Rochester, N.Y., October 4, 2024 - The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has awarded two future championship events to Rochester, N.Y. in 2028, solidifying the city's position as a premier destination for collegiate sports.
The bids for these events were produced in partnership by the Rochester NY Sports Commission, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and Blue Cross Arena.
2028 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Regionals
RIT and the Blue Cross Arena will host the 2028 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Regionals – expected to draw more than 9,000 spectators for this event. Two opening-round contests and a second-round game will be played at Blue Cross Arena, in the heart of downtown Rochester. The winner of this regional championship will advance to the Frozen Four, to be played at the United Center in Chicago.
2028 NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse Finals
RIT's Tiger Stadium will host the 2028 NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse Finals, showcasing the best of Division III women's lacrosse. RIT will host the two national semifinal games on Friday, May 26th, as well as the National Championship game on Sunday, May 28th. The NCAA Lacrosse Championship is projected to draw 1,000 spectators to Monroe County.
"We are excited to welcome these prestigious NCAA events to Rochester," said Don Jeffries, president & CEO, Visit Rochester. "We look forward to welcoming visitors and providing an unforgettable experience for NCAA athletes, coaches, and fans in 2028."
"We are thrilled to partner with the Rochester Sports Commission and Visit Rochester to bring the NCAA Championships to our community. This is an incredible opportunity to showcase our university, our athletic facilities, and the vibrant spirit of Rochester. Hosting this prestigious event not only highlights the hard work and talent of our student-athletes but also strengthens our community’s connection to collegiate sports on a national stage. We can't wait to welcome teams and fans from across the country to experience all that RIT and Rochester have to offer," said Jacqueline Nicholson, RIT Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.
The events are expected to bring significant economic benefits to the Rochester area, attracting visitors from across the country and highlighting the city's ability to host major sporting events.
Tourism and sporting events are big business in Monroe County. The economic impact of the tourism and hospitality industry in Monroe County is more than $1.5 billion and responsible for more than 18,000 jobs.
ABOUT VISIT ROCHESTER
Visit Rochester is the official tourism promotion agency for Greater Rochester and Monroe County. Visit Rochester is a membership organization with over 500 members representing, lodging, retail, restaurants, services, and community organizations. Working together with our members and partners, our mission is to sell and market Greater Rochester as a preferred destination in order to grow and maximize visitor spending and to enhance the economy. To learn more go to visitrochester.com