March Madness in Raleigh, N.C.: How the City Scored Big as an NCAA Tournament Host
Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 11am
On March 21 and 23, 2025, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship took center stage at Lenovo Center, bringing elite college basketball action to Greater Raleigh. Hosting such a prestigious event required months of planning, coordination and promotion. Here’s an inside look at what it took to bring March Madness to life in Raleigh, N.C.:
Securing the tournament involved a competitive bidding process initiated in 2020, where North Carolina State University (NCSU) served as the official bid submission and host institution, with critical partners including Lenovo Center, the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA) and the Centennial Authority. Raleigh’s bid was highly competitive—each year, around 50 cities compete for just 12 hosting slots. Ultimately, Raleigh was awarded the 2025 tournament, marking the fifth time Raleigh, N.C., has hosted March Madness (previous years include 2004, 2008, 2014 and 2016).
To build excitement, Raleigh embraced the tournament with city-wide promotions. More than 200 banners lined the streets, and visitors were greeted by NCAA-branded wall clings at RDU International Airport. A dedicated Local Organizing Committee, chaired by representatives from NCSU, Lenovo Center, GRSA, the Centennial Authority and local community leaders, worked to enhance the experience beyond the court. This committee coordinated welcome signage, VIP and media gifts, team welcomes, hotel décor and a fan zone outside Lenovo Center, ensuring a seamless and exciting tournament atmosphere.
“The key to all of this is North Carolina State University’s incredible leadership as official host, and the creation of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to provide tremendous support,,” said Scott Dupree, executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance and chair of the LOC. “The NCAA owns the event, and inside the building the NCAA runs the show. But most everything outside of that—banners and signage, team welcomes, the fan zone, media hospitality—that’s where the community steps up. It’s a massive team effort, and Raleigh embraces it fully.”
But hosting March Madness isn’t just about the basketball games themselves—it’s also a major economic driver for Raleigh. The tournament filled local hotels with thousands of visitors, boosted revenue for restaurants, bars and retail stores and provided a significant increase in tourism spending. The Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance predicted that 10,000 hotel rooms would be booked, contributing an estimated $8-10 million to the local economy. The tournament was a complete sellout, with more than 57,000 fans attending over three sessions.
Reflecting on the event, Dupree emphasized the community’s enthusiasm. “What I enjoy most is the people—so many passionate, talented individuals working together to create an unforgettable event. This event means a lot to our community, and you can feel the pride from everyone involved.”
With meticulous planning, strong community support and a shared love for college basketball, Greater Raleigh once again proved itself as a premier destination for major sporting events. As Raleigh looks ahead to hosting the NCAA Basketball Regionals in 2028, the destination's reputation as a top-tier sports host continues to grow.
Header Photo By Alyson Boyer Rode