Fort Worth (WBAP/KLIF News) – The NCAA has announced Dallas and Fort Worth will host NCAA tournament games in the future. Moody Coliseum in Dallas will host first and second round games in 2020. Fort Worth will host the first two rounds in 2022.
The announcement followed a groundbreaking on a 13,400 seat arena near Will Rogers Coliseum. The $450 million project should open in 2019.
“We will present concerts, sporting events, family entertainment, community events and more,” says Ed Bass, who chairs the group leading construction. “This is not a baby arena. This is the real thing.”
Bass says the lower part of the arena and suites will have the same layout as American Airlines Center.
Ft. Worth last hosted NCAA tournament games in 1970.
“The key to this success is not only our first-class facilities, but Ft. Worth’s reputation for creating great student-athlete experiences,” Bass says.
Voters in Ft. Worth approved funding up to half the project. Bass says any overruns will be paid by the private sector.
The arena will be named, “Dickie’s Arena.”
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