Canisius College will join with the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and Niagara University to co-host the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball first and second rounds at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee announced. The games will be played Thursday, March 16, and Saturday, March 18, 2017.
“The fact that the Buffalo-Niagara region has once again been selected to host the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship is another positive affirmation for our community,” Canisius Director of Athletics and Tournament Co-Director Bill Maher said. “This area has embraced NCAA Championship events each time we have hosted and that pattern of success is a key factor in the NCAA’s continued willingness to have Buffalo serve as a host city for its marquee championship event.”
Canisius, the MAAC and Niagara have previously hosted the 2000, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2014 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championships in Buffalo’s downtown arena and the group also joined together to host the 2003 Frozen Four. All six of those previous events have sold out. In today’s announcement, the NCAA unveiled the host cities for the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championships for 2016-18. Buffalo joins with New York City (East Regional host in 2017) as the only two cities in New York State selected as a host city.
“Having the NCAA Division I Basketball Championship tournament return to our building for a sixth time is very exciting,” said Buffalo Sabres President Ted Black. “Buffalo embraces big-time sports events and March Madness always generates tremendous excitement in the city. The rapid development of the Canalside District and the addition of a world-class entertainment venue like HARBORCENTER will provide basketball fans and visitors with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. We look forward to working with our great partners at the NCAA, the MAAC, Canisius and Niagara and staging yet another successful tournament stop in Buffalo.”
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