Wright State’s Nutter Center hosting Ohio basketball state tournament semifinals

The Wright State University Nutter Center will host eight girls and 10 boys state semifinal basketball games in March.

Ohio High School Athletic Association basketball state tournaments are returning to southwest Ohio in 2026, with the Wright State University Nutter Center playing a key role as a host site for state semifinal games.

The Nutter Center will host eight girls and 10 boys state semifinal games as part of the OHSAA’s Final Four format, bringing the state’s top high school teams and thousands of fans to Wright State University.

The tournaments have once again returned to the Dayton region, with championship games held at the University of Dayton Arena and additional semifinal games at Vandalia-Butler High School.

Hosting the semifinals reinforces Wright State’s longstanding partnership with the Ohio High School Athletic Association and highlights the Nutter Center’s reputation as a premier venue for athletic events. The arena has hosted Ohio volleyball championships since 1991 and served as a basketball state semifinal site for the first time in 2025.

Boys state semifinal games are scheduled March 19–21 at the Nutter Center. The girls state tournament, held March 12–14, also included multiple semifinal games at the Nutter Center across several divisions.

Wright State’s Nutter Center is a versatile 10,000-seat facility that hosts events ranging from A-list concerts to high school commencements. KISS, Cirque du Soleil, The Harlem Globetrotters, Jay-Z, Elton John and Disney On Ice are just a few of the acts that have performed at the Nutter Center.

“The partnership with the OHSAA is extremely valuable and built on shared goals,” said. Joe Dick, Wright State’s associate director of facilities and operations. “Both organizations are committed to providing student-athletes with a first-class championship experience while maintaining the integrity and tradition of high school athletics. Over the years, this collaboration has grown through trust, communication and consistency. We understand the standards the OHSAA expects, and they know they can rely on the Nutter Center to deliver a well-run, memorable event. It’s a relationship that benefits the athletes, schools and fans — and one we’re proud to continue.”

Read more about the Ohio High School Athletic Association basketball tournament.