March Madness marches its way across the U.S. every spring, generally captivating millions of interested individuals. One fact that remains the same is that the NCAA basketball tournament takes place in over 12 cities each year. Dedicated fans are willing to fly across the country to watch their favorite teams play while millions more keep up with the games on TV and through the internet.

March Madness is easily one of the most sought-after events for host cities to snag. The host cities that get a chance to take charge of March Madness each year bring a lot of tourism and business their way. Talk about an economic boost! According to Livability, cities put in bids several years in advance for the chance to host one of the tournament rounds.

Bidding for a chance to host a tournament allows cities to be considered by the NCAA. While submitting a bid, hosts who are interested must also add their proposed budget. They must also add a filled-out facility questionnaire with their facility diagram, photos, a detailed safety and security plan, and proof of liability insurance.

Along with having all these things, the NCAA also evaluates facility availability, quality, and other accommodations. Some of the details the NCAA pays attention to include attendance history, operational costs, and geographical location. There’s a lot that goes into choosing which city gets to host March Madness events each year.