Arena News

COLUMBUS, OHIO -The Ohio State Department of Athletics, along with Nationwide Arena and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, has been selected to host the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds, the NCAA announced. The 2007 early round contests will be played at Nationwide Arena March 16 and 18. It will be Columbus' second opportunity to host to the event. The 2004 first and second rounds were played at Nationwide Arena as well.

Jay Cooper, General Manager of Nationwide Arena, said the first experience hosting the event helped lead to the second opportunity.

"After a resoundingly successful first-time tournament last March, it is a testament to the tremendous partnership between Nationwide Arena and The Ohio State University and the support of the community to be rewarded with another opportunity to serve as the host venue in 2007."

Richelle Simonson, Ohio State associate athletics director for ticketing and event management, said Ohio State and all involved should be proud of the opportunity given by the NCAA to run this event in Columbus.

"The NCAA men's basketball tournament in March is the nation's premier sporting event," Simonson said. "The overwhelming success of the 2004 NCAA First and Second Rounds hosted by Ohio State University at Nationwide Arena has certainly put Columbus on the map as a destination city for sports fans. The return of this prestigious event to the city of Columbus is a remarkable accomplishment. Ohio State, Nationwide Arena and the entire city of Columbus should be proud of securing the 2007 event."

Area businesses also were a part of the success of the 2004 NCAA First and Second Rounds in Columbus. Their efforts also were recognized.

"This is terrific news for Columbus and our hospitality community - and it's another testament to our rising stature as a host city for major sporting events," said Linda Logan, executive director of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. "We look forward to working with Ohio State and Nationwide Arena to once again showcase our city to student-athletes, coaches and fans during the NCAA tournament."

The following sites were selected for 2007:

OPENING ROUND
• Dayton, Ohio; UD Arena; University of Dayton, host; Tuesday, March 13

FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS
• Buffalo, N.Y.; HSBC Arena; Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Canisius College and Niagara University, co-hosts; Thursday and Saturday, March 15 and 17.
• Chicago, Ill.; United Center; Big Ten Conference, host; Friday and Sunday, March 16 and 18.
• Columbus, Ohio; Nationwide Arena; The Ohio State University, host; March 16 and 18.
• Lexington, Ky.; Rupp Arena; University of Kentucky, host; March 16 and 18.
• New Orleans, La.; New Orleans Arena; Tulane University, host; March 16 and 18.
• Sacramento, Calif.; ARCO Arena; University of the Pacific, host; March 15 and 17.
• Spokane, Wash.; Spokane Memorial Arena; Washington State University, host; March 15 and 17.
• Winston-Salem, N.C.; Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum; Wake Forest University, host; March 15 and 17.

REGIONALS
• East Rutherford, N.J.; Continental Airlines Arena; Rutgers University, host; Friday and Sunday, March 23 and 25.
• San Antonio, Texas; Alamodome; University of Texas-San Antonio, host; Thursday and Saturday, March 22 and 24.
• San Jose, Calif.; HP Pavilion; San Jose State University, host; March 22 and 24.
• St. Louis, Mo.; Edward Jones Dome; Missouri Valley Conference, host; March 23 and 25.