Target Center (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - March Madness is coming to Minneapolis in 2027, and tickets for the NCAA First and Second Rounds went on sale this week.
Target Center hosting 2027 NCAA Tournament regional
What we know:
The University of Minnesota is hosting an NCAA Tournament First and Second Round Regional at Target Center for men’s basketball, set for March 19-21. The Gophers will be one of eight schools to host the opening rounds in 2027.
We’ll find out on Selection Sunday which teams are coming to Minneapolis.
Minneapolis previously hosted the Men's Final Four in 2019 and the Women's Final Four in 2022, but the men's games were played at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Target Center played host to Big Ten Tournament games in 2023 and 2024.
2028 NCAA Wrestling Championships
The Gophers are also hosting the 2028 NCAA Wrestling Championships at U.S. Bank Stadium. University of Minnesota officials say the home of the Vikings will be the largest venue to ever host the championship.
Gophers’ basketball outlook
Why you should care:
The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team opens its 2026-27 season Thursday with an exhibition against Omaha at The Barn. Their regular season opener is against North Dakota on Nov. 2.
The Gophers are entering Niko Medved’s second season as head coach, as they finished 15-18 overall last year due to a roster depleted by injuries. Minnesota has six players back from last year’s roster, including three starters, and added talent through the NCAA transfer portal. They also await a decision on Cade Tyson’s eligibility via the 5-for-5 rule. Tyson was the Gophers’ leading scorer last season.