NCAA March Madness Schedule 2024: Complete Detail and Printable Bracket

Venue Information

The NCAA March Madness Tournament travels across the United States, utilizing a variety of iconic venues that serve as the battlegrounds for college basketball’s finest teams. Each venue is selected for its capacity, facilities, and historical significance to the sport. Here’s a look at the key venues for the 2024 tournament:

• First Four

  • UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio: Serving as the traditional starting point of March Madness, UD Arena will host the First Four games on March 19-20. The University of Dayton is the host, continuing its long-standing association with the NCAA tournament.

• First and Second Rounds

  • Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York: Hosting games on March 22-24, this modern arena is home to the Brooklyn Nets and has become a key venue for major sporting events.
  • Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina: With games on March 21-23, this venue is in the heart of basketball-crazy North Carolina, hosted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
  • Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana: Hosting on March 22-24, it’s a premier venue for basketball and is managed in partnership with IUPUI and the Horizon League.
  • Other notable venues include CHI Health Center Omaha, PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Delta Center in Salt Lake City, and Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, among others.

• Regional Semifinals and Finals (Sweet 16 and Elite Eight)

  • TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts: Home to the Boston Celtics, it will host the East Regional games on March 28-30, with Boston College serving as the host.
  • American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas: Hosting the South Regional on March 29-31, it’s a key venue in the heart of Texas, with the Big 12 Conference as the host.
  • Other regionals are held at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit (Midwest) and Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles (West).

• Final Four and National Championship

  • State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona: This stadium, primarily used for football and home to the Arizona Cardinals, will transform into a basketball haven for the Final Four and National Championship games on April 6 and April 8. Arizona State University serves as the host, ensuring the event runs smoothly.

Teams and Seedings

The seeding for the NCAA March Madness Tournament is a critical process that determines the path teams must take to reach the national championship. Seeds are based on a variety of factors, including regular-season performance, strength of schedule, and performance in conference tournaments. The top seeds are typically awarded to the teams that have demonstrated consistency and excellence throughout the season. Here are the top seeds for the 2024 NCAA Tournament:

• 1 Seeds

  • UConn: With a record of 31-3, the Huskies have dominated their competition and enter the tournament as favorites.
  • Houston: The Cougars, at 30-4, have shown they are a force to be reckoned with, boasting a strong defense and efficient offense.
  • Purdue: Sporting a 29-4 record, the Boilermakers have been a top contender in the tough Big Ten conference.
  • North Carolina: The Tar Heels, with a 27-7 record, are always a threat in the tournament with their rich history and talent.

• 2 Seeds

  • Teams like Tennessee, Arizona, Marquette, and Iowa State have also secured high seeds, reflecting their successful seasons and positioning them as teams to watch.

• Notable Lower Seeds

  • Mid-major schools and smaller conferences often find themselves with lower seeds but have a history of upsetting top-seeded teams. Teams like Saint Mary’s (CA), Gonzaga, and San Diego State are known for making deep runs in the tournament despite not receiving top seeds.

Note:

The mix of historic venues and the nationwide spread of locations reflect the NCAA’s commitment to showcasing collegiate basketball’s premier event across the country. Meanwhile, the seeding process aims to create a balanced and fair competition, highlighting the season’s achievements and setting the stage for potential Cinderella stories that March Madness is known for.