Milwaukee to Host NCAA DI Men’s Basketball First/Second Rounds in 2022

Milwaukee has been selected by the NCAA to host the Division I Men’s Basketball First/Second Rounds on March 18^th and 20^th of 2022. VISIT Milwaukee and Marquette University will welcome eight of the nation’s top college basketball teams to compete in the new Bucks arena.

The BMO Harris Bradley Center played host facility for the First/Second Rounds in March 2017 for the last time, and thanks to the thousands of fans who traveled to Milwaukee, the tournament generated over $6 million in economic impact for the city.

“We were thrilled with the turnout for the 2017 NCAA basketball games and anticipate an even greater showing for 2022,” said Paul Upchurch, president and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. “We look forward to welcoming them back to Milwaukee and showcasing our city and the new arena to a national audience.”

VISIT Milwaukee, Marquette University and the Milwaukee Bucks worked together to submit the bid to host the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships. Marquette University’s Men’s Basketball team is a key tenant for the new arena, which is slated to open in time for the Bucks’ 2018-2019 season.

“Milwaukee is a sports town. We have a rich athletic tradition with a community that embraces and welcomes fans from all over the country,” says Marissa Werner, senior sports and entertainment sales manager, who spearheaded the bid efforts on behalf of VISIT Milwaukee. “Hosting the NCAA tournament is a huge win for Milwaukee, Marquette University and the new arena,” she said.

About VISIT Milwaukee: Celebrating 50 years in 2017, VISIT Milwaukee is the Greater Milwaukee area’s convention & visitors bureau, marketing the destination as a top choice for business, convention, and leisure travel to national and international visitors to increase the economic impact of tourism in the region. Each year, tourism supports over 50,000 full-time jobs and brings in over $5 billion to the community.  VISIT Milwaukee has over 650 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. The City of Wauwatosa, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs.  For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.