The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament will return to Columbus and Nationwide Arena in 2012, the NCAA announced today.

The Ohio State University will serve as the host institution when first- and second-round games are held at Nationwide Arena on March 16 & 18, 2010. The Greater Columbus Sports Commission and Nationwide Arena partnered with Ohio State in bidding on the tournament games.

The tournament will mark the third time Nationwide Arena has hosted games since 2004.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament for the third time in 2012,” said Linda Linda, executive director of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. “Our city will celebrate its bicentennial that year and hosting ‘March Madness’ will be just another great milestone during the yearlong celebration.”

Eight teams will play in four games in the first round on March 16. Four teams advance to play March 18 with the winners in those two games advancing to NCAA regional competition. The March 16 & 18 dates will be on Friday and Sunday.

“We are extremely excited to earn the NCAA First and Second Rounds for 2012,” said Gene Smith, Ohio State associate vice president and athletics director. “It’s great for our fans to have the opportunity to see some of the nation’s best teams that will be in the tournament that year. Our event management team along with Nationwide Arena and Greater Columbus Sports Commission did a great job putting together the bid. I know they will do a great job running the event just as we have in the past.”

Ohio State last played host to the first and second rounds in 2007. The 2012 event will mark the third time Nationwide has held NCAA early round men’s tournament games. The facility first hosted the NCAA First and Second Rounds in 2004.

Other first and second round sites in 2012 include Albuquerque, Greensboro, Louisville, Nashville, Omaha, Pittsburgh and Portland. Louisville, which will host for the 13th time, has not hosted the championship since 1991.
 
The 2012 Final Four will be played in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Ticket information for the Columbus site will be announced at a later date.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brent LaLonde
Greater Columbus Sports Commission
614-562-0940

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