2024 NCAA Tournament Schedule: Important Dates and Events

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2024 NCAA Tournament Schedule: Important Dates and Events

College basketball fans, get ready for the most exciting tournament in collegiate sports! The 2024 NCAA Tournament is just around the corner, and the anticipation is building. This year’s tournament promises to be filled with thrilling games, surprising upsets, and unforgettable moments. In this article, we’ll provide you with comprehensive information about the 2024 NCAA Tournament schedule, including key dates, events, and important details.

The 2024 NCAA Tournament will culminate in the Final Four, which will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, from March 29th to April 1st, 2024. The tournament will feature 68 teams, including automatic qualifiers from conference tournaments and at-large bids selected by the NCAA Tournament Committee. Over the course of three weeks, these teams will compete in a single-elimination bracket to determine the national champion.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the main content section, where we’ll explore the important dates and events of the 2024 NCAA Tournament in more detail.

2024 NCAA Tournament Schedule

Mark your calendars for these key dates and events:

  • Selection Sunday: March 10th, 2024
  • First Four: March 19th and 20th, 2024
  • First Round: March 21st and 22nd, 2024
  • Second Round: March 23rd and 24th, 2024
  • Sweet 16: March 28th and 29th, 2024
  • Elite Eight: March 30th and 31st, 2024

The Final Four and National Championship game will take place from March 29th to April 1st, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Selection Sunday: March 10th, 2024

Selection Sunday is a highly anticipated day in the college basketball calendar. It’s the day when the NCAA Tournament bracket is revealed, and teams across the country learn their fate. The selection show will be broadcast live on CBS on March 10th, 2024.

  • Tournament Field Announced:

    The NCAA Tournament Committee will unveil the 68 teams that have earned a spot in the tournament, including automatic qualifiers from conference tournaments and at-large bids.

  • Bracket Revealed:

    The selection committee will also reveal the entire tournament bracket, which determines the matchups for the first four rounds of the tournament.

  • Selection Process:

    The committee uses a variety of factors to select the teams for the tournament, including regular season records, conference tournament results, strength of schedule, and other metrics.

  • Cinderella Stories Begin:

    Selection Sunday is also the day when Cinderella stories begin. Mid-major conference teams and lower-seeded teams often make surprise runs in the tournament, making it one of the most exciting sporting events of the year.

Once the bracket is revealed, the anticipation for the tournament reaches fever pitch. Fans across the country start making their predictions and filling out their brackets. The road to the Final Four officially begins on Selection Sunday, and the excitement builds until the national champion is crowned.

First Four: March 19th and 20th, 2024

The First Four is a play-in round that takes place before the official start of the NCAA Tournament. Eight teams compete in four games, with the winners advancing to the first round. The First Four games are typically held at two different sites, with two games played on each day. The specific locations for the 2024 First Four will be announced by the NCAA later this year.

The teams that participate in the First Four are typically lower-seeded teams that have earned a spot in the tournament through conference automatic bids or at-large bids. These teams often have to win a play-in game in their conference tournament in order to qualify for the First Four.

The First Four games are usually very competitive, as the teams involved are all hungry to prove themselves on a national stage. Upsets are common in the First Four, and these games often provide some of the most memorable moments of the entire tournament.

The winners of the First Four games advance to the first round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will join the 64 other teams that have already earned a spot in the field. The first round games are typically held over the following two days, with the tournament then continuing with the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Final Four over the following two weekends.

First Round: March 21st and 22nd, 2024

The first round of the NCAA Tournament is where the real madness begins. The 64 teams that have survived the First Four and earned a spot in the field will compete in 32 games over two days. The games will be played at various sites across the country, with the specific locations to be announced by the NCAA later this year.

  • Single-Elimination Format:

    The NCAA Tournament is a single-elimination tournament, which means that a team is eliminated from the tournament after losing a single game. This format creates a sense of urgency and excitement, as every game is a must-win.

