March Madness is upon us once again, and the 2024 NCAA Tournament promises to be one for the ages. With a plethora of talented teams and exciting storylines, this year’s tournament is sure to captivate basketball fans across the nation. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of your favorite team or just a casual observer of the sport, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to the 2024 NCAA Tournament schedule.
In this article, we’ll provide you with all the essential information you need to stay up-to-date on the tournament, including the selection process, key dates, and a detailed breakdown of the tournament bracket. We’ll also delve into the history of the NCAA Tournament, highlighting some of the most memorable moments and iconic players who have graced the court over the years.
So, grab your popcorn, gather your friends and family, and get ready for the ultimate basketball extravaganza. The 2024 NCAA Tournament is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to witness the madness unfold.
Ncaa 2024 Tournament Schedule
Excitement, drama, and high-stakes basketball await.
- Selection Sunday: March 10, 2024
- First Four: March 19-20, 2024
- Round of 64: March 21-24, 2024
- Round of 32: March 23-26, 2024
- Sweet 16: March 28-29, 2024
- Elite Eight: March 30-31, 2024
Don’t miss a moment of the madness!
Selection Sunday: March 10, 2024
Selection Sunday is the day when the NCAA Tournament bracket is revealed, and it’s one of the most anticipated days in the college basketball calendar. On this day, the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee unveils the 68 teams that have earned a spot in the tournament, as well as their seeding and placement in the bracket.
The Selection Committee is responsible for evaluating the teams’ records, strength of schedule, and other factors to determine which teams are deserving of a spot in the tournament. The committee also seeds the teams based on their overall performance, with the top 16 teams earning a No. 1 seed.
Selection Sunday is a highly anticipated event for college basketball fans, as it marks the official start of the NCAA Tournament and provides the first glimpse of the potential matchups that could take place in the weeks to come. It’s a day filled with excitement, drama, and anticipation, as teams and fans alike learn their fate and begin to dream of making a run to the Final Four.
This year, Selection Sunday will take place on March 10, 2024. The event will be televised live on CBS, and it will be hosted by Greg Gumbel and Seth Davis. The Selection Committee will begin its deliberations early in the day, and the bracket will be revealed in the evening.
So mark your calendars and tune in to Selection Sunday on March 10, 2024, to witness the unveiling of the NCAA Tournament bracket and the start of the road to the Final Four.
First Four: March 19-20, 2024
The First Four is a play-in round that takes place before the official start of the NCAA Tournament. It involves eight teams that are vying for the final four spots in the 64-team tournament bracket.
The First Four games are typically held at a neutral site, and they are typically played on the Tuesday and Wednesday before the start of the Round of 64. The eight teams that participate in the First Four are determined by their overall record, their strength of schedule, and other factors.
The First Four games are single-elimination, meaning that the losing teams are eliminated from the tournament. The four winning teams advance to the Round of 64, where they will face the No. 1 seeds in the tournament.
The First Four is a great opportunity for Cinderella teams to make a name for themselves. Over the years, there have been several memorable upsets in the First Four, including Mercer’s victory over Duke in 2014 and UMBC’s victory over Virginia in 2018.
This year, the First Four will take place on March 19-20, 2024. The games will be televised live on truTV.
Round of 64: March 21-24, 2024
The Round of 64 is the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and it features 64 teams competing in single-elimination games. The winners of the First Four games advance to the Round of 64, where they will face the No. 1 seeds in the tournament.
The Round of 64 games are typically played at 16 different sites across the country. The games are typically played on Thursday and Friday, with some games also being played on Saturday. The top 16 seeds in the tournament receive a bye in the Round of 64, and they will advance directly to the Round of 32.
The Round of 64 is a great opportunity for upsets, as the lower-seeded teams have a chance to knock off the higher-seeded teams. Over the years, there have been several memorable upsets in the Round of 64, including Saint Peter’s victory over Purdue in 2022 and Oral Roberts’ victory over Ohio State in 2021.
This year, the Round of 64 will take place on March 21-24, 2024. The games will be televised live on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV.
So mark your calendars and tune in to the Round of 64 to witness some of the most exciting and unpredictable games in college basketball.
Round of 32: March 23-26, 2024
The Round of 32 is the second round of the NCAA Tournament, and it features 32 teams competing in single-elimination games. The winners of the Round of 64 games advance to the Round of 32, where they will face the No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, or No. 5 seeds in the tournament.
The Round of 32 games are typically played at 16 different sites across the country. The games are typically played on Saturday and Sunday, with some games also being played on Monday. The top eight seeds in the tournament receive a bye in the Round of 32, and they will advance directly to the Sweet 16.
The Round of 32 is a great opportunity for Cinderella teams to continue their run in the tournament. Over the years, there have been several memorable upsets in the Round of 32, including Saint Peter’s victory over Murray State in 2022 and Oral Roberts’ victory over Florida in 2021.
This year, the Round of 32 will take place on March 23-26, 2024. The games will be televised live on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV.
So mark your calendars and tune in to the Round of 32 to witness some of the most exciting and unpredictable games in college basketball.
Sweet 16: March 28-29, 2024
The Sweet 16 is the third round of the NCAA Tournament, and it features 16 teams competing in single-elimination games. The winners of the Round of 32 games advance to the Sweet 16, where they will face the No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, or No. 4 seeds in the tournament.
- Elite Eight Teams Determined: The Sweet 16 is the round where the Elite Eight teams are determined. The eight teams that win their Sweet 16 games will advance to the Elite Eight, which is the Final Four semifinals.
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Regionals Held at Four Sites: The Sweet 16 games are played at four different regional sites across the country. The sites for the 2024 Sweet 16 are:
- East Region: Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina
- West Region: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Midwest Region: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
- South Region: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
- Top Seeds Typically Advance: The top seeds in the tournament typically advance to the Sweet 16. In recent years, at least three No. 1 seeds and at least two No. 2 seeds have reached the Sweet 16.
