, marking a historic shift in how the event is organized.
Venues and classifications
Koch Arena on the Wichita State University campus, the Heartland Federal Credit Union Arena in nearby Park City, and the Garvey Center at Friends University will collectively host games across six classifications. The Hutchinson Sports Arena at Hutchinson Community College has been designated as the specific site for the Class 2A boys and girls tournaments.
This consolidation of sites responds to requests from member schools to reduce travel burdens and allow families to attend multiple games without lengthy drives. For the first time since 1945, all state championship matchups will be situated within a single metro region, creating a vibrant, centralized atmosphere for players, coaches, and spectators alike.
Statements from leadership
KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick emphasized that gathering the tournaments in the greater Wichita area will enable fans to support several championship events in one trip, enhancing the overall experience and community engagement.
Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita, expressed pride in welcoming all classifications of the KSHSAA Boys & Girls Basketball State Championships to the region, highlighting the city’s growing reputation as a premier sports destination.
Details regarding the distribution of classes among the selected venues, as well as ticket availability and official schedules, will be announced in the coming months. The opening round of the 2028 tournament will follow the same host sites used in the 2026 and 2027 seasons, ensuring continuity for teams and fans.
Winners of the state quarterfinal round will advance to the Wichita-area semifinal and final sites, where the culmination of the season will unfold. The first round of competition will also take place at a network of venues that includes Kansas City Kansas Community College, White Auditorium in Emporia, Koch Arena, Friends University, Tony’s Pizza Event Center, Kansas Wesleyan University, and the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.