The NCAA announced today that Orlando and the Amway Center have been awarded the opportunity to host 2nd and 3rd round games of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2014. The tournament games will be hosted locally by Stetson University and the Central Florida Sports Commission, in partnership with the City of Orlando, Orange County and the University of Central Florida.
“Being awarded this championship is a testament to the first-class venues and other community assets that we are able to offer the NCAA here in Central Florida” said John Bisignano, president of the Central Florida Sports Commission. “We look forward to working with the NCAA, Stetson University and our respective community partners to ensure the success of this prestigious event.”
“There is nothing more exciting than the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, March Madness and the road to the Final Four,” Stetson University Director of Athletics Jeff Altier said. “To bring a part of this tournament to Orlando, and Central Florida, is the dream of any sports enthusiast, and at Stetson University we are enthusiastic about sports!
Dates of the actual tournament games staged in Orlando will be March 20-22, 2014.
“The vision for the new Amway Center was to be able to host these marquee events like the NCAA Basketball Tournament,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament is expected to attract thousands of fans from across the United States to the area and generate millions in economic impact for the region.
“Hosting the NCAA Basketball Tournament at the Amway Center is a great example of what our community can accomplish when we come together for a common goal,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “This event will have a substantial positive impact on our economy and expose Central Florida’s evolving brand to viewers around the world.”
The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament will add to the already growing list of marquee events that have and will be staged at the Amway Center. In addition to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Central Florida Sports Commission also has outstanding bids to host the ACC and SEC Men’s Basketball Tournaments. Announcements should be made on each of these events in the coming months.
