Paint the Town Blue for NCAA Basketball in Fort Wayne

News

On Monday, March 11 we kick off celebrations by Painting the Town Blue for the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Championship week (March 11-16). On Monday, eight Fort Wayne structures and facilities will change their exterior lighting to NCAA Blue to Paint the Town Blue in celebration of the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball final four teams heading to Fort Wayne. Best viewing times of these blue displays will be Monday morning and evening.

Participating Structures/Facilities include:

The public is invited to pick up a free cookie and take a picture with the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball trophy at the Fort Wayne Visitors Center from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 11.

Celebrations continue throughout the week with the arrival of teams on Tuesday, a community service project on Wednesday, the Semifinal game on Thursday, and the Championship game on Saturday – all at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

On Wednesday, March 13th, the final four teams will take part in a community service day, led by Visit Fort Wayne, to assemble dental kits to be distributed to local families and children through McMillen Health and Vincent Village. This project is made possible by Visit Fort Wayne, PHP, and Isaac Knapp Dental Foundation. Media is welcome to stop by the Memorial Coliseum (Red Room) during the below Community Service times. Media will be able to interview the teams and staff, NCAA Committee Members, and guest speakers from McMillen Health and Vincent Village.

Game schedule:

Semifinals - Thursday, March 14

Game 1: 5:30 pm

Game 2: 8:00 pm

National Championship - Saturday, March 16

NABC Reese's Division III All-Star Game: 12:30 pm

National Championship Game: 4:00 pm

The NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Semifinals and Championship games will be held on March 14th and 16th at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Tickets are available at NCAATickets.com.

Hosting an NCAA event brings prestige to our community, helps build our profile as a sports tourism destination, and has had an average economic impact of $660,000. Help us in celebrating and welcome this event and its athletes and fans to Fort Wayne!

Host Facility Addresses:

Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

4000 Parnell Avenue

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Fort Wayne Visitors Center

927 S. Harrison Street

Fort Wayne, IN 46802