Siena College, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and the Times Union Center will co-host NCAA Tournament basketball games each of the next three years. The trio has been awarded both the 2019 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Regional and the 2020 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds. Siena, the MAAC, and the Times Union Center were previously selected to host the 2018 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Regional.
"Being selected to host a Women’s Regional and Men’s First and Second Rounds is a great testament to everyone in the Capital Region community, from the fans to the business and community leaders, and our government representatives who have made the commitment both to college basketball and first-rate facilities,” said Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “This is very exciting for both the College as well as the community, and Siena looks forward to continuing to work diligently with both the MAAC and the Times Union Center on these events to showcase the Capital Region when the games are played.”
The 2019 NCAA Women’s Regional, featuring Sweet 16 and Elite Eight round contests, will be held at the Times Union Center March 29 – April 1, 2019. The 2020 NCAA Men’s First and Second Rounds will return to Albany March 19 and 21, 2020.
“It’s great to see Albany awarded the 2019 Women’s Basketball Regional and the 2020 Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds, reflecting the city’s commitment to hosting tremendous events at the Times Union Center,” commented MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. “The difference between now and 2003, in regards to men’s basketball, is the Times Union Center has updated its systems, from a renovated atrium entrance to media support areas, along with the brand-new Albany Capital Center, which is available for use by the NCAA for its premier event.”
The 2019 NCAA Women’s Regional will mark the third time – and second consecutive season – in which Siena, the MAAC and the Times Union Center will host the event. The trio previously hosted the 2015 Women’s Regional, and in 2014 was also awarded the 2018 Women’s Regional which will be held from March 23-26, 2018.
For the first time in 17 years Albany will be home to NCAA Tournament men’s basketball when the First and Second Rounds return in 2020. Siena, the MAAC, and the facility previously co-hosted the NCAA Men’s East Regional in 2003, and First and Second Round games in 1995.
“The Times Union Center is honored to be selected to host the 2019 Division I Women’s Basketball Regional and 2020 Division I Men’s First and Second Rounds,” remarked SMG Regional Manager of the Times Union Center Bob Belber. “The Times Union Center has a long history with the NCAA, and we are excited to continue the tradition of hosting outstanding championships. Thanks to the capital investment made by Albany County, the Times Union Center is currently undergoing major renovations which helped us to earn these selections, and will be sure to enhance the student athlete and visitor experience.”
A total of 613 host sites for preliminary rounds and finals of predetermined championships in Divisions I, III, and III to be held from 2017-18 through 2021-22 were awarded Tuesday by the NCAA. For more information on the NCAA Championships site selections, visit www.ncaa.com/site-selections.
