Dayton continues First Four hosting as NCAA expands tournament field
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 9:09 PM
Last updated Jul 9, 2026
The NCAA announced on July 9 that with the tournament field expanding from 68 to 76 teams, Dayton will continue hosting the opening-round games of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, specifically the First Four at UD Arena. Wichita, Kansas, has been selected to host the expanded opening round for the 2027 and 2028 tournaments. Both cities will feature three games each day following Selection Sunday. Keith Gill, commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference, noted the strong interest from cities wanting to host this event, highlighting the benefits of hosting in Middle America.
- •Dayton has hosted the First Four since 2001, except in 2021.
- •Wichita was chosen from several cities to host the opening round.
- •Both cities will host three games each day after Selection Sunday.
- •The Miami University RedHawks participated in the First Four in 2026.
- 9:09 PMYahoo Sports — What a larger NCAA Tournament field means for Dayton, new host
"The University of Dayton has hosted the First Four of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament at UD Arena since 2001.
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