Sacramento, Calif. – Today, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced Sacramento as a host city for the first and second rounds of the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament on March 17 and 19, 2017. The announcement marks the first major event scheduled to be held in the new downtown Entertainment and Sports Center (ESC).
“Today’s announcement marks another significant moment in our effort to make Sacramento a global destination for sports, civic and entertainment events,” said Sacramento Kings Owner Vivek Ranadivé. “In the past, the NCAA determined Sacramento was not equipped for a tournament, but today we know that March Madness will thrive in our city. I can promise you that in 2017, March Madness fans will experience something totally unique and exciting in Sacramento.”
The games are expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors with a multi-million dollar economic impact.
“Being selected to host the NCAA Basketball Tournament is a testament to all the hard work of our city and region,” said Sacramento Sports Commission Director Mike Sophia. “NCAA officials, student-athletes and fans from across the country will enjoy an unparalleled experience at the new world-class arena and will witness our vibrant city at its best.”
Sacramento State will serve as the host institution, and this will be the first time Sacramento has hosted NCAA tournament games since 2007. Many have attributed the region’s inability to land the major sporting event due to the absence of a modern arena.
The ESC, scheduled to open in the fall of 2016, will be a multi-use facility designed to accommodate sporting and top entertainment events such as professional and collegiate sports, headline concerts, ice shows, indoor rodeo, trade shows, large graduations, family shows, and other indoor entertainment. The project also includes a state-of-the-art practice facility, administrative offices, and up to 1.5 million square feet of ancillary development. It’s estimated that the ESC and surrounding development will generate 4,000 permanent jobs, 1.6 million new annual visitors to downtown and $11.5 billion in regional economic impact over the next 35 years.