  • Top Seeds Get a Bye:

    The top 16 teams in the tournament receive a bye in the first round. This means that they automatically advance to the second round without having to play a game. The top 16 seeds are determined by the NCAA Tournament Committee based on a variety of factors, including regular season records, conference tournament results, and strength of schedule.

  • Upsets are Common:

    The first round of the NCAA Tournament is known for its upsets. Lower-seeded teams often play with nothing to lose and can pull off surprising victories over higher-seeded teams. This is what makes the tournament so unpredictable and exciting.

  • Cinderella Stories Emerge:

    The first round is also where Cinderella stories often begin. Mid-major conference teams and lower-seeded teams can make unexpected runs in the tournament, capturing the attention of the nation. These Cinderella teams often have passionate fan bases and can make the tournament even more entertaining.

The winners of the first round games advance to the second round, where they will face off against the winners of the other first round games. The second round games are typically held over the following two days, with the tournament then continuing with the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Final Four over the following two weekends.

Second Round: March 23rd and 24th, 2024

The second round of the NCAA Tournament is where the competition really starts to heat up. The 32 teams that have advanced from the first round will face off in 16 games over two days. The games will be played at various sites across the country, with the specific locations to be announced by the NCAA later this year.

  • Top Seeds Make Their Debut:

    The top 16 seeds in the tournament, who received a bye in the first round, will make their debut in the second round. This is when the tournament really starts to get interesting, as the top teams in the country begin to face off against each other.

  • Single-Elimination Continues:

    The NCAA Tournament is still a single-elimination tournament at this stage, so every game is a must-win. The 16 winners of the second round games will advance to the Sweet 16, while the 16 losers will be eliminated from the tournament.

  • Cinderella Teams Can Keep Dancing:

    Cinderella teams can continue to make their mark in the second round. Lower-seeded teams that have pulled off upsets in the first round can continue their magical runs by knocking off higher-seeded teams in the second round.

  • The Road to the Sweet 16:

    The second round is the final hurdle before the Sweet 16. The 16 teams that survive the second round will advance to the Sweet 16, which is held over the following two days. The Sweet 16 is where the tournament really starts to narrow down to the best teams in the country.

The winners of the second round games will advance to the Sweet 16, where they will face off against the winners of the other second round games. The Sweet 16 games are typically held over the following two days, with the tournament then continuing with the Elite Eight and Final Four over the following two weekends.

Sweet 16: March 28th and 29th, 2024

The Sweet 16 is where the NCAA Tournament starts to get really exciting. The field has been narrowed down to just 16 teams, and the games are typically played in front of sold-out crowds in major arenas across the country.

  • Elite Eight Berth on the Line:

    The Sweet 16 games are single-elimination, so the stakes are incredibly high. The winners of the Sweet 16 games will advance to the Elite Eight, while the losers will be eliminated from the tournament.

  • Top Teams Remain:

    By this point in the tournament, the top teams in the country have typically survived and advanced to the Sweet 16. This is when the tournament starts to feel like a true championship event.

  • Cinderella Teams Can Still Surprise:

    While the top teams are typically favored in the Sweet 16, Cinderella teams can still make a run. Lower-seeded teams that have made it this far in the tournament can continue to surprise the nation with their Cinderella stories.

  • Road to the Final Four:

    The Sweet 16 is the final hurdle before the Final Four. The eight teams that win their Sweet 16 games will advance to the Final Four, which is held over the following two days. The Final Four is the culmination of the NCAA Tournament, and it’s where the national champion is crowned.

The Sweet 16 games are typically some of the most memorable and exciting games of the entire NCAA Tournament. The stakes are high, the atmosphere is electric, and the best teams in the country are all vying for a spot in the Final Four.

Elite Eight: March 30th and 31st, 2024

The Elite Eight is the penultimate round of the NCAA Tournament, and it’s where the final four teams are determined.

  • Final Four Berth on the Line:

    The Elite Eight games are single-elimination, so the stakes are incredibly high. The winners of the Elite Eight games will advance to the Final Four, while the losers will be eliminated from the tournament.

