The 2026 NCAA Tournament is set to unfold in 14 cities over a three-week span, bringing excitement from coast to coast. The tournament, known for its thrilling matchups and passionate fan engagement, will feature venues accessible to a wide audience, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere.
As tradition dictates, the tournament will kick off with the First Four in Dayton, Ohio. This initial round of play will occur on March 17 and 18, 2026, at the University of Dayton Arena.
The Round of 64 will commence on March 19, with eight cities hosting games throughout the weekend. The matchups will be spread across various venues on March 19 through 22, including:
- Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center on March 19 & 21
- Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19 & 21
- Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center on March 19 & 21
- Portland, OR – Moda Center on March 19 & 21
- Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena on March 20 & 22
- Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20 & 22
- San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena on March 20 & 22
- St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center on March 20 & 22
Following the initial rounds, the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight will take place in four cities during the second weekend. These critical matchups will determine which teams secure their spots in the Final Four:
- Houston, TX – Toyota Center on March 26 & 28
- San Jose, CA – SAP Center on March 26 & 28
- Chicago, IL – United Center on March 27 & 29
- Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena on March 27 & 29
The culmination of the tournament, the Final Four, will be hosted in Indianapolis, Indiana, at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 4 and 6, 2026. This marks a return to the venue for the first time since 2021, where fans will gather to witness the crowning of the national champion.
Indianapolis has a rich history with the Final Four, having hosted the event multiple times since 1980. The 2021 championship game saw Baylor triumph over Gonzaga with a score of 86-70, highlighting the city”s significance in collegiate basketball.
As anticipation builds, basketball enthusiasts and fans alike are eager to see which teams will make their mark in this prestigious tournament.
