The NCAA Tournament’s expansion of its opening round has ignited a quiet but intense scramble among cities vying for a slice of college basketball’s most lucrative real estate. While Dayton remains the anchor, rumors swirl about potential new hosts, with some locales quietly building cases for why they deserve the spotlight. But amid the speculation, a clearer picture is emerging—one that reveals not just where the next round might be held, but why certain cities are better positioned than others to capitalize on this seismic shift in college sports logistics.
The Case for San Antonio’s Alamodome: A Venue Ready for Prime Time
San Antonio’s Alamodome, a 68,000-seat arena that has hosted NCAA tournaments before, stands out as a frontrunner. Its infrastructure—recently upgraded with state-of-the-art lighting and seating—offers a template for how the expanded format could work. The city’s history with the tournament, including a 2017 regional final, gives it a proven track record. But beyond the venue, San Antonio’s central location and established sports tourism economy make it a logistical dream. “The Alamodome isn’t just a building; it’s a brand,” said Dr. Laura Martinez, a sports economist at the University of Texas. “Cities that already have the infrastructure and the fan base don’t need to reinvent the wheel.”
“The NCAA is looking for places that can handle the volume without compromising the event’s prestige,” said NCAA Director of Championships Steve Niznik. “San Antonio checks those boxes.”
Economic Ripple Effects: How Hosting the Tournament Reshapes a City
The financial stakes are immense. A 2023 study by the National Sports Authority found that host cities see an average 12% boost in local business revenue during tournament weeks, with hotels and restaurants reaping the largest rewards. For smaller cities, this could be transformative. Albuquerque, despite its lack of a major venue, has floated proposals to leverage the University of New Mexico’s 12,000-seat Pit, paired with temporary structures. But experts caution that ambition must meet capacity. “You can’t just slap a banner on a high school gym,” said sports consultant Mark Reynolds. “The NCAA wants venues that can scale, not just survive.” Read the full study.
Why Dayton Remains the Gold Standard—and Why That Might Change
Dayton’s prominence isn’t accidental. The city’s Nutter Center, though modest in size, has become synonymous with the tournament’s “First Four” games. Its proximity to major highways and a well-established hospitality network has made it a reliable choice. Yet, as the NCAA considers expanding the field, some argue Dayton’s limitations could hinder future growth. “The Nutter Center is a great venue, but it’s not designed for 18 games in 10 days,” said ESPN analyst Doris Burke. “Larger cities with more flexible spaces will inevitably become more attractive.”
The Hidden Battle: Cities Without Bids, But With Ambition
While Denver and Las Vegas bowed out, others have quietly emerged. Indianapolis, home to the 20,000-seat Bankers Life Fieldhouse, has long lobbied for a bigger role. The city’s 2021 NCAA Final Four demonstrated its ability to manage large-scale events, and officials are positioning the expanded tournament as a way to diversify its sports portfolio. Meanwhile, Memphis, which hosted the 2022 tournament, is pushing for a return, citing its vibrant basketball culture and underutilized 15,000-seat FedExForum. “Memphis isn’t just about the game—it’s about the energy,” said local sports commissioner Jamal Carter. “That’s what the NCAA needs right now.”
The Unspoken Criteria: Beyond Venues and Money
The NCAA’s selection process isn’t just about numbers. It prioritizes cities with strong community support, existing partnerships with local universities, and a history of hosting collegiate events. This explains why cities like Louisville, with its KFC Yum! Center, have remained in the conversation. But it also creates winners and losers. Small-market cities without robust sports infrastructures face an uphill battle. “The NCAA isn’t just choosing a venue—they’re choosing a partner,” said former NCAA official Tom O’Connor. “And not every city is ready for that responsibility.”
The expanded tournament isn’t just a logistical shift—it’s a cultural one. As the NCAA looks to grow its footprint, the cities that rise will be those that blend tradition with innovation. Dayton’s legacy is secure, but the next chapter belongs to the cities that can prove they’re not just ready for the spotlight, but worthy of it. For now, the race is on, and the stakes have never been higher.
