Houston to Host NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Regional In 2008

The University of Houston, Reliant Park and the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau are very pleased and honored to announce today that the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee has selected Houston and Reliant Stadium as the site to host a NCAA Division I Regional in 2008. Reliant Stadium will also host a NCAA Division I Regional Tournament in 2010.

Earlier this year, the 2011 Division I Men's Basketball Final Four, to be played April 2-4, was awarded to this Houston group.

"We are thrilled with the NCAA's decision to come to Houston as early as 2008" said Shea Guinn, President and General Manager of SMG-Reliant Park. "With the Super Bowl in 2004, the return of the Big XII Conference Football Championship in 2005, the NCAA Men's Regionals in 2008 and 2010 and the Final Four in 2011 Reliant Stadium is establishing itself as a long term home for premier collegiate athletics and major national sporting events."

"The University of Houston has a rich tradition in men's basketball, so we are very excited with the Committee's decision and we look forward to working with the NCAA on preparing for the Men's Regionals in 2008 and 2010 and the Final Four in 2011," said Director of Athletics for University of Houston Dave Maggard.

GHCVB President and CEO Jordy Tollett called the decision another significant milestone for the city of Houston. "In addition to the Super Bowl, the upcoming MLB All Star Game, Tennis Masters Cup, the return of the Big XII Conference Football Championship, the Men's Regionals in 2008 and 2010 and the Final Four in 2011 Houston is definitely on the map as one of the premier destinations in the country for hosting major sporting events. In addition, I would like to compliment SMG-Reliant Park for their aggressive efforts to keep the city of Houston in the limelight as it relates to attracting these major sporting events. These events have substantial economic impact and benefit all areas of the city."

The additional Men's Regionals Sites for 2008 are as follows:

Charlotte, North Carolina; Charlotte Arena; University of North Carolina-Charlotte, host; Thursday and Saturday, March 27 and 29.


Detroit, Michigan; Ford Field; University of Detroit-Mercy, host; Friday and Sunday, March 28 and 30.

Phoenix, Arizona; America West Arena; Arizona State University, host; March 27 and 29.