Get Ready for March Madness: Birmingham to Host NCAA Tournaments in 2025 and 2028!

The excitement is palpable as Birmingham gears up to host not one, but two thrilling editions of March Madness. The NCAA has officially announced that the Magic City will welcome the Division I Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds in 2028, set to take place from March 16-19 at the iconic Legacy Arena. This news comes hot on the heels of Birmingham's successful hosting of the Women's NCAA tournament in 2025, establishing the city as a prime destination for college basketball enthusiasts.

The Details of the Upcoming Events

Here's what you need to know about the upcoming tournaments:

• Men's Basketball Tournament: March 16-19, 2028, at Legacy Arena.
• Women's Basketball Tournament: Regional rounds set for 2025.
• Host Collaborators: The Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Knight Eady will organize the events.

Community Impact and Local Pride

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed immense pride in the city’s ability to showcase its facilities and community spirit through these tournaments. He stated, “We’re proud to show off our city and facilities to visiting student-athletes, teams, and fans in the upcoming years. Consistency in hosting these championships means a lot to our city and the community of college basketball fans in Birmingham.”

Greg Sankey, Commissioner of the SEC, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative effort to provide a memorable championship experience for all involved. The city's recent hosting of NCAA events has already proven to be a hit, with the previous tournaments drawing sellout crowds and high energy.

Birmingham's Rise as a College Basketball Hotspot

The Magic City is solidifying its status as a hub for college basketball. Just recently, the University of Alabama faced off against Wake Forest University in a preseason game at Boutwell Auditorium, benefiting Children’s of Alabama. Upcoming events include the annual C.M. Newton Classic, where the Tide will take on Illinois at Legacy Arena on November 20th.

With both UAB and Samford making notable appearances in the NCAA Men's tournament in 2024, Birmingham's reputation is only expected to grow. The city is becoming a hotspot for thrilling basketball action, drawing in fans from across the region.

Join the Excitement!

Are you ready for March Madness to take over Birmingham? Share your favorite memories of basketball games in the city and let us know what you’re most excited about for the upcoming tournaments! Connect with us on social media at @bhamnow!

What do you think?

• Will Birmingham become the go-to destination for NCAA tournaments in the future?
• How do you feel about the impact of these events on local businesses and the economy?
• What do you think about the SEC's role in promoting basketball in Birmingham?
• Do you believe hosting these tournaments will significantly affect the city's reputation?
• Are you excited for the Women's March Madness coming to Birmingham? Why or why not?