The 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, promises to deliver exhilarating drama, thrilling upsets, and unforgettable moments. Sixty-eight teams from across the country will vie for the national championship in a single-elimination tournament that captivates sports fans throughout the month of March. This comprehensive guide will provide all the essential information about the 2024 March Madness schedule, including key dates, tournament format, and how to watch the games.
The tournament begins with Selection Sunday on March 10, 2024, where the field of 68 teams will be announced. The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee determines the teams’ seedings and places them into four regions: East, Midwest, South, and West. The top 16 teams receive automatic bids based on their regular season and conference tournament performances, while the remaining spots are filled by at-large selections.
The tournament officially tips off on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, with the First Four games. These play-in matches determine the final four teams to advance to the 64-team bracket. The First Four games are held at two predetermined locations, with the winners joining the rest of the field in the first round.
2024 March Madness Schedule
Excitement, upsets, and unforgettable moments await in the 2024 March Madness tournament.
- Selection Sunday: March 10, 2024
- First Four: March 12, 2024
- 64-Team Bracket: March 14-17, 2024
- Sweet 16: March 21-22, 2024
- Elite Eight: March 23-24, 2024
- Final Four: March 29-30, 2024
Don’t miss the thrilling journey to crown the national champion in college basketball!
Selection Sunday: March 10, 2024
Selection Sunday marks the official start of March Madness, where the field of 68 teams is revealed and the tournament bracket is set.
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Tournament Selection Committee:
A committee of experts, including athletic directors, coaches, and media members, gathers to determine the teams’ seedings and placements in the bracket.
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Automatic Bids:
The top teams from each of the 32 Division I conferences receive automatic bids to the tournament.
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At-Large Selections:
The remaining spots in the bracket are filled by at-large selections, which are teams that did not win their conference tournament but are deemed worthy of a berth based on their overall record and strength of schedule.
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Bracket Reveal:
The Selection Committee unveils the completed bracket during a live television special, typically held in the evening on Selection Sunday. The bracket reveal generates immense excitement and anticipation among fans and analysts, as they dissect the matchups and predict the potential Cinderella stories and upsets.
Selection Sunday is a pivotal day in the college basketball calendar, setting the stage for the thrilling three weeks of March Madness.
First Four: March 12, 2024
The First Four games are a play-in round that determines the final four teams to advance to the 64-team bracket. These games are held at two predetermined locations, typically smaller arenas in cities with strong college basketball fan bases.
The First Four matchups are determined by the Selection Committee, which seeds the teams 65 through 68 based on their overall records and other factors. The four lowest-seeded teams compete in two games, with the winners advancing to play the two teams seeded 16 and 17 in the main bracket.
The First Four games are often high-stakes and thrilling, as the teams involved are fighting for their tournament lives. Upsets are common in the First Four, as lower-seeded teams can use their underdog status to their advantage and pull off surprising victories.
The First Four games also serve as a warm-up for the main tournament, giving fans a taste of the excitement and drama to come. These games are typically played in a lively atmosphere, with passionate fan bases cheering on their teams in hopes of securing a spot in the 64-team bracket.
The First Four games are a unique and exciting part of March Madness, providing fans with an early opportunity to witness the tournament’s unpredictable nature and cheer on their favorite teams.
64-Team Bracket: March 14-17, 2024
The 64-team bracket is the heart of the NCAA Tournament, where the top teams in the country compete in a single-elimination format to determine the national champion.
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First Round:
The first round of the tournament features 32 games, with the winners advancing to the second round.
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Second Round:
The second round consists of 16 games, with the winners advancing to the Sweet 16.
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Sweet 16:
The Sweet 16 is the first round of the tournament to be played at regional sites, with the top four teams from each region advancing to the Elite Eight.
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Elite Eight:
The Elite Eight games determine the four teams that will advance to the Final Four.
The 64-team bracket is a gauntlet of competition, with each game presenting its own unique challenges and opportunities. The tournament is known for its upsets and Cinderella stories, as lower-seeded teams often find ways to defeat their more highly seeded opponents.
The 64-team bracket is also a time of intense excitement and anticipation for college basketball fans across the country. Millions of people tune in to watch the games, filling out brackets and cheering on their favorite teams in hopes of predicting the eventual national champion.
Sweet 16: March 21-22, 2024
The Sweet 16 is the first round of the NCAA Tournament to be played at regional sites, typically four major cities across the country. The top four teams from each of the four regions advance to the Sweet 16, where they compete in single-elimination games to determine the Elite Eight.
The Sweet 16 is known for its high level of competition and excitement, as the remaining teams are all legitimate contenders for the national championship. The Sweet 16 games often feature close contests and thrilling finishes, with teams fighting tooth and nail for a spot in the Elite Eight.
The Sweet 16 is also a time for Cinderella stories to shine. Lower-seeded teams that have made unexpected runs through the tournament often find themselves in the Sweet 16, capturing the attention of the nation with their inspiring performances.
The Sweet 16 is a pivotal point in the NCAA Tournament, as the field of teams is narrowed down to just eight. The Sweet 16 games are must-see events for college basketball fans, as they provide a glimpse of the teams that have the potential to win it all.
The Sweet 16 is a weekend of non-stop basketball action, with four regions playing their games simultaneously. Fans across the country tune in to watch the games, filling out brackets and cheering on their favorite teams in hopes of seeing them advance to the Elite Eight.
