SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) announced Wednesday the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento will host games in the first and second rounds of men’s Division I college basketball in March 2027.
Additionally, women’s Division I college basketball regionals will also return to Golden 1 Center in 2026.
In 2017 and 2023, the Golden 1 Center hosted games in the first and second rounds of men’s Division I college basketball tournament. According to the NCAA, the Golden 1 Center collected more than $9.4 million for the local economy and had more than 11,000 hotel rooms checked out.
The NCAA awarded Sacramento for hosting collegiate championship sporting events and being a premier destination for sporting events:
- 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Regional
- 2026 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Regional
- 2027 Division I Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds
- 2027 Division II Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Regional
Sacramento has reportedly become a sports hub that has positively impacted the local economy and community.
“We are deeply honored that the NCAA continues to recognize Sacramento as an ideal host city for these important events,” said Mike Testa, Visit Sacramento president and CEO, in a statement on its website. “Sporting events like these make a tremendous impact on our city as they are crucial drivers of tourism spending and economic growth. These competitions bring thousands of athletes, staff, families and fans to Sacramento who stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and support our local businesses.”
Event organizers are reportedly impressed with Sacramento’s ability to provide state-of-the-art facilities, passionate fans and to deliver efficient experiences for fans and athletes.
“We know the NCAA prioritizes the experience of its student-athletes when selecting host communities and we are excited to welcome them to Sacramento and play a part in creating that life-long memory,” said David Eadie, Visit Sacramento’s chief sports and entertainment officer.
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