Bridgeport - UConn will join Fairfield University to as co-hosts of the NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament in 2016 and 2017 at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, it was announced on Thursday.

The 2016 tourney will host Sweet 16 games on March 26 and the Elite Eight game on March 28 while the 2017 dates are March 25 (Sweet 16 games) and March 27 (Elite 8). Webster Bank Arena previously hosted regionals in 2006 and 2013.

"The news today that UConn has been selected to co-host the regionals of the 2016 and 2017 at Webster Bank Arena was exciting, UConn senior associate director of athletics Deb Corum said in a released statement. "The staff at Webster Bank Arena does an excellent job and teams that have played in that facility always enjoy a superlative experience.

"There has been wonderful collaboration in working with the staff at Fairfield University to submit this bid and I look forward to continuing to build that relationship as we work to make this the best regional site ever."