The Moda Center will play host to the 2019 and 2020 NCAA Women’s Basketball Regionals, and the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds, the NCAA announced today.
“The NCAA Tournament is one of the nation's premier sporting events, and we're happy to host men's action for the fourth time while bringing women's tournament games to our venue for the first time,” said Chris Oxley, Senior Vice President of Venue Operations at the Rose Quarter. “Basketball fans in Portland are extremely passionate and knowledgeable, and we're looking forward to bringing them the best that college basketball has to offer.”
The Moda Center worked in conjunction with Oregon State University, the Oregon Sports Authority and Travel Portland on a bid that was submitted this past August.
“Hosting one of the pinnacle events in intercollegiate athletics with our highly-respected local partners is an honor and privilege,” said Scott Barnes, Oregon State Vice President/Director of Athletics and former NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee Chair. “There is no match for the excitement of the NCAA Basketball Tournament and we are thrilled to have another opportunity to showcase our great university in the Portland Metro area.”
The 2019 NCAA Women’s Regional will take place March 29-April 1, while the 2020 NCAA Women’s Regional is set for March 27-30. The 2019 event will mark the first time the state of Oregon has hosted an NCAA Women’s Basketball Regional since 2000, when the three-game weekend was played at Memorial Coliseum.
“The excitement generated by March Madness is simply unparalleled and we are absolutely thrilled to be part of the team that is bringing the NCAA Tournament to Portland,” said Drew Mahalic, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority.
The First Round of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Portland will be held on Thursday, March 17 and the Second Round will be played on Saturday, March 19.