Are you ready for the thrill of March Madness but unsure when the games actually start? Knowing the exact dates can help you plan your watch parties, bracket picks, and all the excitement that comes with college basketball’s biggest event.
This isn’t just about marking a calendar—it’s about making sure you don’t miss a single buzzer-beater or upset. Keep reading, and you’ll get all the key details you need to catch every moment of the madness as it unfolds.
March Madness Schedule
The March Madness schedule is packed with excitement. It marks the start of college basketball’s biggest event. Fans watch closely to catch every moment. Knowing the key dates helps you follow the action.
The tournament begins with important steps. Each stage brings more intensity and surprises. Here is a clear look at the main parts of the schedule.
Selection Sunday
Selection Sunday is the day teams are chosen. The full tournament bracket is revealed. Fans learn who plays who and where. This event sets the stage for March Madness.
First Four Games
The First Four games start the tournament play. Eight teams compete in four matches. Winners move on to the main rounds. These games take place right after Selection Sunday.
First Round
The First Round has 64 teams playing. It is full of fast-paced and thrilling games. Winners advance to the next round. This round usually lasts two days.
Second Round
The Second Round narrows the field to 32 teams. Competition gets tougher and stakes rise. Teams fight hard for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen. This round follows right after the First Round.
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Key Dates To Remember
March Madness is full of excitement and big moments. Knowing the key dates helps fans follow the action closely. Each round brings new challenges and thrilling games.
Here are the important dates for the later rounds of the tournament. Mark your calendar to catch every must-watch matchup.
Sweet Sixteen
The Sweet Sixteen usually starts about two weeks after the tournament begins. This round features the top 16 teams left in the competition. Fans see intense games as teams fight to advance.
Elite Eight
The Elite Eight follows shortly after the Sweet Sixteen. Only eight teams remain, and the stakes get higher. Winners in this round earn a spot in the Final Four.
Final Four
The Final Four is the highlight of March Madness. This round features the last four teams standing. The games draw huge crowds and lots of attention nationwide.
Championship Game
The Championship Game decides the national champion. It takes place after the Final Four. Fans watch eagerly as the last two teams battle for the title.
Game Times And Time Zones
March Madness games start at specific times across different time zones. Knowing the game times helps fans plan their viewing. The tournament schedule follows Eastern Time, but many viewers live in other zones. This guide shows game times for each main U.S. time zone. You can easily find the right start time for your area.
Eastern Time Zone
Most March Madness games use Eastern Time as the base. Early round games often start around noon or 2 p.m. ET. Later games can begin at 6 p.m. or 9 p.m. ET. Fans on the East Coast watch games live without time changes.
Central Time Zone
Central Time is one hour behind Eastern Time. A game starting at 2 p.m. ET begins at 1 p.m. CT. Evening games at 9 p.m. ET start at 8 p.m. CT. Central Time viewers adjust by subtracting one hour from Eastern Time.
Mountain Time Zone
Mountain Time is two hours behind Eastern Time. A noon ET game starts at 10 a.m. MT. Evening games at 9 p.m. ET begin at 7 p.m. MT. Mountain Time fans watch games earlier in their day.
Pacific Time Zone
Pacific Time is three hours behind Eastern Time. A 2 p.m. ET game starts at 11 a.m. PT. Night games at 9 p.m. ET begin at 6 p.m. PT. West Coast viewers see games well before prime time.
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Broadcast And Streaming Options
March Madness games start at set times across different days. Fans want to know where to watch each match. Broadcast and streaming options make it easy to catch every moment. There are several ways to watch on TV and online. Choose what works best for you.
Tv Networks
Major TV networks have the rights to March Madness. CBS and Turner Sports share the broadcast. Games appear on CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV. These channels offer live coverage of all rounds. Check your local listings for exact times.
Online Streaming
Online streaming lets fans watch from any device. The official NCAA March Madness Live website streams all games. Many cable providers allow login to watch streams. Streaming services like Sling TV and Hulu Live carry the channels too. This option fits those without traditional TV.
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps keep fans connected on the go. The NCAA March Madness Live app streams every game. It also has real-time scores and updates. Apps from TV networks also offer live streams. Watch on smartphones or tablets anywhere with internet.
Tips For Planning Viewing
Planning your March Madness viewing helps you enjoy the excitement fully. Knowing when games start lets you prepare snacks, invite friends, and set reminders. Organizing your time around the schedule ensures you don’t miss key moments.
Here are some simple tips to make your March Madness experience smooth and fun.
Bracket Predictions
Fill out your bracket before the tournament begins. It adds fun and keeps you engaged during games. Share your picks with friends to spark friendly competition. Check updates daily to see how your choices perform. Small rewards make bracket contests more exciting.
Watch Parties
Invite friends or family to watch games together. Pick a comfy spot with good screen and sound. Arrange snacks and drinks ahead of time. Start early to avoid missing game tips or pre-game shows. Group watching makes the event more lively and memorable.
Scheduling Conflicts
March Madness games may overlap with work or school. Note game times in your calendar. Record games if you cannot watch live. Use alerts on your phone for start times. Prioritize games of your favorite teams to avoid missing key moments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When Do March Madness Games Usually Start?
March Madness games typically start in mid-March. The First Four games kick off the tournament, followed by the main rounds. Exact dates vary each year but generally begin around the second week of March.
What Time Do March Madness Games Begin Daily?
March Madness games usually start between 12 PM and 9 PM Eastern Time. Multiple games occur throughout the day, offering fans a full day of basketball excitement. The schedule varies by round and venue.
How Long Does Each March Madness Game Last?
Each March Madness game lasts about 2 hours. This includes four 15-minute quarters and halftime. Overtime can extend the game if the score is tied after regulation.
When Is The March Madness Championship Game?
The championship game is typically held in early April. It concludes the tournament, crowning the national college basketball champion. The exact date changes yearly but usually falls on the first Monday of April.
Conclusion
March Madness games start in mid-March every year. Fans wait eagerly for the first tip-off. The excitement grows as teams compete to win. Knowing the start dates helps you plan to watch. The tournament brings thrilling moments and surprises. Mark your calendar and get ready to cheer.
Stay updated with official schedules for exact times. Enjoy every game and the basketball action. The journey to the championship is full of drama. Don’t miss a single buzzer-beater or upset.
