Spectrum Center to host 2027 early-round NCAA men’s basketball tournament games
After playing host to the first and second rounds of the 2024 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, the renovated Spectrum Center will again house the opening rounds of March Madness in 2027.
Hosted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the ACC, 2027 will mark the sixth time Spectrum Center has been a tournament site, with five of the six appearances slating the first and second rounds.
“We are elated to partner with our friends at the Atlantic Coast Conference to co-host the 2027 NCAA men’s basketball tournament first and second rounds,” Charlotte athletic director Mike Hill said Thursday. “Charlotte is a city that loves college basketball, and we look forward to another spectacular event in Spectrum Center.”
Charlotte has hosted the NCAA men’s basketball tournament 24 times, highlighted by the 1994 Final Four at Charlotte Coliseum. Besides being the home of the Charlotte Hornets, the Queen City previously hosted the 2019 NBA All-Star Game, the Jumpman Invitational, the CIAA tournament, Ice Cube’s Big 3, eight ACC basketball tournaments, as well as the now defunct WNBA team Charlotte Sting from 1997 to 2006.
With renovations to the Spectrum Center spanning the 2024 and 2025 NBA offseasons, the fully reimagined arena will be ready for a variety of events to come.
“We are thrilled the NCAA has awarded the ACC, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Spectrum Center the 2027 NCAA men’s basketball first and second rounds,” said ACC commissioner Jim Phillips. “We are looking forward to this collaboration. Since our relocation to uptown Charlotte in 2023, we have worked tirelessly to develop our relationships throughout the Queen City, including the upcoming ACC men’s Basketball Tournaments in 2025, 2026 and 2028, the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2027, and a number of baseball, lacrosse and golf championships. This event provides another opportunity for fans to visit our vibrant community and experience all it has to offer.”
Last March, the likes of North Carolina, Michigan State, Tennessee, and Texas took center stage at Spectrum Arena, generating an economic impact of an estimated $10 million over four days. The 2023 Jumpman Invitational brought $10.2 million to the city alone, according to the Charlotte Sports Foundation.
While the Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball team is looking to break a 20-year NCAA Tournament drought, the program could see home tournament games in 2027 with the event returning. But until then, especially after a successful showing in 2024, the 49ers, along with the ACC, will again provide the venue.
“Spectrum Center is the ideal venue for this tournament given the passion fans in Charlotte and throughout the Carolinas have for the game of basketball,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment President of Business Operations Shelly Cayette-Weston. “Hosting March Madness is an honor, and we look forward to welcoming fans to the completely renovated Spectrum Center. This is a big win for our city and provides another tremendous opportunity for Charlotte and our community to shine in the national spotlight.”