MORE: The home of the Dayton Dragons is now Day Air Ballpark

U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Cincinnati, and six other Ohio members of Congress signed the letter to the NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball committee in Indianapolis.

The letter also supports UD’s application to host first- and second-round games in the NCAA men’s tournament.

Since opening its doors in 1969, UD Arena has hosted 123 NCAA tournament games, more than any other venue in the country, noted a press release announcing the letter.

According to the Dayton Development Coalition, from 2001 until today, the tournament delivered an estimated $85 million in direct economic impact to the Dayton region.

“We are honored to have hosted the First Four, and grateful to the NCAA for the opportunity,” the letter states. “The University of Dayton and community leaders remain committed to supporting the First Four through efforts that embody the spirit of the tournament and the enthusiasm of its fans.”