MILITARY FAMILIES SCORE FREE MARCH MADNESS TICKETS THROUGH DAYTON’S HOOPLA PROGRAM

For many college basketball fans, attending an NCAA March Madness game is a bucket-list experience. For thousands of families stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a unique community program is helping make that “One Shining Moment” possible.

The Big Hoopla Hoopla Ticket Program provides free tickets each year to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament’s opening First Four games played at the University of Dayton Arena. A large share of those tickets are distributed to active-duty service members and military families connected to Wright-Patt, one of the largest Air Force installations in the country.

Since the program launched in 2012, more than 137,500 tickets have been donated to service members, military families, and local students, giving many their first opportunity to experience the excitement of the NCAA Tournament in person.

A March Madness Tradition in Dayton

Dayton holds a special place in the history of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The city has hosted the tournament’s opening round games since 2001, first as the single “play-in” matchup and later as the expanded “First Four,” where eight teams compete for the final spots in the bracket.

The University of Dayton Arena has hosted more NCAA men’s tournament games than any other venue in the country—a record that appears likely to stand for years to come. Dayton’s contract to host the First Four has been extended through 2028, continuing the city’s long-standing role as the gateway to March Madness.

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A Community Thank You to the Military

With Wright-Patterson Air Force Base located just minutes from downtown Dayton, the military community is a major part of the region. The Hoopla ticket program reflects that connection by ensuring service members and military families can take part in one of college basketball’s biggest events.

Tickets are funded through donations from local businesses, organizations, and community partners who want to show appreciation for the Wright-Patt community and the sacrifices made by military families.

March Madness tips off on Tuesday, and those who serve will have some of the best seats in the house.

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