Birmingham set to host March Madness tournaments in 2023 + 25 at upgraded Legacy Arena. See renderings of the $123 million renovation

Basketball fans rejoice! March Madness will return to Birmingham’s newly renovated Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex for two events in 2023 and 2025. Here’s what we know.

Welcome Back to the Magic City, March Madness

The two events announced today include the first and second round of the Tournament for Division I men’s basketball in 2023, and the Division I women’s basketball southern regional in 2025.

The 2023 NCAA Tournament will be the first for men’s basketball in Birmingham since 2008. Additionally, it will be the first time ever for the women’s tournament in the Magic City.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Multiple groups joined forces to bring the tournaments to Birmingham including:

• The City of Birmingham
• The BJCC
• The Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Knight Eady
• The Southeastern Conference

“This is a perfect example of cooperation between public and private partners to elevate Birmingham’s position as a great place to host world-class events like March Madness. 

For too long, we’ve had to watch other southeastern cities host the men’s and women’s Division I tournaments. With the renovation and expansion of the BJCC, we are firmly back in the game and committed to competing for top tier sporting and entertainment events.”

Mayor Randall L. Woodfin

Legacy Arena will be Renovated + Ready

The BJCC’s Legacy Arena, which closed in April, is currently undergoing a $123 million renovation. It’s expected to reopen in late 2021, so visitors will have plenty of time to check out the new arena before the March Madness tournaments.

“The comprehensive renovation and expansion of Legacy Arena make Birmingham the ideal home to once again host NCAA tournament basketball. The improvements focus on fan experience, premium seating options, improved food and beverage options as well as new team and artist areas, with back-of-house operational improvements to support our event partners.

Fans will watch the games from upgraded seats, modern hospitality suites, and club areas with views to the event floor and the teams will enjoy locker and coaches rooms on par with any other venue in the country. We look forward to hosting the NCAA in Alabama’s largest and newly renovated Legacy Arena.”

Tad Snider, Executive Director and CEO, BJCC Authority

Hosting More Than March Madness

Birmingham was also selected to host the finals for the NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships in 2023 and 2026 at the Birmingham CrossPlex.

Other Alabama cities set to host NCAA Championships between 2023-2026 include:

• Montevallo, AL — NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships | Regionals @ Montevallo Cross Country Course in 2023
• Gulf Shores, AL — National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship | Finals hosted by UAB @ Gulf Shores Public Beach in 2023 + 24
• Huntsville, AL — NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships | Regionals hosted by UAH @ John Hunt Park in 2024
• Auburn, AL — NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championships | Regionals Regionals @ Auburn University Club in 2024
• Tuscaloosa, AL — National Collegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championships | Regionals @ Coleman Coliseum in 2025

Are you excited for Birmingham to host March Madness in 2023? Let us know what championship you’re looking forward to on social at @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.