The Anticipated NCAA Basketball Tournament Schedule for 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

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The Anticipated NCAA Basketball Tournament Schedule for 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

The NCAA Basketball Tournament, often known as March Madness, is an annual event that draws thousands of fans and viewers worldwide. In 2024, the excitement will reach new heights as the tournament returns for another thrilling season of college basketball’s finest. Prepare to witness the ultimate showdown between the top teams and players as they battle for the title and the glory of being crowned the NCAA champions.

As the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament approaches, fans eagerly await the official schedule to plan their viewing and support. The tournament will consist of two main stages: the conference tournaments and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, which includes the tournament bracket and culminates with the Final Four and championship game. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the anticipated schedule for each stage, providing all the necessary information to stay updated on this thrilling event.

As the excitement for the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament builds, let’s dive into the specifics of the schedule, exploring each stage and keeping you informed about the crucial dates and events you don’t want to miss.

Ncaa Basketball Tournament Schedule 2024

The anticipation is building for the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament. Here are 10 important points to keep in mind about the schedule:

  • Selection Sunday: March 10, 2024
  • First Four: March 19-20, 2024
  • Round of 64: March 21-22, 2024
  • Round of 32: March 23-24, 2024
  • Sweet 16: March 29-30, 2024
  • Elite Eight: April 1-2, 2024
  • Final Four: April 6-7, 2024
  • National Championship: April 8, 2024
  • Host Cities: TBD
  • TV Coverage: CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV

With these key dates in mind, fans can start marking their calendars and planning their viewing parties for the exciting 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Selection Sunday: March 10, 2024

Selection Sunday is a highly anticipated day in the NCAA Basketball Tournament schedule, marking the official start of March Madness. On this day, the NCAA Tournament Committee reveals the 68 teams that have earned a spot in the tournament, as well as the seedings and matchups for the first round. The selection show is a live televised event, with experts and analysts providing commentary and analysis as the teams are announced.

The selection process begins weeks in advance, with the NCAA Tournament Committee evaluating teams based on their regular season records, conference tournament results, and other factors. The committee uses a variety of metrics and criteria to determine which teams will receive at-large bids to the tournament.

Once the field of 68 is set, the teams are seeded from 1 to 16 in each of the four regions: East, West, South, and Midwest. The top four seeds in each region are awarded a double-bye, meaning they automatically advance to the second round. The remaining teams are paired up for first-round matchups, with the winners advancing to the second round.

Selection Sunday is a day of excitement and anticipation for college basketball fans, as they learn which teams will be competing for the national championship and start making their predictions for the tournament. It’s also a day of celebration for the teams that have earned a spot in the tournament, as they prepare to embark on the road to the Final Four and the ultimate prize: the NCAA championship.

With the field of 68 teams set, the stage is set for the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament to begin. The tournament promises to deliver thrilling games, unexpected upsets, and unforgettable moments, making it one of the most exciting sporting events of the year.

First Four: March 19-20, 2024

The First Four is a play-in round that takes place before the start of the NCAA Tournament’s main draw. It involves eight teams that are vying for the final four spots in the field of 64. The First Four games are played at two predetermined sites, with the winners advancing to the Round of 64.

  • Purpose of the First Four:

    The First Four serves to determine the final four teams that will compete in the NCAA Tournament. It gives lower-seeded teams a chance to earn a spot in the main draw and compete for the national championship.

  • Selection Process:

    The eight teams that participate in the First Four are determined by the NCAA Tournament Committee. These teams are typically the last four teams to receive at-large bids to the tournament, as well as the four conference tournament champions from conferences that are considered to be weaker.

  • Format:

    The First Four games are single-elimination contests. The eight teams are paired up into four games, with the winners advancing to the Round of 64. The games are played at two predetermined sites, which are announced in advance by the NCAA.

  • Significance of the First Four:

    The First Four is a significant event in the NCAA Tournament schedule, as it determines the final four teams that will compete for the national championship. It also provides an opportunity for lower-seeded teams to make a statement and potentially upset higher-seeded teams in the main draw.

The First Four games are often filled with excitement and drama, as the teams involved are playing for their chance to reach the main draw of the NCAA Tournament. These games are a great way to kick off the tournament and set the stage for the exciting weeks of basketball to come.

Round of 64: March 21-22, 2024

The Round of 64 is the first round of the NCAA Tournament’s main draw. It involves 64 teams, including the 32 teams that received automatic bids by winning their conference tournaments and the 32 teams that received at-large bids from the NCAA Tournament Committee. The Round of 64 games are played at various sites across the country, with the winners advancing to the Round of 32.

The Round of 64 is a single-elimination round, meaning that the teams that lose their games are eliminated from the tournament. The games are typically played over two days, with 16 games scheduled for each day. The matchups for the Round of 64 are determined by the seeding of the teams, with the top 16 seeds receiving a bye to the second round.