  • Only the Best Remain:

    By this point in the tournament, only the best teams in the country remain. The Elite Eight is where the national championship contenders start to separate themselves from the rest of the field.

  • Cinderella Stories Can End Here:

    While Cinderella teams can make a run to the Elite Eight, their stories often come to an end at this stage of the tournament. The top teams in the country are typically too strong for Cinderella teams to overcome in the Elite Eight.

  • Road to the National Championship:

    The Elite Eight is the final hurdle before the Final Four and the national championship game. The four teams that win their Elite Eight games will advance to the Final Four, which is held over the following two days. The Final Four is the culmination of the NCAA Tournament, and it’s where the national champion is crowned.

The Elite Eight games are typically some of the most exciting and memorable games of the entire NCAA Tournament. The stakes are incredibly high, and the best teams in the country are all vying for a spot in the Final Four and a chance to win the national championship.

FAQ

Have questions about the 2024 NCAA Tournament? We’ve got answers.

Question 1: When is the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 1: The 2024 NCAA Tournament will take place from March 10th to April 1st, 2024.

Question 2: How many teams participate in the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 2: A total of 68 teams will participate in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Question 3: Where will the 2024 NCAA Tournament games be played?
Answer 3: The games will be played at various sites across the United States. The specific locations will be announced by the NCAA later this year.

Question 4: How can I watch the 2024 NCAA Tournament games?
Answer 4: The games will be televised on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. You can also stream the games online through NCAA March Madness Live.

Question 5: Who are the favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 5: The favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament are the University of North Carolina, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Gonzaga.

Question 6: Which Cinderella teams could make a run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 6: Some potential Cinderella teams to watch for in the 2024 NCAA Tournament include Saint Peter’s University, Oral Roberts University, and Colgate University.

Question 7: Where will the Final Four be held in 2024?
Answer 7: The Final Four will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, from March 29th to April 1st, 2024.

Question 8: How can I get tickets to the 2024 NCAA Tournament games?
Answer 8: Tickets for the 2024 NCAA Tournament games will go on sale in the spring of 2024. You can purchase tickets through the NCAA website or through the participating schools.

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We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Be sure to check back for updates and more information as the tournament approaches.

Now that you know all about the 2024 NCAA Tournament, here are some tips for making the most of your tournament experience:

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your 2024 NCAA Tournament experience:

Tip 1: Fill Out a Bracket:
Filling out a bracket is a great way to add to the excitement of the tournament. You can do it with friends, family, or even coworkers. There are many different bracket pools to choose from, so you can find one that fits your interests and budget.

Tip 2: Watch the Games with Friends and Family:
The NCAA Tournament is a great time to gather with friends and family and enjoy some friendly competition. You can host a watch party, go to a sports bar, or simply gather around the TV at home. Make sure to have plenty of food and drinks on hand to keep everyone happy.

Tip 3: Take Advantage of the Live Streaming Options:
If you can’t watch the games on TV, there are plenty of live streaming options available. You can stream the games on NCAA March Madness Live, CBS Sports, or other streaming services. This is a great way to catch the games if you’re on the go or don’t have access to a TV.

Tip 4: Follow the Tournament on Social Media:
Social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest tournament news and highlights. Follow your favorite teams and players on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also follow the official NCAA Tournament accounts for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

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By following these tips, you can make sure that you’re getting the most out of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Whether you’re filling out a bracket, watching the games with friends, or following the tournament on social media, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the excitement of March Madness.

And there you have it! Everything you need to know about the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the madness.

Conclusion

The 2024 NCAA Tournament promises to be one of the most exciting and memorable tournaments in recent history. With a wide-open field and plenty of potential Cinderella stories, anything can happen in March Madness.

Whether you’re a die-hard college basketball fan or just a casual observer, the NCAA Tournament is a great opportunity to enjoy some of the best basketball that the country has to offer. So mark your calendars for March 10th, 2024, and get ready for the madness to begin.

Closing Message:

We hope this article has given you all the information you need to know about the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Be sure to check back for updates and more information as the tournament approaches. And most importantly, enjoy the games!

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