Elite Eight: March 23-24, 2024
The Elite Eight is the penultimate round of the NCAA Tournament, where the final eight teams compete in single-elimination games to determine the Final Four participants.
The Elite Eight games are played at two regional sites, with the winners advancing to the Final Four. The Elite Eight is known for its intense competition and high stakes, as the teams involved are just one step away from reaching the national championship game.
The Elite Eight is also a time for Cinderella stories to continue or come to an end. Lower-seeded teams that have made unexpected runs through the tournament often find themselves in the Elite Eight, hoping to pull off one more upset and reach the Final Four.
The Elite Eight games are typically played in front of sold-out crowds, with fans creating an electric atmosphere. The games are also widely watched on television, as millions of people tune in to see which teams will advance to the Final Four and have a chance to win the national championship.
The Elite Eight is a showcase of the best that college basketball has to offer, with the top teams in the country battling it out for a spot in the Final Four. The Elite Eight games are always memorable and provide fans with some of the most exciting moments of the NCAA Tournament.
Final Four: March 29-30, 2024
The Final Four is the culmination of the NCAA Tournament, where the final four teams compete in single-elimination games to determine the national champion.
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Location:
The Final Four is held at a predetermined location, typically a major city with a large stadium that can accommodate the large crowds.
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Semi-Final Games:
The Final Four consists of two semi-final games, played on the first day. The winners of the semi-final games advance to the national championship game.
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National Championship Game:
The national championship game is played on the second day of the Final Four. The winner of the national championship game is crowned the NCAA Tournament champion and receives the coveted NCAA championship trophy.
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Halftime Show:
The Final Four also features a halftime show during the national championship game, which typically includes performances by popular musicians or other entertainers.
The Final Four is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the United States, drawing millions of viewers on television and attracting large crowds to the host city. The Final Four is a celebration of college basketball, with fans from all over the country coming together to witness the crowning of the national champion.
FAQ
Have questions about the 2024 NCAA Tournament? Get the answers you need right here!
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 tournament?
Answer 2: A total of 68 teams are selected to participate in the NCAA Tournament.
Question 3: How are the teams selected?
Answer 3: The teams are selected by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee based on their regular season records, conference tournament results, and other factors.
Question 4: Where is the Final Four being held in 2024?
Answer 4: The location of the 2024 Final Four has not yet been determined.
Question 5: How can I watch the games?
Answer 5: The NCAA Tournament games are televised on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. You can also stream the games online using NCAA March Madness Live.
Question 6: What is the prize for winning the NCAA Tournament?
Answer 6: The winning team of the NCAA Tournament is awarded the NCAA championship trophy and a banner to hang in their arena.
Question 7: Who are the favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 7: The favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament will depend on the performance of the teams throughout the regular season and conference tournaments. However, some potential contenders include the University of North Carolina, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Gonzaga.
Closing:
We hope this FAQ section has answered your questions about the 2024 NCAA Tournament. For more information, visit the official NCAA website.
Now that you know all about the 2024 NCAA Tournament, check out our tips for making the most of your March Madness experience.
Tips
Get ready for the ultimate college basketball experience with these tips for making the most of March Madness 2024!
Tip 1: Fill Out a Bracket
Participate in the excitement by filling out a bracket and predicting the tournament’s outcome. Join a bracket pool with friends, family, or colleagues to add some friendly competition to your March Madness experience.
Tip 2: Watch the Games with Friends and Family
Turn March Madness into a social event by gathering your friends and family to watch the games together. Create a festive atmosphere with snacks, drinks, and decorations. Cheering on your favorite teams together will make the experience even more enjoyable.
Tip 3: Explore the Host City
If you’re attending the Final Four or any of the regional games in person, take some time to explore the host city. Visit local attractions, try the local cuisine, and soak up the city’s unique atmosphere.
Tip 4: Stay Informed and Engaged
Follow the tournament closely by staying updated on the latest news, scores, and highlights. Engage with other fans on social media using the official NCAA Tournament hashtag. The more you know about the tournament, the more you’ll enjoy it.
Closing:
With these tips, you’re all set to have an unforgettable March Madness experience in 2024. So, get ready to witness thrilling games, Cinderella stories, and the crowning of a new national champion!
And now, as we approach the conclusion of our comprehensive guide to the 2024 NCAA Tournament, let’s recap the key points and provide some final thoughts.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
The 2024 NCAA Tournament promises to deliver another thrilling and unpredictable March Madness experience. The tournament will begin with Selection Sunday on March 10th, where the field of 68 teams will be revealed. The First Four games will be held on March 12th, followed by the 64-team bracket from March 14th to 17th. The Sweet 16 games will take place on March 21st and 22nd, followed by the Elite Eight games on March 23rd and 24th. The Final Four will be held on March 29th and 30th to determine the national champion.
Closing Message:
As we eagerly await the start of March Madness 2024, remember that the tournament is about more than just basketball. It’s about the passion, excitement, and camaraderie that brings people together from all walks of life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of your favorite team or simply enjoy the spectacle of the tournament, March Madness is a time to celebrate the sport of college basketball at its finest. So, get ready to witness unforgettable moments, Cinderella stories, and the crowning of a new national champion in 2024!
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the 2024 NCAA Tournament schedule. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the information you need to make the most of this year’s tournament. March Madness is a time to come together, embrace the madness, and enjoy the incredible talent and passion that college basketball has to offer.