Hartford Chosen as Host City for 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament

HARTFORD, CT — The NCAA on Tuesday announced host sites for men's basketball tournament action from 2018 through 2022, and for the first time in two decades, Hartford is on the list.

The XL Center has been selected for first and second round Division 1 tournament games on March 21 and 23, 2019. Those dates mark the first time the capital city will play host to college basketball's elite championship bracket since 1998.

“The NCAA’s announcement that they are choosing Hartford to host the men’s basketball tournament for the first time in over twenty years is proof positive that our state and our capital city remain attractive destinations for large-scale events like this," Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a written statement. "Above all, this is exciting news for businesses who will benefit from the increased economic output that a tournament of this size will bring to the region."

Patch file photo