HOOPLA HISTORY
So What’s All The Big Hoopla About?
It started as an idea… It expanded into a regional initiative… And now, after a few short years, the Dayton region is recognized as the Epicenter of College Basketball. Fans from around the world know that THE ROAD STARTS HERE™, in Dayton, Ohio! In case you need proof, here is a small subset of the mounting evidence: The Big Hoopla is home to America’s #1 Host Site: UD Arena has hosted 105 Men’s Tournament Games, more than any site in the world!
The Big Hoopla has a rich history in its brief existence. Year after year, the Dayton region rallies behind a clear vision to produce incredible results, further demonstrating the seriousness with which we take our role as America’s #1 Host Site and home to America’s Most Passionate College Basketball Fans!
2022 Big Hoopla
highlights
MAKING HISTORY
YEAR AFTER YEAR
MAKING HISTORY YEAR AFTER YEAR
2022
MARCH 2022
The 2022 First Four marked a historic year for the Big Hoopla. The Dayton region celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Big Hoopla. The USAF celebrated its 75th anniversary at the 2022 First Four. Additionally, the Hoopla Ticket Program surpassed 100,000 tickets donated to Wright-Patterson service members and local students. Along with these achievements, the 2022 First Four was the most watched and highest rated in history, as well as setting all-time records for most unique viewers and total minutes viewed.
2020
OCTOBER 2020
NCAA extends agreement with The University of Dayton to host the NCAA Tournament First Four through at least 2026.
2016
MARCH 2016
Hoopla STEM Challenge grows 400% since its inception in 2012.
MARCH 2016
Most watched program on cable TV.
MARCH 2016
For the sixth consecutive year, at least one of the four winning teams advanced beyond the next round.
2015
MARCH 2015
First-ever halftime show developed organically by an early-round NCAA host site.
MARCH 2015
Dayton became the first “First Four” team to play on its home court
2014
NOVEMBER 2014
NCAA praises the Dayton’s commitment to the First Four by awarding the 2016, 2017 and 2018 NCAA First Four to the region.
march 2014
The NCAA First Four produces record viewership and ratings; increases of 34% and 32% respectively (compared to 2013).
march 2014
The Hoopla Ticket Program surpasses 10,000 tickets donated to Wright-Patt Airmen and local students.
MARCH 2014
The Hoopla Challenge expands to include a STEM education component to engage students from across the Dayton region.
JANUARY 2014
First Four Events Foundation Inc. receives 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS to support tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations supporting the Hoopla Ticket Program.
2013
MARCH 2013
UD Arena becomes the first-ever host site to surpass 100 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games hosted.
MARCH 2013
The Dayton region produces a first-ever First Four sellout as part of 10-conseuctive games played in front of a sold out crowd during the opening week of the NCAA Tournament.
2012
DECEMBER 2012
NCAA acknowledges the Dayton region’s commitment to the First Four by extending hosting agreement through 2015.
OCTOBER 2012
NCAA First Four Local Organizing Committee produces financial commitments to sellout the 2013 First Four 5 months before the tournament tips-off.
MARCH 2012
A first-ever visit from the US President, British Prime Minister & Ohio governor join fans from the Dayton region at UD Arena on the first night of the NCAA Tournament.
MARCH 2012
The Local Organizing Committee hosts the first-ever First Four Festival which draws 15,000 on Selection Sunday to downtown Dayton. Festival includes the first annual Hoopla Challenge.
2011
DECEMBER 2011
First Four Events Inc. created to support the NCAA First Four Local Organizing Committee efforts in Dayton, Ohio.
March 2011
VCU makes their historic tournament run from First Four to Final Four.
March 2011
UD Arena hosts the first-ever First Four games as March Madness expands to 68 teams.
March 2011
UD Arena hosts the first-ever Opening Round game of the NCAA Tournament as March Madness expands to 65 teams.
