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2026 March Madness Game Locations and Dates

8 min read
Feb 6, 2026

2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Locations and Dates

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament follows a fixed location schedule each year, with dates and venues determined well in advance. While teams and matchups are announced on Selection Sunday, where games will be played, and when, is already set.

Why These Dates Matter Even If You’re Not Attending

March Madness has a measurable impact on travel demand in host markets. Hotels, flights, car service, and venue-adjacent areas often see increased volume during tournament weekends. Even for travelers not attending games, knowing when and where tournament rounds are scheduled can help with planning, timing, and avoiding congestion in affected cities.

Below is a round-by-round breakdown of 2026 March Madness game locations and dates, based directly on official NCAA tournament site assignments.

First Four

March 17–18, 2026

The tournament begins with the First Four games in Dayton, Ohio played at UD Arena.

These opening games determine the final teams that advance into the main tournament bracket.

First Round and Second Round

March 19–22, 2026

First and Second Round games are played in multiple markets, with each site hosting games on specific days:

  • Buffalo, New York — KeyBank Center | Games on March 19 & March 21, 2026
  • Greenville, South Carolina - Bon Secours Wellness Arena | Games on March 19 & March 21, 2026
  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Paycom Center | Games on March 19 & March 21, 2026
  • Portland, Oregon - Moda Center | Games on March 19 & March 21, 2026
  • Tampa, Florida - Benchmark International Arena | Games on March 20 & March 22, 2026
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Xfinity Mobile Arena | Games on March 20 & March 22, 2026
  • San Diego, California - Viejas Arena | Games on March 20 & March 22, 2026
  • St. Louis, Missouri - Enterprise Center | Games on March 20 & March 22, 2026

These sessions generally include multiple games per day, with winners advancing to the regional rounds in late March.

Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight

March 26–29, 2026

Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight games are played at four regional venues. Each location hosts both rounds:

  • Houston, Texas - Toyota Center | Games on March 26 & March 28, 2026
  • San Jose, California - SAP Center | Games on March 26 & March 28, 2026
  • Chicago, Illinois - United Center | Games on March 27 & 29, 2026
  • Washington, D.C. - Capital One Arena | Games on March 27 & 29, 2026

Final Four and National Championship

April 4 and April 6, 2026

The Final Four and National Championship games will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

  • National semifinal games: April 4, 2026
  • National championship game: April 6, 2026

Schedule Considerations

March Madness locations are finalized years in advance, making them one of the most reliable planning inputs during the spring travel season. While brackets and game times evolve quickly once the tournament begins, dates and locations remain constant.

For official updates, schedules, and bracket releases, refer to announcements from the NCAA as the tournament approaches.

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Source: NCAA Website

Frequently Asked Questions

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