Wichita will play a prominent role in the newly expanded NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship in 2027 as one of two host cities for the tournament’s Opening Round, alongside Dayton, Ohio. Following the NCAA’s expansion of March Madness from 68 to 76 teams, INTRUST Bank Arena will host six Opening Round games over March 16-17, 2027, featuring 12 teams competing for spots in the traditional 64-team bracket. Wichita was selected because of its central location and strong basketball tradition, having previously hosted NCAA Tournament games in 1994, 2018, and 2025. Wichita State University, Visit Wichita, Sedgwick County, and the City of Wichita will serve as local hosts, bringing national attention and significant visitor activity to the region as March Madness begins in Kansas

2027 NCAA Men's Basketball Opening Rounds

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes.  More than 500,000 college athletes across all three divisions compete for about 1,100 member schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and even Canada. Regardless of where they start, student-athletes strive to end each season at one of the NCAA’s 90 championships in 24 sports.  

2027 NCAA Men's Basketball Opening Rounds

College Basketball Championship