GRAND RAPIDS, Mich-
Grand Rapids will not be a host site for the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament in 2014 or 2015, the West Michigan Sports Commission announced Monday.
The city was in the running to serve as a host site for the “First Four” play-in games of the tournament. Michigan State University would have served as the host school, but would not have played in that site’s games.
In September, NCAA Championship Director Ron English toured Grand Rapids checking out Van Andel Arena as a venue host as well as local hotels, restaurants and bars.
“We’ll reevaluate our plans going forward with regards to hosting NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament games,” said West Michigan Sports Commission Executive Committee member Peter F. Secchia. “At this point, we were given no specific reason for the decision.”
“We would like to thank the NCAA for considering Grand Rapids for the First Four,” said Michigan State University Director of Events Seth Kesler. “We look forward to working with the West Michigan Sports Commission in the future and appreciate all of the hard work done by the organization.”
Instead of Grand Rapids, the NCAA selected the University of Dayton as the “First Four” host site. Dayton has hosted the start of the tournament each year since 2001 and will be hosting its record 100th all-time tournament game in March.
