COLUMBUS, Ohio – The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee notified Ohio State Monday it will host the second and third rounds of the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus.
Ohio State will serve as the host institution. The Buckeyes are not eligible to play in Columbus should they qualify for the NCAA tournament that year.
Gene Smith, Ohio State associate vice president and director of athletics, said the annual NCAA men’s basketball tournament is one of the most dynamic events in all of sports and a great event for the Buckeyes and the City of Columbus to host.
“By selecting Columbus and The Ohio State University as a host site for the 2015 NCAA tournament games, the NCAA has recognized the quality experience student-athletes and their fans have enjoyed in our city. We are proud of the job the city and our scores of volunteers have done in the past. I know we’ll provide an even better experience in 2015.”
Linda Logan, executive director of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, said the city looks forward to working with the men’s NCAA championship event.
“It is a privilege to host NCAA championships in Columbus,” Logan said. “Our city is proud to work with the NCAA and host such a prestigious event.”
The early round competitions will be played March 20 and 22 at Nationwide Arena in 2015. Eight teams will play in four games in the second round (March 20). Four teams advance to play March 22 with the winners in those two games advancing to NCAA regional competition.
Ohio State last played host to the second and third rounds 2012. The 2015 event will mark the fourth time Nationwide has held NCAA early round men’s tournament games. The facility first hosted the NCAA First and Second Rounds in 2004 and then again in 2007.
The 2015 Final Four will be played in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Ticket information for the Columbus site will be announced at a later date.
Full NCAA Release