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March Madness 2025: NCAA Tournament Start Dates and Venues

ByCoach

The 2025 NCAA Tournament is the pinnacle of college basketball. It captivates fans and athletes with its intense competition and unpredictable outcomes.

As March Madness approaches, the excitement builds with the announcement of the men’s and women’s tournament brackets on Selection Sunday. This year’s tournament promises to deliver unforgettable moments, from Cinderella stories to dramatic upsets.

March Madness 2025: Key Dates and Schedule

March Madness is a thrilling time for college basketball fans, with games coming thick and fast. The journey begins with the announcement of the brackets on Selection Sunday, March 16, 2025.

The men’s and women’s tournaments will then kick off with the “First Four” games, leading to the highly anticipated rounds of 64 and beyond.

Selection Sunday

Selection Sunday is the starting point of the madness. On March 16, 2025, the men’s 68-team field will be revealed on CBS at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the women’s selection show on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET.

Both shows can also be streamed on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. Learn more about the selection shows and streaming options.

First Four

The “First Four” games mark the official start of the tournament. The men’s games will be held on March 18-19 at the University of Dayton’s UD Arena.

The women’s tournament will commence with “First Four” contests on March 19-20, with higher-seeded teams hosting. These initial matchups set the stage for the action-packed weeks to follow.

  • Men’s First Four: March 18-19 at University of Dayton’s UD Arena
  • Women’s First Four: March 19-20, hosted by higher-seeded teams

Men’s Tournament Schedule and Venues

The men’s NCAA basketball tournament will progress through several rounds, each hosted at different venues across the country.

Fans can look forward to exciting matchups and potential upsets as teams battle for a spot in the Final Four and the championship game.

Round of 64 and Round of 32

The Round of 64 will take place on March 20-21, followed by the Round of 32 on March 22-23. These rounds will be hosted at various locations, including:

  • University of Kentucky
  • Providence College
  • University of Washington
  • Wichita State University
  • Rocket Arena in Cleveland
  • Ball Arena in Denver
  • Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee
  • Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.

Sweet 16 and Elite Eight

The Sweet 16 will be held on March 27-28, followed by the Elite Eight on March 29-30. These rounds will take place at:

  • Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey
  • Chase Center in San Francisco
  • State Farm Arena in Atlanta
  • Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

Final Four and Championship

The culmination of the men’s tournament will be the Final Four and the NCAA Championship. These games will be held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, with the Final Four on April 5 and the championship game on April 7.

  • Final Four: April 5 at Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
  • NCAA Championship: April 7 at Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas

Women’s Tournament Schedule and Venues

The women’s NCAA basketball tournament follows a similar structure, with games spread across various venues.

The excitement builds as teams progress through the rounds, aiming for a spot in the Final Four and the championship game.

Round of 64 and Round of 32

The women’s tournament will start with the Round of 64 on March 21-22 and the Round of 32 on March 23-24. These games will be hosted by the top-seeded teams, providing a home-court advantage for the higher-ranked squads.

Sweet 16 and Elite Eight

The Sweet 16 is scheduled for March 28-29, followed by the Elite Eight on March 30-31. These rounds will be held at:

  • Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama
  • Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena in Spokane, Washington

Final Four and Championship

The women’s tournament will conclude with the Final Four and the NCAA Championship at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. The Final Four will take place on April 4, with the championship game on April 6.

  • Final Four: April 4 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida
  • NCAA Championship: April 6 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida

What to Expect from March Madness 2025

March Madness is renowned for its unpredictability and excitement. Fans can anticipate thrilling games, unexpected upsets, and standout performances from both established stars and emerging talents.

As always, the tournament will feature:

  • Cinderella stories: Underdog teams that defy the odds and make deep runs in the tournament.
  • High-stakes drama: Nail-biting finishes and game-winning shots that leave fans on the edge of their seats.
  • Potential dynasties: Dominant teams that aim to cement their legacy with a championship win.

For bubble teams and surprise conference-tournament champions, the madness has already begun. These teams will be looking to prove themselves on the national stage and make a name for themselves in the tournament.

How to Watch March Madness 2025

Fans can catch all the action of March Madness 2025 through various broadcasting and streaming options. The selection shows on CBS and ESPN are just the beginning.

Throughout the tournament, games will be broadcast on multiple networks. Streaming is available on platforms like Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.

Don’t miss a moment of the excitement as the 2025 NCAA Tournament unfolds. From the First Four to the championship game, March Madness promises to deliver unforgettable moments and intense competition. For more details on the schedule, dates, and venues, visit USA Today’s comprehensive guide.

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