by Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children

March Madness is upon us.  During the next few weeks, 65 teams will compete for the title of NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion.  Let’s take a look at where all the action will take place: where Cinderella is found, where the upsets occur, where the champions emerge and ultimately claim their title.

UD Arena, Dayton, OH: Opening Round, First and Second Rounds

Built in 1969 and renovated in 2002, the University of Dayton Arena is a popular venue for NCAA tournaments, hosting in 16 of the past 33 years.  It has 13,049 seats and is home to the University of Dayton Flyers.

Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC: First and Second Rounds

The Greensboro Coliseum Complex is a multi-purpose arena.  Currently home to UNC Greensboro, it has previously housed the Carolina Hurricanes and several other teams.  It was built in 1959 with 9,200 seats but was renovated in 1993 and currently holds 23,500 for basketball and 21,273 for hockey.  The complex also includes a special events center, auditorium, and a pavilion.

Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO: First and Second Rounds

The Sprint Center in Kansas City was opened in 2007.  Seating approximately 18,500, including 72 luxury suites, the arena has been used for concerts and arena football, among other things.  Connected to the Sprint Center is the College Basketball Experience, which includes the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA: First and Second Rounds

Since its completion in 1996, Wachovia Center has been known as the CoreStates Center and the First Union Center.  It is located in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which includes Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park, and the Wachovia Spectrum.  With a capacity of 21,600 for basketball and varying numbers for other sports, it is home to the NBA’s Philadelphia 76′ers, the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, and other professional teams.

Rose Garden, Portland, OR: First and Second Rounds

The Rose Garden arena in Portland holdes 20,630 people for basketball games, but can be configured for a multitude of other events, including hockey, concerts, rodeos, and circuses.  Completed in 1995, it is the home to the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers as well as various other professional sports teams.

Taco Bell Arena, Boise, ID: First and Second Rounds

Taco Bell Arena is found on the campus of Boise State University and is home to that school’s sports teams.  Seating 12,820 for basketball, the arena is also used for other sport and community events.  It was built in 1982 as the BSU Pavilion and received its current name in 2004.

American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL: First and Second Rounds

The American Airlines Arena opened in 1999 and is home to the NBA’s Miami Heat.  It is used for basketball games and concerts, and can be configured in various ways, seating between 5,000 and 20,000.  It has a giant aircraft painted on its roof, which is visible on approach to Miami’s airport.

Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN: First and Second Rounds

Currently home to the Minnesota Vikings, the Metrodome has in the past been the host of the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves, and various University of Minnesota teams.  Opened in 1982, the domed stadium can hold 50,000 for basketball games.

TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, MA: East Regionals

Also known as “The Garden” or “Boston Garden,” TD Banknorth Garden is home to the Boston Bruins of the NHL and the Boston Celtics of the NBA.  It was opened in 1995 and seats 18,264 for basketball games.  The venue also hosts many non-sporting events, including the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ: West Regionals

The University of Phoenix Stadium was opened in 2006 and has 63,400 permanent seats.  Currently home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, it also hosts the annual Fiesta Bowl and was the site of Super Bowl XLII.  It boasts a fully retractable natural-grass field and retractable roof.

Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN: Midwest Regionals

The Lucas Oil Stadium was opened in 2008 and is the new home of the Indianapolis Colts.  For basketball games, it seats approximately 70,000 fans.  Its retro look is like that of other Indianapolis-area stadiums, a throw-back to the look of historic fieldhouses.

FedExForum, Memphis, TN: South Regionals

Home of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis sports teams, the FedExForum was opened in 2004.  It features a domed roof and a playing floor that is lower than ground level, and seats 18,119 for basketball.  It is also the site of concerts and has hosted major professional wrestling events.

Ford Field, Detroit, MI: Final Four

Ford Field is the home of the NFL’s Detroit Lions and can seat up to 80,000 people for basketball games.  Opened in 2002, part of the design incorporates use of a 1920′s six-story warehouse building.  It hosted Super Bowl XL and set its attendance record with Wrestlemania 23 in 2007.

 

Information obtained from Wikipedia.