Indianapolis Celebrates 25 Years of Hosting NCAA Headquarters

Indianapolis marked a significant milestone this week as it celebrated the 25th anniversary of the NCAA establishing its national headquarters in the city. The NCAA, which had originally called Overland Park, Kansas, home, made the move following a decision made in May 1997 during the Final Four men’s basketball tournament held at the RCA Dome. The Arizona Wildcats secured their first NCAA title that year, but it was Indianapolis that scored a major win by beating out other big cities for the NCAA’s new base.

As the event commemorating this achievement unfolded, Mayor Joe Hogsett reflected on the impact that the NCAA’s presence has had on Indianapolis. According to Hogsett, the city has hosted eight men’s Final Fours and three women’s Final Fours since the opening of the headquarters in summer 1999. In honor of this anniversary, Hogsett declared August 13, 2024, to be NCAA Day in Indianapolis.

When the NCAA was founded over a century ago, it faced challenges in establishing its credibility and impartiality. The move to Indianapolis has been deemed important in growing the NCAA into a major player in college athletics. The NCAA has witnessed tremendous growth, having outgrown its original space and expanding the headquarters to better accommodate its needs.

During the celebration, it was noted that over the years, the NCAA has hosted more than 70 national championships in Indianapolis. This has not only led to economic benefits for the city, but also fostered a sense of community through various outreach programs, donations, and volunteer activities, enhancing the relationship between the organization and the city.

In a gesture of goodwill during the celebrations, the NCAA presented a $25,000 check designed to help create 20 new workshops at several middle schools. This initiative aims to support student-athletes by enhancing their social and emotional learning, impacting over 1,000 students.

With such a strong partnership between the NCAA and Indianapolis, leaders on both sides expressed optimism for the future, eager for continued growth and support for local communities. As we look ahead, it’s clear that Indianapolis is proud to be the home of the NCAA headquarters and that this partnership will thrive for many more years to come.