When Does March Madness Start? 8 Key Dates You Can’t Miss For An Epic Tournament
A common question around this time of year is “When does March Madness start?” That’s because March Madness is one of the most exciting sporting events in the United States, captivating millions of fans every year. It is the annual NCAA Division I men’s and women’s college basketball tournament, featuring 68 of the best teams in the country competing in a high-stakes, single-elimination format.
The tournament takes place in March and extends into early April, creating weeks of thrilling competition, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. But when does March Madness start, and what are the key dates to keep in mind? Let’s break it down in detail.
When Does March Madness Start? 8 Key Dates for 2025
The 2025 edition of NCAA March Madness follows a familiar structure, starting with Selection Sunday and progressing through several elimination rounds before culminating in the championship games.
March 16, 2025: NCAA Selection Sunday
The official beginning of March Madness is Selection Sunday, which takes place on March 16, 2025. This is the day when the selection committee reveals the 68 teams that will compete in the men’s and women’s tournaments.
Bracket announcement: On Selection Sunday, the entire tournament bracket is unveiled, and fans eagerly begin filling out their predictions for each round.
March 18-19, 2025: First Four
March 20-21, 2025: First Round
March 22-23, 2025: Second Round
March 27-28, 2025: Sweet Sixteen
March 29-30, 2025: Elite Eight
April 4-5, 2025: Final Four
April 6-7, 2025: National Championship
When Does Men’s March Madness Start? – March 18, 2025
The NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament officially begins with the “First Four” games on March 18, 2025.These games feature the four lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers and the four lowest-seeded at-large teams. The winners advance to the First Round, which starts on March 20, 2025.
When Does March Madness for Women Start? – March 19, 2025
The NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament follows a similar structure, with the First Four games kicking off on March 19, 2025. Like the men’s tournament, the women’s First Four consists of the lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers and at-large teams. The First Round begins on March 21, 2025.
When Does March Madness End?
The culmination of the tournament happens in early April. The women’s Final Four is scheduled for April 4, 2025, and the National Championship will take place on April 6, 2025, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
The men’s tournament will progress through several rounds before culminating in the Final Four on April 5, 2025, and the National Championship game on April 7, 2025, held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. These final games bring months of excitement to a thrilling conclusion as champions are crowned in college basketball’s biggest event.
How to Watch March Madness
Fans can follow March Madness through various platforms:
Get Ready For The Madness To Unfold
So, What is March Madness? It’s more than just a basketball tournament—it’s a cultural phenomenon that unites sports fans across the country. From the NCAA Selection Sunday to the National Championship, each phase of the tournament brings unexpected upsets, emotional victories, and legendary performances. In fact, many wonder what is the lowest seed to win march madness?
As we approach March 16, 2025, anticipation builds for another unforgettable tournament. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, March Madness promises excitement, drama, and the pure joy of college basketball.
So, mark your calendars, start your bracket predictions, and get ready for the madness to unfold!
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