What the data shows
The question on many basketball fans’ minds is: when do the March Madness games officially begin? The answer is that the 2026 March Madness tournament kicks off with the First Four on March 17, 2026, at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. This event marks the start of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, which will culminate in the championship game on April 6, 2026.
The First Four games are particularly significant as they involve the four lowest-ranked No. 16 seeds and the final four at-large inclusions, typically No. 11 seeds. This year, the matchups include UMBC facing Howard at 6:40 p.m. and Texas going up against NC State at 9:15 p.m. on March 17. The excitement continues on March 18 with two additional games: Prairie View A&M against Lehigh and Miami (Ohio) versus SMU.
Since its introduction in 2011, the First Four has become a staple of the tournament, allowing more teams to compete for the national title. The tournament expanded from 65 to 68 teams, giving more opportunities for schools to showcase their talent on a national stage. The First Four has been held at UD Arena every year since, except for 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fans can catch all the action of the March Madness games on national television, with coverage across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. Streaming options will also be available through platforms like Paramount+ and DirecTV, ensuring that fans can follow their favorite teams wherever they are.
The tournament officially began with Selection Sunday on March 15, when teams were announced and brackets were set. With a total of 68 teams in the bracket, the anticipation builds as fans prepare for the thrilling matchups that March Madness is known for.
The First Four games are crucial for teams looking to advance in the tournament, as they set the stage for the subsequent rounds leading up to the Final Four in Indianapolis on April 4 and 6. The excitement of March Madness is not just about the games; it’s about the stories, the upsets, and the unforgettable moments that define this time of year in college basketball.
As the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see which teams will rise to the occasion and make a deep run in the tournament. The unpredictability of March Madness is part of its charm, and while the matchups are set for the First Four, the outcomes remain uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed as to which teams will ultimately make it to the championship game.
