March Madness’ Final Four could be returning to Colorado.
The NCAA announced Tuesday that Denver is one of seven cities being considered to host the Division I men’s basketball Final Four between 2032-36.
“Denver Sports Commission has eagerly been awaiting this news and is incredibly pleased that Denver has made the final short list of potential NCAA Final Four men’s basketball locations for the 2032-2036 seasons,” Matthew Payne, executive director of Denver Sports Commission, said in a news release. “Events like this show the importance of a new Broncos stadium and their preferred Burnham Yards location.”
The other cities include Houston; Indianapolis; Kansas City; Las Vegas; Nashville; and New Orleans.
Denver hosted the men’s Final Four once before in 1990 when Larry Johnson and UNLV defeated Christian Laettner and Duke, 103-73, in the finals at McNichols Sports Arena. The Mile High City has also hosted first- and second-round games in 1999, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2016, 2023, and 2025. And it hosted the regionals in 1985, 1989 and 1996.
Since 1997, the NCAA has held its D-I men’s basketball Final Four in football stadiums. The Broncos have set a deadline to move into their new stadium at Burnham Yard for the 2031 NFL season.
“We’ve been working on this for years and are so thrilled for a chance to host the NCAA Final Four in Denver,” Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said in a news release. “This is why a new Broncos stadium with a retractable roof and more than 50,000 seats will expand our eligibility for events like this and provide new and exciting opportunities for Denver.”
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