---
title: "Minneapolis Lands 2027 NCAA First-Round Site"
url: https://www.herewashingtondc.com/2026/10/15/minneapolis-lands-2027-ncaa-first-round-target-center/
date: 2026-10-15T08:26:37-04:00
modified: 2026-10-15T08:26:37-04:00
author: "HERE City National Desk"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Washington DC"
attribution: "HERE Washington DC"
---

# Minneapolis Lands 2027 NCAA First-Round Site

*Source: [HERE Washington DC](https://www.herewashingtondc.com/2026/10/15/minneapolis-lands-2027-ncaa-first-round-target-center/) — October 15, 2026 by HERE City National Desk*

*From the HERE City National Desk*

MINNEAPOLIS — March Madness early rounds are returning to downtown Minneapolis in 2027, with Target Center tapped for first- and second-round sessions and ticket sales already open this week.

The Gophers athletic department is co-hosting the site with Minnesota Sports and Events. NCAA records place the arena on the 2027 first- and second-round map for Division I mens basketball. Tip dates are March 19 and March 21. Bracket teams will be assigned only after Selection Sunday.

Campus leaders note Minnesota is among eight schools given opening-weekend hosting duties that year. The city last put the mens Final Four in a football stadium in 2019 and staged the womens Final Four in 2022. Conference tournament basketball filled Target Center in 2023 and 2024.

Wrestling fans get a separate landmark: the 2028 NCAA Wrestling Championships are booked for U.S. Bank Stadium under the same Twin Cities hosting partnership, a football venue the association previously eyed before the pandemic canceled a prior plan.

On the court, Minnesota tips an exhibition Thursday against Omaha at Williams Arena, then opens the regular season Nov. 2 against North Dakota in year two of the Niko Medved era after finishing 15-18 last season.