INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee announced the 24 cities that will serve as hosts to first- and second-round and regional games for the 2009 and 2010 championships. In 2003, the committee selected Detroit as the host of the 2009 Final Four and awarded the 2010 Final Four to the city of Indianapolis.

The city of Dayton, Ohio, which has hosted the opening round game since its inception in 2001, will continue to be the site for the tournament’s first game through 2010. In addition, Dayton was selected to host first- and second-round games for the 2009 championship. Other cities hosting games on the first weekend of the 2009 tournament include Philadelphia, Pa.; Miami, Fla.; Greensboro, N.C.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Kansas City, Mo.; Boise, Idaho; and Portland, Ore. The four regionals will take place in Boston, Mass.; Memphis, Tenn.; Indianapolis, Ind.; and Glendale, Arizona.

The first- and second rounds of the 2010 championship will be played in Buffalo, N.Y.; Providence, R.I.; Jacksonville, Fla.; New Orleans, La.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Milwaukee, Wis.; San Jose, Calif.; and Spokane, Wash. The four regional sites are Syracuse, N.Y.; St. Louis, Mo.; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Houston, Texas, which will serve as host of the 2011 Final Four.

A total of 56 cities submitted bids for 22 available positions; two (Indianapolis in 2009 and Houston in 2010) were pre-determined because cities host a regional the year prior to hosting a Final Four.

"The committee is pleased with the high level of interest cities, institutions and conferences across the country have shown in serving as hosts to our championship,” said Craig Littlepage, Director of Athletics at the University of Virginia and chair of the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee. “This championship continues to grow in popularity among fans of all ages and areas of the country. That interest translates into unequalled energy in the host venues, which are sold out every year. The preliminary rounds afford us the opportunity to bring the championship to all parts of the country and the enthusiasm and commitment these cities have shown in administering the championship is overwhelming. We feel like there is a good mix of cities and venues that have previously demonstrated the ability to successfully serve as hosts, while at the same time there are several new cities and venues that will have the opportunity to host for the first time.”

The committee specifically identified New Orleans to host again in 2010. The championship will make its fourth appearance in the city in 10 years and the second time since the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. “Nothing more strongly illustrates our support of the area than to assure New Orleans regularly hosts rounds of the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship when possible,” Littlepage commented. “The committee was unanimous in its support.”

Here are the cities hosting preliminary rounds of the 2009 and 2010 championships, including the venue and host institution/conference: (*Indicates a venue hosting the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship for the first time.)

2009 First and Second Rounds--Thursday/Saturday, March 19/21

2009 First and Second Rounds--Friday/Sunday, March 20/22

2009 Regionals—Thursday/Saturday, March 26/28

2009 Regionals—Friday/Sunday, March 27/29

2010 First and Second Rounds--Thursday/Saturday, March 18/20

2010 First and Second Rounds—Friday/Sunday, March 19/21

2010 Regionals—Thursday/Saturday, March 25/27

2010 Regionals—Friday/Sunday, March 26/28