2025 March Madness Men’s NCAA Tournament Dates and Schedule Revealed
The excitement is building as we approach the 2025 March Madness men’s NCAA tournament. This annual college basketball extravaganza is one of the most anticipated events in the sports world, drawing millions of fans and viewers.
The tournament will kick off with Selection Sunday on March 16. On this day, 68 teams will be chosen to compete for the national championship.
As we gear up for this thrilling event, let’s take a closer look at the full schedule, key dates, and locations for the 2025 tournament.
2025 March Madness Schedule and Key Dates
The 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament will commence with Selection Sunday on March 16. This is the day when the 68 teams that will compete in the tournament are announced.
Following Selection Sunday, the tournament will proceed with a series of rounds, culminating in the national championship game on April 7.
Selection Sunday
Selection Sunday: March 16, 2025
This is the day when the tournament field is revealed. Fans and teams alike eagerly await the announcements to see which teams will make the cut and where they will be seeded.
First Four
The First Four games will take place on March 18-19 in Dayton, Ohio. These games feature the lowest-seeded teams competing for a spot in the main bracket.
First Four: March 18-19, 2025
- Location: Dayton, Ohio
- Venue: UD Arena
- Host: University of Dayton
First and Second Rounds
The first and second rounds of the tournament will be held from March 20-23 across various locations. These rounds are crucial as teams fight to advance to the Sweet 16.
- Lexington, KY: Rupp Arena (March 20-22, hosted by University of Kentucky)
- Providence, RI: Amica Mutual Pavilion (March 20-22, hosted by Providence College)
- Seattle, WA: Climate Pledge Arena (March 21-23, hosted by University of Washington)
- Wichita, KS: Intrust Bank Arena (March 20-22, hosted by Wichita State University)
- Cleveland, OH: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse (March 21-23, hosted by Mid-American Conference)
- Denver, CO: Ball Arena (March 20-22, hosted by Mountain West Conference)
- Milwaukee, WI: Fiserv Forum (March 21-23, hosted by Marquette University)
- Raleigh, NC: Lenovo Center (March 21-23, hosted by North Carolina State University)
Sweet 16 and Elite Eight
The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds will take place from March 27-30. These rounds are where the competition intensifies, and the remaining teams vie for a spot in the Final Four.
- East Regional: Newark, NJ (Prudential Center, March 27-29, hosted by Seton Hall University)
- West Regional: San Francisco, CA (Chase Center, March 27-29, hosted by Pac-12 Conference)
- South Regional: Atlanta, GA (State Farm Arena, March 28-30, hosted by Georgia Institute of Technology)
- Midwest Regional: Indianapolis, IN (Lucas Oil Stadium, March 28-30, hosted by IUPUI/Horizon League)
Final Four and Championship Game
The culmination of the tournament will be the Final Four and the national championship game, held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. This is where the final four teams will compete for the ultimate prize in college basketball.
- Final Four: April 5, 2025
- Championship Game: April 7, 2025
- Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
- Hosts: University of Texas at San Antonio, University of the Incarnate Word
Future March Madness Sites
Looking ahead, the NCAA has already announced the locations for future Final Four events. These sites will host the culmination of March Madness in the coming years, ensuring that fans across the country can experience the excitement of the tournament.
2026 – Indianapolis
The 2026 Final Four will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. This venue is no stranger to hosting major sporting events and will provide a fantastic backdrop for the tournament.
- Dates: April 4 and 6, 2026
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
- Hosts: Horizon League, IUPUI
2027 – Detroit
Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, will be the site for the 2027 Final Four. This venue is known for its passionate sports fans and will undoubtedly create an electric atmosphere for the games.
- Dates: April 3 and 5, 2027
- Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
- Host: Michigan State University
2028 – Las Vegas
In 2028, the Final Four will head to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. This modern venue is one of the newest in the country and promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike.
- Dates: April 1 and 3, 2028
- Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
- Host: UNLV
2029 – Indianapolis
Indianapolis will once again host the Final Four in 2029 at Lucas Oil Stadium. This city has a rich history with the tournament and is well-equipped to host such a prestigious event.
- Dates: March 31 and April 2, 2029
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
- Hosts: Horizon League, IUPUI
2030 – North Texas
The 2030 Final Four will be held at AT&T Stadium in North Texas. This massive venue is home to the Dallas Cowboys and will provide a grand stage for the conclusion of the tournament.
- Dates: April 6 and 8, 2030
- Location: AT&T Stadium, North Texas
- Host: Big 12 Conference
For more detailed information on the 2025 March Madness schedule and future tournament sites, visit the NCAA official website.