The city of Orlando and the Amway Center will be the venue for the first-/second-round games of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship in 2017. The tournament games will be hosted locally by the University of Central Florida, Stetson University and the Central Florida Sports Commission, in partnership with the City of Orlando and Orange County.
“The NCAA’s decision reinforces our belief in Central Florida being a world-class destination. Our community leaders, our local organizing committee and, best of all, our fans helped create a truly memorable experience for those inside the Amway Center or celebrating all over town,” said Central Florida Sports Commission President & CEO, John Bisignano. “The countdown to Orlando has begun and we look forward to welcoming the NCAA, the teams, and fans from all over the country to the #1 tourist destination in the world!”
“We’re excited that Orlando and the Amway Center have once again been awarded as a host city for the NCAA Basketball Championships,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We envisioned precisely these types of high caliber events for our Community Venues and for our region that offer incredible experiences and bolster our local economy.”
“We were so honored to host the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball March Madness here in Central Florida, and to showcase our amazing Amway Center and our community,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “As the top tourist destination in the world, we know how to welcome athletes and fans from around the world. I’m delighted that we will be welcoming NCAA Men’s Basketball back to Central Florida again!
The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship was previously hosted in Orlando in 1993, 1996, 1999, and 2004 at the Amway Arena, and most recently the second-/third-round games at the Amway Center in 2014. With the NCAA choosing to rebrand the first round of games played in Dayton as the “First Four”, the rounds awarded to Orlando in 2017 will be known as the first-/second-round.
