First Four preps underway at UD Arena

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Its almost time for March Madness and the University of Dayton is getting ready for its major role in the dance as host of the NCAA First Four, as well as second and third round play.

Crews quickly set the stage at UD Arena Wednesday, transforming the Flyer's floor to an NCAA hard court. Teams competing in the NCAA First Four tournament will be determined on Selection Sunday. 

Tuesday's tip-off will put UD Arena in the spotlight as the host of the most NCAA championships than any other building in the country.

Tim O'Connell, who is the Assistant Vice President of Athletics, expects up to 150,000 people to come to UD Arena during First Four, second and third round play. Tickets for the First Four games are already sold out.

"This is an international event and for those two days, on Tuesday and Wednesday and we are the only active site," said O'Connell. "The world's eyes are going to be on the great community of Dayton."

O'Connell said UD has consistently been host of the NCAA First Four since 2001 and hopes to keep tradition going for years to come.

"That is truly a tribute to the University of Dayton but mostly, the community," said O'Connell.  "We wouldn't be in this position without a community that is so engaged, so welcoming and works so hard to make this thing so successful."

There are less than 1,000 tickets left for second and third rounds, but officials expect those tickets to go very quickly following selection Sunday.