Dayton Reporter

Congressman Mike Turner, along with Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance, as well as Congressman Warren Davidson, have called on the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee to continue hosting the "First Four" games of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament at the University of Dayton. They also urged the committee to expand the tournament to include the first and second rounds in 2027 and 2028. The lawmakers expressed their strong support for the University of Dayton's application to bring the excitement of the tournament back to the UD Arena.

"For more than twenty years, March Madness has had its tip-off in Dayton, Ohio. During this time, Dayton has hosted the 'First Four' or play-in games of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament. As members of Ohio’s Congressional delegation, we offer our strong support of the University of Dayton’s application to continue that tradition," wrote the lawmakers.

Congressman Turner has been successful in securing Dayton's legacy in the NCAA Tournament. The full letter can be read by clicking here.

This initiative aims to maintain Dayton's long-standing involvement in the NCAA Tournament and bring the first and second rounds of the tournament back to the University of Dayton Arena. The University of Dayton has a rich history of hosting these games, and the lawmakers believe it is important to continue this tradition.

The lawmakers' support for the University of Dayton's application highlights the significance of the tournament for the city of Dayton and the state of Ohio. Hosting these games not only brings excitement and entertainment to the local community but also provides economic benefits.

By expanding the tournament to include the first and second rounds, Dayton would have the opportunity to showcase its facilities and hospitality to a broader audience. This expansion would not only benefit the university and the city but also bring additional revenue and exposure to the entire region.

The University of Dayton has proven itself as a capable and successful host for the NCAA Tournament, and the lawmakers' call to continue hosting the "First Four" games and expand to the first and second rounds in 2027 and 2028 demonstrates their confidence in the university's ability to deliver a memorable and successful event.

As the process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee will heed the call of Congressman Turner, Senators Brown and Vance, and Congressman Davidson. However, the lawmakers' strong support and advocacy for the University of Dayton's application will undoubtedly play a significant role in the decision-making process.

Dayton, Ohio, has established itself as a basketball hub with a passionate fanbase and a rich history in the sport. By hosting the "First Four" games and potentially expanding to the first and second rounds, Dayton would further solidify its position in the NCAA Tournament and continue to be a destination for basketball enthusiasts from across the country.

The future of March Madness in Dayton hangs in the balance, but the support from Congressman Turner, Senators Brown and Vance, and Congressman Davidson showcases the commitment and dedication of Ohio's Congressional delegation to maintain the tournament's presence in the city. The decision of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee will ultimately determine whether Dayton will continue to be a part of the March Madness tradition.