- Cinderella Teams Can Make a Run: While the top seeds typically advance, there is always the chance for a Cinderella team to make a run in the Sweet 16. In recent years, we have seen teams like Saint Peter’s and Oral Roberts reach the Sweet 16 as double-digit seeds.
The Sweet 16 is a great opportunity to see some of the best college basketball teams in the country compete against each other. The games are typically close and exciting, and there is always the potential for an upset.
Elite Eight: March 30-31, 2024
The Elite Eight is the fourth round of the NCAA Tournament, and it features eight teams competing in single-elimination games. The winners of the Sweet 16 games advance to the Elite Eight, where they will face each other to determine the Final Four participants.
- Final Four Berths on the Line: The Elite Eight is the round where the Final Four berths are determined. The four teams that win their Elite Eight games will advance to the Final Four, which is the semifinals and championship game of the NCAA Tournament.
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Games Played at Two Sites: The Elite Eight games are played at two different regional sites across the country. The sites for the 2024 Elite Eight are:
- East and West Region: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
- Midwest and South Region: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Top Seeds Typically Advance: The top seeds in the tournament typically advance to the Elite Eight. In recent years, at least two No. 1 seeds and at least one No. 2 seed have reached the Elite Eight.
- Cinderella Teams Can Still Make a Run: While the top seeds typically advance, there is always the chance for a Cinderella team to make a run in the Elite Eight. In recent years, we have seen teams like Saint Peter’s and Oral Roberts reach the Elite Eight as double-digit seeds.
The Elite Eight is a great opportunity to see some of the best college basketball teams in the country compete against each other. The games are typically close and exciting, and there is always the potential for an upset.
FAQ
Got questions about the 2024 NCAA Tournament? We’ve got answers. Check out our FAQ section for everything you need to know about this year’s tournament.
Question 1: When is the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 1: The 2024 NCAA Tournament will take place from March 10 to April 8, 2024.
Question 2: How many teams participate in the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 2: A total of 68 teams participate in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, including 32 automatic qualifiers from conference tournaments and 36 at-large teams selected by the NCAA Tournament Committee.
Question 3: Where will the 2024 NCAA Tournament games be played?
Answer 3: The 2024 NCAA Tournament games will be played at various sites across the United States, including Greensboro, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Atlanta, New York City, and Indianapolis.
Question 4: Who are the favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 4: The favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament will depend on the performance of teams throughout the regular season and conference tournaments. Keep an eye on top teams like North Carolina, Houston, and Kansas, who have strong track records in recent years.
Question 5: How can I watch the 2024 NCAA Tournament games?
Answer 5: The 2024 NCAA Tournament games will be televised on various networks, including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. You can also stream the games online through NCAA March Madness Live.
Question 6: What are some of the most memorable moments in NCAA Tournament history?
Answer 6: There have been many memorable moments in NCAA Tournament history, including:
- Michael Jordan’s game-winning shot for North Carolina against Georgetown in the 1982 championship game
- Villanova’s perfect season and championship win in 1985
- The “Dunk Heard ‘Round the World” by Christian Laettner for Duke in the 1992 Elite Eight
- Gonzaga’s upset of top-seeded Duke in the 2021 Sweet 16
These are just a few examples of the many memorable moments that have occurred in the NCAA Tournament over the years.
We hope this FAQ section has answered some of your questions about the 2024 NCAA Tournament. For more information, be sure to check the official NCAA Tournament website.
Now that you know all about the 2024 NCAA Tournament, it’s time to start making your picks. Check out our tips section for some helpful advice on how to fill out your bracket.
Tips
Ready to fill out your bracket for the 2024 NCAA Tournament? Here are a few tips to help you make some winning picks:
Tip 1: Pay attention to the Selection Committee’s seedings.
The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee spends a lot of time and effort seeding the teams in the tournament. While upsets can and do happen, the higher-seeded teams typically have a better chance of winning. Pay close attention to the seedings when making your picks.
Tip 2: Consider the teams’ recent performance.
When making your picks, be sure to consider the teams’ recent performance. A team that is playing well heading into the tournament is more likely to continue playing well. Look at the teams’ records, their wins and losses against ranked opponents, and their overall body of work.
Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to pick an upset or two.
Upsets are a big part of the NCAA Tournament. Every year, there are teams that come out of nowhere and make a deep run in the tournament. Don’t be afraid to pick a few upsets in your bracket. Just be sure to pick upsets that are based on sound reasoning, such as a team that is playing well or a team that has a history of success in the tournament.
Tip 4: Trust your gut.
Sometimes, the best way to pick the winner of a game is to trust your gut. If you have a strong feeling about a particular team, go with it. Don’t overthink it. Just make your picks and see what happens.
These are just a few tips to help you make some winning picks in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Remember, there is no surefire way to pick every game correctly. Just have fun and enjoy the tournament.
Now that you have some tips for filling out your bracket, it’s time to start making your picks. The 2024 NCAA Tournament is sure to be full of excitement and surprises. So get ready to enjoy the madness!
Conclusion
The 2024 NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be one for the ages. With a plethora of talented teams and exciting storylines, this year’s tournament promises to deliver non-stop action and unforgettable moments.
From the Selection Sunday drama to the Cinderella stories and the thrilling Final Four matchups, the NCAA Tournament has it all. So make sure to mark your calendars and clear your schedule for March Madness 2024. You won’t want to miss a single game.
And remember, whether you’re a die-hard fan of your favorite team or just a casual observer of the sport, the NCAA Tournament is a time to come together and celebrate the love of college basketball. So gather your friends and family, fill out your brackets, and get ready to experience the madness.