March Madness 2025: Key Dates, Schedule, and Host Sites

The 2025 NCAA Basketball Tournaments are almost here, promising thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. This year’s tournaments are set to take place across various iconic locations. This ensures fans have ample opportunities to catch the action live.

From the opening rounds to the Final Four, here’s everything you need to know about the schedule, dates, and sites for the 2025 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments.

2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is poised to deliver another season of excitement and drama. As teams from across the nation vie for a spot in the coveted Final Four, fans can look forward to a series of intense matchups and potential upsets.

First Four

The tournament will kick off with the First Four games, which are scheduled to take place on March 18-19 in Dayton, Ohio. These initial matchups will set the stage for the 64-team field, providing a glimpse of the competitive spirit that defines March Madness.

First and Second Rounds

The first and second rounds of the tournament will be held from March 20-23. These rounds will be hosted across multiple sites, including:

• Albany, New York
• Greensboro, North Carolina
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Providence, Rhode Island
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Spokane, Washington
• Tampa, Florida

Sweet 16 and Elite Eight

The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds are scheduled for March 27-30, with games taking place in:

• Boston, Massachusetts
• Dallas, Texas
• Los Angeles, California
• Minneapolis, Minnesota

These rounds will determine which teams advance to the Final Four, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown.

Final Four

The pinnacle of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Final Four, will be held on April 5 and 7 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. This iconic venue will host the semifinal games and the championship game, where one team will emerge as the national champion.

2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament promises to be just as thrilling, with top teams from across the country competing for the national title. The tournament’s structure mirrors that of the men’s, ensuring a comprehensive and exciting experience for fans.

First Four

The Women’s First Four games will take place on March 19-20, setting the stage for the main bracket. These games will be crucial in determining the final field of 64 teams.

First and Second Rounds

The first and second rounds of the Women’s Tournament are scheduled for March 21-24, with games hosted at various sites, including:

• Ames, Iowa
• Columbia, South Carolina
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Seattle, Washington
• Storrs, Connecticut
• Tempe, Arizona
• Waco, Texas
• West Lafayette, Indiana

Sweet 16 and Elite Eight

The Women’s Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds will take place from March 28-31, with games held in:

• Chicago, Illinois
• Greenville, South Carolina
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Spokane, Washington

These rounds will determine the teams that advance to the Women’s Final Four, promising high-stakes action and unforgettable moments.

Final Four

The Women’s Final Four will be held on April 4 and 6 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This venue will host the semifinal games and the championship game, where the best of women’s college basketball will be crowned the national champion.

Key Dates to Remember

As the tournament dates approach, fans should mark their calendars for these key events:

• March 18-19: Men’s First Four
• March 19-20: Women’s First Four
• March 20-23: Men’s First and Second Rounds
• March 21-24: Women’s First and Second Rounds
• March 27-30: Men’s Sweet 16 and Elite Eight
• March 28-31: Women’s Sweet 16 and Elite Eight
• April 4: Women’s Final Four
• April 5: Men’s Final Four
• April 6: Women’s Championship
• April 7: Men’s Championship

Getting Your Tickets

Tickets for the 2025 NCAA Basketball Tournaments are expected to sell out quickly, given the high demand and limited availability. Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets as soon as they become available to ensure they don’t miss out on the action. For more information on ticket sales and availability, visit the official NCAA website.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 NCAA Basketball Tournaments are set to be an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike. With a lineup of exciting games, iconic venues, and the promise of intense competition, this year’s tournaments are not to be missed.

Whether you’re cheering for your alma mater or simply enjoying the thrill of March Madness, make sure to stay updated on all the latest news and developments as the tournaments unfold.

For more detailed information on the 2025 NCAA Basketball Tournaments, including a complete schedule and site details, visit the USA Today sports section.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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