March Madnes will return to Orlando in 2028, with downtown Orlando's Kia Center hosting the first and second round of the competition.
The NCAA has announced that Orlando was selected to host the First-and-Second Rounds of the 2028 NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Championship.
The Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, also known as March Madness, will return to Kia Center in 2028, co-hosted by UCF. Orlando most recently hosted First-and-Seconds Round games in 2023, 2017 and 2014, and 2004.
“As the nation’s premier sports destination, we’re looking forward to welcoming student-athletes and fans from around the country to downtown Orlando for NCAA March Madness,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We can’t wait to continue to showcase our vibrant community on the national stage and attract even more visitors to our region.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to see the NCAA March Madness coming to Orlando! This is a testament to our community’s passion for sports and our commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans from all over the world,” said UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics, Terry Mohajir. “Hosting such a prestigious event not only highlights Orlando as a premier sports destination, but also strengthens our collective efforts to further enhance our college athletics brand. We look forward to showcasing the excitement of March Madness in our vibrant city!”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission and bring the excitement and prestige of NCAA Division II national championships back to Central Florida,” said Rollins College Associate Vice President of Athletics Pennie Parker. “Orlando is one of the top destinations for amateur sporting events, and we take great pride in providing the NCAA with a first-class experience for student-athletes from around the country.”
NCAA championship events attract spectators and families throughout the state of Florida and from across the United States, driving significant impact to hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the Greater Orlando community. Until COVID-19 caused the cancellation of the NCAA’s spring 2020 championships, GO Sports had hosted at least one NCAA national championship or regional championship every year since 1996.
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is a private, non-profit organization established to attract and manage sports-related events, conferences and activities that drive positive economic development in the City of Orlando, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County.
Founded in 1992-93, the organization has hosted or co-hosted more than 1,660 events in the Greater Orlando area with a total economic impact exceeding $3.3 billion in spending within the community. For more information, visit www.GreaterOrlandoSports.com.
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