The Round of 64 is often referred to as “Selection Sunday Part II,” as it is the first time that the lower-seeded teams get to compete against the top teams in the tournament. It is also a time for upsets, as lower-seeded teams sometimes pull off surprising victories over higher-seeded teams.

The Round of 64 is a crucial stage in the NCAA Tournament, as it determines which teams will advance to the Sweet 16 and have a chance to compete for the national championship. It is also a time of great excitement and anticipation for college basketball fans, as they watch their favorite teams compete for a spot in the next round.

With 64 teams competing in the Round of 64, there are sure to be plenty of thrilling games and exciting finishes. This round of the tournament is a great opportunity to catch some of the best college basketball teams in the country and see which teams will make it to the Sweet 16.

Round of 32: March 23-24, 2024

The Round of 32 is the second round of the NCAA Tournament’s main draw. It involves the 32 teams that won their games in the Round of 64. The Round of 32 games are played at various sites across the country, with the winners advancing to the Sweet 16.

The Round of 32 is also a single-elimination round, meaning that the teams that lose their games are eliminated from the tournament. The games are typically played over two days, with 16 games scheduled for each day. The matchups for the Round of 32 are determined by the seeding of the teams, with the top eight seeds receiving a bye to the Sweet 16.

The Round of 32 is often seen as a more competitive round than the Round of 64, as the teams that have advanced to this point are typically more evenly matched. It is also a time for more upsets, as lower-seeded teams sometimes continue their Cinderella runs and defeat higher-seeded teams.

The Round of 32 is a crucial stage in the NCAA Tournament, as it determines which teams will advance to the Sweet 16 and have a chance to compete for the national championship. It is also a time of great excitement and anticipation for college basketball fans, as they watch their favorite teams compete for a spot in the next round.

With 32 teams competing in the Round of 32, there are sure to be plenty of thrilling games and exciting finishes. This round of the tournament is a great opportunity to catch some of the best college basketball teams in the country and see which teams will make it to the Sweet 16.

Sweet 16: March 29-30, 2024

The Sweet 16 is the third round of the NCAA Tournament and the first round of the tournament to be played at regional sites. It involves the 16 teams that won their games in the Round of 32. The Sweet 16 games are played at four predetermined regional sites, with the winners advancing to the Elite Eight.

The Sweet 16 is a single-elimination round, meaning that the teams that lose their games are eliminated from the tournament. The games are typically played over two days, with eight games scheduled for each day. The matchups for the Sweet 16 are determined by the seeding of the teams, with the top four seeds in each region receiving a bye to the Elite Eight.

The Sweet 16 is often seen as the most exciting round of the NCAA Tournament, as the teams that have advanced to this point are typically the best teams in the country. It is also a time for more upsets, as lower-seeded teams sometimes continue their Cinderella runs and defeat higher-seeded teams.

The Sweet 16 is a crucial stage in the NCAA Tournament, as it determines which teams will advance to the Elite Eight and have a chance to compete for the national championship. It is also a time of great excitement and anticipation for college basketball fans, as they watch their favorite teams compete for a spot in the next round.

With 16 teams competing in the Sweet 16, there are sure to be plenty of thrilling games and exciting finishes. This round of the tournament is a great opportunity to catch some of the best college basketball teams in the country and see which teams will make it to the Elite Eight.

Elite Eight: April 1-2, 2024

The Elite Eight is the fourth round of the NCAA Tournament and the second round of the tournament to be played at regional sites. It involves the eight teams that won their games in the Sweet 16. The Elite Eight games are played at four predetermined regional sites, with the winners advancing to the Final Four.

The Elite Eight is a single-elimination round, meaning that the teams that lose their games are eliminated from the tournament. The games are typically played over two days, with four games scheduled for each day. The matchups for the Elite Eight are determined by the seeding of the teams, with the top two seeds in each region receiving a bye to the Final Four.

The Elite Eight is often seen as the most competitive round of the NCAA Tournament, as the teams that have advanced to this point are typically the best teams in the country. It is also a time for more upsets, as lower-seeded teams sometimes continue their Cinderella runs and defeat higher-seeded teams.

The Elite Eight is a crucial stage in the NCAA Tournament, as it determines which teams will advance to the Final Four and have a chance to compete for the national championship. It is also a time of great excitement and anticipation for college basketball fans, as they watch their favorite teams compete for a spot in the next round.

With eight teams competing in the Elite Eight, there are sure to be plenty of thrilling games and exciting finishes. This round of the tournament is a great opportunity to catch some of the best college basketball teams in the country and see which teams will make it to the Final Four.

Final Four: April 6-7, 2024

The Final Four is the culminating event of the NCAA Tournament and the most prestigious weekend in college basketball. It involves the four teams that won their games in the Elite Eight. The Final Four games are played at a predetermined site, with the winners advancing to the national championship game.

The Final Four is a single-elimination round, meaning that the teams that lose their games are eliminated from the tournament. The games are typically played over two days, with two games scheduled for each day. The matchups for the Final Four are determined by the seeding of the teams, with the top two seeds receiving a bye to the championship game.

