Drake University will serve as a host for the 2023 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament First and Second Rounds at Wells Fargo Arena, the NCAA announced Wednesday, Oct. 14. Drake joins its local organizing committee partners Catch Des Moines, the Iowa Events Center and Polk County in bringing the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament back to Des Moines and Wells Fargo Arena for the third time since 2016. Drake also served as the host in 2019.

"As Des Moines' Hometown Team, it is an honor to partner with Polk County, the City of Des Moines, Catch Des Moines and Wells Fargo Arena to bring the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament back to Des Moines," said Drake director of athletics Brian Hardin. "It is a unique opportunity to showcase our great city on one of the biggest stages in athletics as part of March Madness. We saw firsthand what a boost it was to the Des Moines community and Drake University when we hosted in 2019 and are eager to build upon that experience to have an even greater impact in 2023."

Serving as the host institution continues Drake athletics' tradition of hosting championship events in Des Moines including the annual Drake Relays presented by Xtream, the USA Track & Field Championships, four NCAA Track & Field Championships,  the Iowa High School Track & Field State Championships and multiple AAU Track & Field Championships.