INDIANAPOLIS – Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, with host school, the University of Idaho, in partnership with the Spokane Sports Commission, has been selected as a host site for the 2027 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds.
 
It will be the sixth hosting opportunity with Idaho as the host institution and the fourth in six years for the group, including the men's first and second round in 2024 and the upcoming NCAA Women's Super Regional, on March 28-31, 2025.
 
"We are excited to continue our partnership with the Spokane Sports Commission and the Spokane Arena as the host institution for the 2027 NCAA Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds," Director of Athletics Terry Gawlik said. "This will be the fourth hosting opportunity for Spokane in just six years. It shows that the NCAA clearly understands that Spokane not only has a tremendous facility, but world class amenities and a basketball hungry fan base. There is no better place for the NCAA Tournament than Hooptown USA."
 
The University's responsibilities for the tournament include managing the tournament experience for the student-athletes, overseeing the game management, working with the participating teams, coordinating media efforts and overseeing many other aspects of the event.
 
"We are proud to host the first two rounds of the men's NCAA tournament," University of Idaho President Scott Green said. "Our U of I Athletics staff have proven their professionalism and leadership in hosting this exciting event for the last few years and we expect this year will be even more impactful for those participating and attending."
 
The 2027 tournament will be the 14th hosting opportunity for Spokane since the opening of the Spokane Arena in the 1990s. The arena continues to invest in improvements with LED lighting, new ribbon boards, updated suites and new grandstands all installed in 2024.
 
Improvements in the City of Spokane and the downtown area continues to grow with the addition of The Podium and One Spokane Stadium just feet away from the Spokane Arena. The investment shows that Spokane is a national sports destination.  
 
"We're thrilled to once again bring NCAA Men's Basketball to Spokane," Spokane Sports Commission Senior Director of Events Cherié Gwinn said. "Partnering with the University of Idaho and the Spokane Arena is always a winning combination, and we're excited to showcase our city's love for basketball on such a grand stage. Spokane's fans and facilities continue to make it the perfect destination for marquee events like March Madness."
 
Fans can sign up for presale tickets to the 2025 Spokane Women's Super Regional by visiting this link.