As reported by @ellabrockway, it was announced today that NU will be the host of an NCAA Tournament Regional at the United Center in 2026. Pretty cool.
A lot of behind the scenes logistics. And no they don’t get an automatic bid. In fact if they get selected for the tournament, frequently the “host schools” get sent elsewhere because of NCAA rules.What does that even mean?
It’s not even our home court.
Do we get an automatic bid? What the hell does the host do?
I think the NU logo goes on the floor or the Northwestern name goes on press table graphics. Otherwise, just more work for the sports information folks.What does that even mean?
It’s not even our home court.
Do we get an automatic bid? What the hell does the host do?
What does that even mean?
It’s not even our home court.
Do we get an automatic bid? What the hell does the host do?
A lot of behind the scenes logistics. And no they don’t get an automatic bid. In fact if they get selected for the tournament, frequently the “host schools” get sent elsewhere because of NCAA rules.
I think it is primarily for the opening rounds in the Mens Tournament that schools are directed to another venue if selected for the tournament. For example, Ohio State hosted a quartet for a part of the bracket in the 2012 round of 64 and round 32 games, but even though they were Big Ten champions and a #1 seed that year, they had to go to Pittsburgh to play in the opening rounds. It is definitely a moot issue for the Final Four, but it may also be an effectively moot issue for the Sweet Sixteen/Elite Eight. It seems like a lot of sites in the advanced rounds are hosted by teams with no chance, like the 2009 Detroit Final Four where Michigan State made the final but which was hosted by Eastern Michigan University. I wonder who hosted the various games played in Kansas City where Kansas may have been involved or various games hosted in North Carolina where NC State, North Carolina or Duke where able to play despite not being the technical home court team?A lot of behind the scenes logistics. And no they don’t get an automatic bid. In fact if they get selected for the tournament, frequently the “host schools” get sent elsewhere because of NCAA rules.
I wonder who hosted the various games played in Kansas City where Kansas may have been involved or various games hosted in North Carolina where NC State, North Carolina or Duke where able to play despite not being the technical home court team?
Ah, the crosses we must bear . . . . .Correct - if you're a host, you cannot play any tournament games at your host site. The only exceptions are the Final Four, obviously, and also if Dayton is in the First Four. So when we get the #1 overall seed in 2026 we'll have to go elsewhere for the Sweet 16.
Regionals have been played at NRG Stadium (Houston's football stadium) twice in the last dozen or so years. I know because I was at a couple of the games. It was a mediocre experience.i don't believe any regionals have been played in FB stadiums(Carrier Dome would be an exception). The Final Four has been in FB stadiums
The host takes your coat at the door, provides hours d’oeuvres, and smiles falsely when the tapenade drops onto the silk rug.What does that even mean?
It’s not even our home court.
Do we get an automatic bid? What the hell does the host do?