Wichita selected to host March Madness opening rounds in 2027 and 2028

Wichita will once again be part of March Madness after the NCAA announced the city has been selected to host Opening Round games for the 2027 and 2028 Division I Men's Basketball Championships.

The newly created Opening Round will debut as part of the NCAA Tournament's expansion from 68 to 76 teams. Wichita will join Dayton, Ohio, as one of two sites hosting the opening games, with tripleheaders scheduled on both Tuesday and Wednesday following Selection Sunday. Twenty-four teams will compete in the Opening Round, with winners advancing into the traditional 64-team bracket.

Games will be played at INTRUST Bank Arena, with Wichita State University, Visit Wichita and the arena partnering to host the event. Local leaders say the selection reinforces Wichita's reputation as one of the nation's premier college basketball destinations after successfully hosting numerous NCAA Tournament games over the past two decades.

The announcement comes just one month after Wichita officials submitted a formal bid to host the expanded tournament's opening games. City leaders expect the event to generate significant tourism and economic activity while bringing thousands of basketball fans to the area during one of the sport's biggest weeks.