Excitement Builds for NCAA West Regional at Chase Center

SAN FRANCISCO – The Chase Center became the focal point of excitement last weekend as it hosted the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship West Regional, featuring exhilarating games from renowned teams and celebrated athletes.

The arena welcomed top teams including No. 1 seed Florida, No. 3 seed Texas Tech, No. 4 seed Maryland, and No. 10 seed Arkansas, providing an electric atmosphere for the competing student-athletes and their fans.

“You’re walking the halls that Steph Curry walks,” said Alex Penewell, the West Coast Conference’s Associate Commissioner for Championships and Sport Administration, in an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area. “It creates a really unique atmosphere for student-athletes.”

Penewell, who played a crucial role behind the scenes, piloted the Texas Tech hosting operations. She noted the Chase Center’s impressive layout, which boasts a capacity of over 18,000 for basketball games, while creating an intimate environment that engages fans.

As players and coaches navigated the facility, they were greeted by an array of memorabilia celebrating the Golden State Warriors‘ storied history, including images of past champions like Curry and Klay Thompson, lining the practice facility where press conferences were held.

“Walking to get there was really unique for the student-athletes and coaches,” Penewell reflected. “It’s a lot of really cool photos and memorabilia, and just the art.”

This regional competition marked the second occasion for the Chase Center to host NCAA tournament games, having first done so in 2022. It is set to welcome the event again in 2025 and 2028, when Penewell will assume the role of tournament manager.

Penewell shared a memorable moment from the event, recounting the arrival of Texas Tech’s team, which was welcomed by enthusiastic fans capturing the moment on their phones. “There was a lot of excitement, even without local allegiance,” she said.

Chase Center general manager Donna Daniels emphasized the extensive preparations involved, labeling the effort on behalf of staff from the Pac-12, WCC, and San Francisco Travel Association as crucial for a smooth event. “It definitely takes a village,” Daniels said.

Notably, Chase Center has become a dynamic venue, hosting numerous events in 2025, including concerts and the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries. With the season kicking off in May, the Chase Center anticipates a steady stream of visitors eager to participate in sporting events.

“We’ve been preparing for our 2025 for a while,” Daniels said, expressing excitement for upcoming events, like the Laver Cup scheduled for September 19-21. “All eyes from the tennis world will be on Chase Center and San Francisco.”

Last weekend also marked the inaugural Golden State 5K Race, drawing hundreds of participants and attendees eager for community engagement. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Bay, the sold-out event included wellness activities, music, and performances.

“What a great location to have it,” said Ann Radock, a participant from South San Francisco. Both competitors and community members celebrated local athletes, including Justin Wasielewski, who won the race in 17 minutes and 21 seconds.

“It’s something the city really needs right now, just getting people out together,” Wasielewski remarked. The event aims to become a premier community gathering, fostering connections through shared experiences.