Atlanta Selected to Host 2031 Men’s Final Four After Pandemic-Forced 2020 Cancellation
Atlanta has been chosen to host the 2031 NCAA Men’s Final Four, marking a significant return for the city after the global pandemic canceled its opportunity to host the event in 2020. The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee made the announcement, confirming that the prestigious tournament will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April 5 and 7, 2031.
This will be the fifth time Atlanta has hosted the Men’s Final Four. The city’s history with the event dates back to 1977, when Al McGuire led Marquette to a victory over North Carolina in front of just over 16,000 fans at the Omni Coliseum. Atlanta’s hosting resume also includes the 2002 Final Four at the Georgia Dome, where Maryland secured its only national title by defeating Indiana before a crowd of more than 52,000. The Georgia Dome was also the venue for the 2007 Final Four, which saw Florida claim its second consecutive championship, and the 2013 event, where Louisville edged Michigan in front of a record-setting crowd of 74,326.
The 2031 Final Four is expected to draw an even larger audience, solidifying Atlanta’s place among the elite cities that have hosted the event at least five times. Atlanta will join Kansas City, Indianapolis, New York, Louisville, New Orleans, Seattle, and San Antonio in this exclusive group.
“The cancellation of the 2020 tournament, including the Men’s Final Four in Atlanta, was a necessary yet devastating decision for student-athletes, coaches, and fans. It had a significant impact on the NCAA and its member institutions, as well as the city of Atlanta, which has been an outstanding host in the past,” said Dan Gavitt, the NCAA’s senior vice president of basketball. “The committee considered this when deciding to award the 2031 Men’s Final Four to Atlanta. The city competed strongly and has now earned the opportunity to host this major event once again. We are excited to work with the Atlanta team to deliver another memorable Final Four experience.”
The announcement of Atlanta as the 2031 host is not the final site selection news expected this year. The NCAA will reveal the preliminary round sites for the 2027 and 2028 Division I Men’s Basketball Championships in early October, as part of a broader announcement covering several men’s and women’s sports championships across all three divisions.
Previously announced Final Four hosts include San Antonio in 2025, Indianapolis in 2026 and 2029, Detroit in 2027, Las Vegas in 2028, and North Texas in 2030.
