March Madness is officially circling back to Fort Worth. Dickies Arena will again host NCAA Division I men's first- and second-round games from March 18 to 20, 2027, with the University of North Texas serving as institutional liaison and host. The arena last handled the early rounds in 2022, and the return date helps lock Fort Worth onto the tournament map for the long haul.
Dates, host and ticketing
According to Dickies Arena, the men's first- and second-round games are set for March 18 and March 20, 2027. The arena's event page notes that the University of North Texas will serve as the institutional host and that tickets will be available to NCAA subscribers in October. "Dickies Arena couldn't be more thrilled to welcome back the NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds to Dickies Arena," Matt Homan, the arena's president and general manager, said in the venue's announcement.
Economic lift for Fort Worth
As reported by the Fort Worth Sports Commission, the 2022 early-round weekend at Dickies sold out with more than 13,000 fans and generated about $11.5 million in direct spending while filling roughly 14,000 hotel room nights. Executive director Jason Sands said the 2027 return helps cement Fort Worth's status as a sports tourism destination, and local officials and hospitality partners continue to lean on those numbers when they pitch for repeat marquee events.
UNT will be the institutional host
The University of North Texas announced it will act as the institutional liaison and host for the Fort Worth site, noting that eight teams will travel to the city and six games will be played at Dickies Arena. UNT's athletics site quoted Vice President and Director of Athletics Jared Mosley saying the university appreciates the partnership with the Fort Worth Sports Commission, Dickies Arena and the NCAA. UNT's role formalizes responsibilities that include team logistics, practice scheduling and coordination with NCAA officials behind the scenes.
Fan notes: tickets and parking
The arena's site urges fans to sign up for ticket notifications, and its event listing says NCAA subscribers will receive early access starting in October. For drivers, Dickies Arena's directions and parking guide list the venue at 1911 Montgomery Street and warn that large tournament sessions often clog streets across the Cultural District, so arriving early or using transit is recommended. Fans should expect a March Madness spike in nearby hotel demand and are advised to think about travel and lodging plans sooner rather than later.
Local reporting
The initial local coverage of the announcement ran in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which framed the return in the context of recent area tournament hosting and team performances. For the original reporting, see the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
