March Madness Kicks Off at UD Arena as Fans Return

Annual First Four tradition resumes in Dayton after pandemic pause

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:40am

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The University of Dayton Arena is once again hosting the First Four games of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, marking the return of the annual March Madness tradition after a pandemic-related hiatus. Fans like Nan Burton and Donna Palmatary, both UD alumni, are excited to be back at the arena to watch the games and connect with other college basketball enthusiasts.

Why it matters

The First Four games at UD Arena have become an integral part of the March Madness experience, drawing fans from across the country and providing an economic boost to the Dayton community. After a two-year absence due to COVID-19 restrictions, the return of this tradition signifies a return to normalcy for college basketball fans.

The details

The First Four games kicked off on Tuesday, March 18, 2026, with teams competing for a spot in the main NCAA Tournament bracket. Among the teams playing is Miami University, the only Ohio team in the First Four, which is coming off a 31-1 season. Fans like Burton and Palmatary are eager to support their local teams and connect with other college basketball enthusiasts during the event.

  • The First Four games at UD Arena began on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • The Miami University vs. SMU matchup is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, 2026.

The players

Nan Burton

A University of Dayton alumna and college basketball fan who has made the First Four at UD Arena a tradition.

Donna Palmatary

Another University of Dayton alumna who looks forward to the First Four event each year, enjoying the opportunity to connect with other fans and explore the Dayton community.

Miami University

The only Ohio team participating in the First Four, coming off a 31-1 season and looking to advance in the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I like to watch college men's basketball and I watch it all season during the season, and when they start their championship for each division I watch as many games as I can and then try to fill out a bracket.”

— Nan Burton, University of Dayton alumna

“I come every year. It's a treat to myself. I love watching, I love meeting other fans, like, you make friends with other people, make friends with the guys in front of me, the lady behind me today, another guy. Like, we talk about the area. We talk about where we're from. It's really cool.”

— Donna Palmatary, University of Dayton alumna

What’s next

The First Four games will continue on Wednesday, March 19, 2026, with the Miami University vs. SMU matchup being a key focus for local fans.

The takeaway

The return of the March Madness First Four tradition to the University of Dayton Arena is a welcome sight for college basketball fans, who are eager to reconnect with the annual event and support their local teams. The event's economic impact on the Dayton community also highlights the importance of these types of sporting events in driving tourism and economic activity.