2025 NCAA Tournament: Dates, Venues, & How to Watch

What Is March Madness?

March Madness is the colloquial term for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, a single-elimination competition featuring 68 college teams from across the United States. Teams qualify by either winning their respective conference tournaments or receiving at-large bids based on their performance during the season. The tournament is renowned for its unpredictable outcomes, buzzer-beaters, and the emergence of Cinderella stories—lower-seeded teams advancing further than anticipated.

Tournament Schedule & Venues

The 2025 tournament kicks off with Selection Sunday on March 16, when the NCAA Selection Committee announces the 68-team field and their seedings. The subsequent rounds are scheduled as follows:

First Four: March 18-19

• Location: UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio

These initial games determine which teams advance to the main 64-team bracket. Dayton has a rich history of hosting the First Four, providing an electric atmosphere for teams on the cusp of tournament glory.

First and Second Rounds: March 20-23

Locations and venues:

March 20 and 22:

• Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
• Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, Rhode Island
• Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
• Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita, Kansas

March 21 and 23:

• Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane, Washington
• Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri
• PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina
• Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama

These rounds feature 32 games in the First Round and 16 games in the Second Round, as teams vie for spots in the Sweet 16. Each location offers a unique backdrop, from the altitude of Denver to the historic basketball culture of Lexington.

Regional Semifinals and Finals (Sweet 16 and Elite Eight): March 27-30

Locations and venues:

• East Regional: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
• Midwest Regional: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
• South Regional: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
• West Regional: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California

The Sweet 16 narrows the field to the Elite Eight, with each game bringing teams closer to the coveted Final Four. Cities like Boston and Chicago are set to provide passionate fan bases and memorable experiences for teams and supporters alike.

Final Four and National Championship: April 5 & 7

• Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

The culmination of the tournament, where the remaining four teams compete in the national semifinals, with the winners advancing to the championship game. San Antonio's Alamodome has previously hosted multiple Final Fours, known for its capacity to accommodate large crowds and create an electrifying atmosphere.

Where to Watch

Fans have multiple options to catch all the March Madness action:

Television broadcasts:

• CBS Sports and Turner Sports: All 67 tournament games will be broadcast across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. CBS will air the Final Four and National Championship games in 2025, continuing its tradition of showcasing marquee matchups. 

Streaming services:

• NCAA March Madness Live: This official platform offers live streaming of all tournament games. Access may require authentication through a participating TV provider
• Paramount+: Subscribers can stream games broadcast on CBS directly through this service, providing a seamless viewing experience for cord-cutters
• Max: Offers streaming of games aired on TBS, TNT, and truTV, ensuring fans don't miss any action regardless of their preferred device

As the tournament approaches, fans are encouraged to stay updated with team selections, bracket releases, and potential schedule changes. The official NCAA website and affiliated broadcasters will provide real-time updates, ensuring enthusiasts have the latest information at their fingertips.

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