Denver Joins Six Other Cities in Bid for 2032-36 Final Four

The National Collegiate Athletic Association announced on Tuesday that Denver is one of seven finalist cities for the men's Final Four tournaments scheduled between 2032 and 2036. The selection places the Mile High City in the final round of a competitive process for the championship site.

The other six finalists are Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Nashville, and New Orleans. Denver has previously hosted the event only once, in 1990, when the game was played at McNichols Sports Arena. That year predates the NCAA's shift to hosting the Final Four in football stadiums.

Mayor Mike Johnston said the city has worked on this bid for years. In a social media post, he stated that a new Broncos stadium featuring a retractable roof and over 50,000 seats will expand the city's eligibility for major events. The proposed Burnham Yard site recently received updated renderings from the Denver Broncos.

Martin Newton, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Samford University and incoming chair of the Division I Men's Basketball Committee, said the organization is grateful for the high level of interest from cities. He noted that the tournament remains one of the world's premier sporting events.

NCAA staff and committee members will evaluate the finalists through meetings and site visits. In July 2027, each city will present to the committees during summer meetings. The hosts for the tournaments will be announced after those presentations are completed.