March Madness is coming to Tampa in 2020!
Rob Higgins, Executive Director of Tampa Bay Sports Commission confirmed the news on his twitter account on Tuesday.
The first and second rounds of the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament will be held at Amalie Arena in 2020. The dates are set for March 19 and 21, 2020.
BREAKING: #TampaBay awarded 2020 @NCAA Men's Basketball 1st & 2nd Rounds! Excited for @marchmadness to return to @AmalieArena!
??????— Rob Higgins (@RHiggins_TBSC) April 18, 2017
Four teams made the big dance from Florida this year, so there is certainly potential for some hometown support at the games.
In January, Tampa Bay hosted the NCAA Men's Football National Championship game where the Clemson Tigers beat the Alabama Crimson Tide 35 to 31 with a second left. It was called one of the greatest games of all time and it was held right here in Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium.
Amalie Arena has also played host to the ACC Basketball Championship in 2007 and the Women's Final Four Basketball Championship in 2008. The arena will also be home to the 2019 Women's Final Four.
Excitement is building. We're excited to see what March Madness will bring to Tampa in 2020.