Sep 13, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A general view of the stadium prior to the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The NCAA on Thursday awarded the 2031 men’s Final Four to Atlanta.
It will be the city’s first Final Four since 2013, which was held at the now-demolished Georgia Dome. Atlanta was scheduled to host the Final Four in 2020 at the Atlanta Falcons’ new home stadium, Mercedez-Benz Stadium, but the NCAA tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Atlanta had to wait another decade to return to the rotation. It will join Kansas City, Indianapolis, New York, New Orleans, San Antonio, Seattle and Louisville, Kentucky, as cities that will host at least five Final Fours.
“The cancellation of the 2020 tournament, including the men’s Final Four in Atlanta, was a necessary but devastating decision for student-athletes, coaches and fans. It significantly impacted the Association and its members, as well as the city of Atlanta, which has repeatedly been an excellent host of the event,” Dan Gavitt, NCAA senior vice president of basketball, said in a statement. “The committee was empathetic in considering replacing the 2020 men’s Final Four with Atlanta, and ultimately, the city competed favorably and earned the opportunity to host again at long last in 2031. We look forward to working with Team Atlanta to deliver another memorable men’s Final Four experience.”
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the Final Four on April 5, 2031, and the national championship game on April 7.
The Final Four for the upcoming 2024-25 season will be held in San Antonio. Indianapolis will take turns in 2026 and 2029. Detroit and Las Vegas hosted the 2027 and 2028 Final Fours in 2022, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area will host the 2030 Final Four.
–Field level media
