Columbus Continues Tradition of Hosting NCAA Championships with
2027 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship and
2028 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
Columbus has hosted more than 100 NCAA events over the last 20 years.
COLUMBUS (October 2, 2024) – The Greater Columbus Sports Commission will continue its tradition of hosting world-class sporting events with two of the largest sporting events on the NCAA calendar.
The NCAA announced today that Columbus will host the 2027 Women’s Volleyball Finals and the first and second rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in March 2028.
Greater Columbus Sports Commission CEO & President Linda Logan said Columbus has been a key ally in showcasing NCAA student-athletes and competitions.
“Securing both the 2027 NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship and the 2028 Division I Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds is a tremendous honor for Columbus,” Logan said. “Our city is deeply committed to supporting and elevating both men's and women's sports, and these events are a testament to that dedication. With the 2027 Women's Final Four already on our horizon, we’re proud to continue building a legacy of excellence in hosting premier collegiate championships including others awarded in this cycle. We are ready to welcome fans, athletes, and the entire sports community to experience what makes our city an elite sports destination.”
Columbus is a growing hub for volleyball. Nationwide Arena was the first arena to host the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Championships in the same year since 1984. The 2021 NCAA DI Women’s Volleyball set a record for attendance at that time of 18,755 at the final, and the event brought in $14 million in direct visitor spending to the region.
“Columbus is an athletics powerhouse, and it is always so exciting to see young athletes excel in the sports they love,” said City of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “I’m proud of our city's rich history with the NCAA, which continues to grow and thrive, particularly in 2027 and with women’s sports, when we’ll host the Final Four and D1 Volleyball Championship. I look forward to showing the rest of the world how we do sports in Columbus, with sold-out crowds and legions of enthusiastic and friendly fans.”
“On behalf of the Ohio State Department of Athletics and Business Advancement, I want to first thank the NCAA for selecting Columbus, our staff, Columbus Blue Jackets, Nationwide Arena and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission as the host of the 2027 DI Women’s Volleyball Championship and 2028 Men’s March Madness First & Second Rounds,” said Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director. “To have both the 2027 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship and the 2028 March Madness First and Second Rounds awarded to Columbus and Nationwide Arena is a testament to what our great city has to offer. Fans of these benchmark NCAA championships will be treated to a terrific experience. I am so proud of our staff and all those who make these events come to life with their hard work and dedication.”
March Madness and Volleyball won’t be the only NCAA events making their way to Columbus. Capital University will host the DIII Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships in 2026 at Historic Crew Stadium.
Upcoming events in Columbus also include:
- 2025 NHL Stadium Series
- 2025 NCAA DI Women’s Golf Regionals
- 2025 NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship
- 2026 NCAA Mixed Rifle Finals
- 2026 NCAA DI Men’s Golf Regionals
- 2027 NCAA DI Women’s Final Four
“Capital University is excited to have been selected alongside our partners at the Greater Columbus Sports Commission as the hosts of the DIII Men’s and Women’s Soccer National Championships in 2026,” said Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr., Director of Athletics at Capital. “We were very proud to host the Division III Women’s Basketball Championship in 2024, and we look forward to serving as the host institution again very soon. Our athletic department strives for excellence on and off the field of competition, and this is another great opportunity put our campus, department, and facilities on display on a national level.”
About The Greater Columbus Sports Commission:
The Greater Columbus Sports Commission’s mission is to rally Columbus to compete and win sporting events, providing a singular athlete and fan experience and positively impacting image, economy and lifestyle. Since 2002, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission has hosted more than 1,100 sporting events, generating an estimated $1.5 billion in direct visitor spending. For more information, visit ColumbusSports.org.