Albany Awarded Chance to Host 2020 Men’s First and Second Rounds
Something the Capital Region has finally been waiting for, a chance to put themselves on the national sports map. Over the past few years we have seen some big name city’s host the first and second rounds in Buffalo, Orlando, Sacramento and Indy. But Albany is a different name that the men’s side of the game hasn’t seen, in almost 17 years.
The home team of the TU, Siena, will “Co-Host” NCAA Tournament basketball games for the next three years. Siena 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. 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.
With all of this, there are some things people might be questioning. Why now in time would they pick Albany? There are tons that could have played into the decision. Was it because ride sharing was introduced? Was it because the NCAA wants to expand? The amount of possibilities is endless.
How do we know this already? It is almost three years away from the men’s portion, why do we want to know now. Today the NCAA announced who would be awarded as host sites. And out of 613, Albany is one. Check out www.ncaa.com/site-selections to see the rest.
For continued coverage of everything in Upstate NY, stay with Upstate Sport Zone… @upstate_sports
By Jake Martino
