FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PROVIDENCE AWARDED 2021 NCAA DIVISION I MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST/SECOND ROUNDS

(Providence, RI, April 18, 2017) –It was announced today by the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee that theDunkin’ Donuts Center has been selected as one of the sites for the First and Second Rounds of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Providence College will serve once again as the host institution for the First and Second Rounds, which will be played on March 18 and 20, 2021. Providence College and the Dunkin’ Donuts Center teamed up to host the event most recently in 2016 and 2010.

“We are excited to host the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Providence at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center,” Providence College Athletics Director Bob Driscoll said. “We have established a rich tradition of hosting highly successful NCAA events in the City of Providence, and we look forward to serving as host once again. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is one of the most prestigious and exciting events in all of sports. Hosting this event opens the door to showcase our great city, top-notch staff and venue.”

The Dunkin’ Donuts Center has a long history of hosting NCAA men’s basketball tournament action. In addition to hosting the 2016 First and Second Round games, the Dunkin’ Donuts Center hosted the East Regionals in 1975, 1978 and 1985. The First and Second Rounds of the 2010, 1996 and 1989 NCAA Men’s Tournament also were played at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.

“The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament places Providence and all of Rhode Island on a national stage,” Martha Sheridan, President and CEO, Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau said. “It is an excellent opportunity to welcome visitors from all across the country. We have worked with Providence College, the Dunkin’ Donuts Center and the community on this event very successfully in the past and we look forward to working with them again to showcase our city and our state.”

For more information on all of the NCAA championship sites awarded, log on to

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Dunkin’ Donuts Center, a 14,000 seat entertainment venue, is managed by SMG, the world leader invenue management, marketingand developmentFounded in 1977, SMG provides management services to more than 220 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theatres, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 14.4 million square feet of exhibition space and over 1.75 million sports and entertainment seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, MosconeConvention Center in San Francisco and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering company SAVOR, currently serving more than 100 accounts worldwide. For more information visit