The Final Four is often seen as the most exciting weekend in sports, as the teams that have advanced to this point are typically the best teams in the country. It is also a time for more upsets, as lower-seeded teams sometimes continue their Cinderella runs and defeat higher-seeded teams.

The Final Four is a crucial stage in the NCAA Tournament, as it determines which two teams will advance to the national championship game and have a chance to be crowned the national champions. It is also a time of great excitement and anticipation for college basketball fans, as they watch their favorite teams compete for the ultimate prize.

With four teams competing in the Final Four, there are sure to be plenty of thrilling games and exciting finishes. This round of the tournament is a great opportunity to catch some of the best college basketball teams in the country and see which two teams will advance to the national championship game.

National Championship: April 8, 2024

The National Championship game is the final game of the NCAA Tournament and the most prestigious game in college basketball. It involves the two teams that won their games in the Final Four. The National Championship game is played at a predetermined site, with the winner being crowned the national champion.

  • Significance of the National Championship:

    The National Championship is the ultimate prize in college basketball. It is a single-elimination game that determines the best team in the country. Winning the National Championship is a major accomplishment for any college basketball program and is a source of great pride for the players, coaches, and fans.

  • Selection Process:

    The two teams that compete in the National Championship game are the winners of the two Final Four games. The Final Four games are played on the Saturday before the National Championship game.

  • Format of the National Championship Game:

    The National Championship game is a single-elimination game, meaning that the team that loses the game is eliminated from the tournament. The game is played on a Monday night at a predetermined site. The site of the National Championship game rotates between different cities each year.

  • History and Tradition:

    The National Championship game has a long and storied history. The first National Championship game was played in 1939, and the tournament has been held every year since then. The National Championship game is one of the most watched sporting events in the United States and is a major cultural event.

The National Championship game is a thrilling and exciting event that is sure to provide plenty of drama and excitement. It is a game that is not to be missed by any college basketball fan.

Host Cities: TBD

The host cities for the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament have not yet been announced. The NCAA typically announces the host cities for the tournament several years in advance. The selection process for host cities is competitive, and cities must meet a number of criteria in order to be considered.

  • Criteria for Host Cities:

    The NCAA considers a number of factors when selecting host cities for the tournament. These factors include the city’s infrastructure, its ability to accommodate a large number of visitors, and its passion for college basketball. The NCAA also takes into account the city’s history of hosting major sporting events and its ability to provide a safe and secure environment for the tournament.

  • Benefits of Hosting the Tournament:

    Hosting the NCAA Basketball Tournament is a major economic boon for cities. The tournament attracts a large number of visitors, who spend money on hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. The tournament also generates a significant amount of media attention, which can help to promote the city and its attractions.

  • Past Host Cities:

    The NCAA Basketball Tournament has been held in a variety of cities across the United States. Some of the most common host cities include Indianapolis, New York City, and Los Angeles. In recent years, the tournament has also been held in cities such as Minneapolis, Phoenix, and San Antonio.

  • Anticipation for 2024 Host Cities:

    College basketball fans across the country are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the host cities for the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament. The tournament is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States, and it is sure to generate a lot of excitement and anticipation in the host cities.

The NCAA is expected to announce the host cities for the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament in the coming months. Once the host cities are announced, fans can start making plans to travel to the tournament and experience the excitement of March Madness in person.

TV Coverage: CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV

The NCAA Basketball Tournament is one of the most widely televised sporting events in the United States. The tournament is broadcast on a variety of networks, including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV.

  • CBS:

    CBS is the primary broadcaster of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The network airs the Selection Show, as well as the First Four games, the second and third rounds, and the Final Four and National Championship game. CBS has been broadcasting the NCAA Tournament since 1982.

  • TBS, TNT, and truTV:

    TBS, TNT, and truTV are the secondary broadcasters of the NCAA Tournament. These networks air the first and second rounds of the tournament. TBS, TNT, and truTV have been broadcasting the NCAA Tournament since 2011.

  • Availability of Coverage:

    The NCAA Basketball Tournament is available to watch on a variety of platforms, including traditional cable and satellite TV, streaming services, and over-the-air broadcasts. Fans can also follow the tournament online through live streams and highlights.

  • Broadcast Teams:

    The NCAA Basketball Tournament features a talented team of broadcasters, including experienced play-by-play announcers, color commentators, and sideline reporters. These broadcasters provide insightful commentary and analysis throughout the tournament.

With comprehensive coverage on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, college basketball fans can catch every game of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, no matter where they are. The tournament is sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama, and the TV coverage will help to bring the action right into viewers’ homes.

FAQ

Got questions about the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament? We’ve got answers!

Question 1: When is the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament?
Answer 1: The 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament will take place from March 10th to April 8th, 2024.

Question 2: How many teams participate in the tournament?
Answer 2: A total of 68 teams participate in the NCAA Basketball Tournament, including 32 automatic qualifiers from conference tournaments and 36 at-large bids selected by the NCAA Tournament Committee.

Question 3: Where will the tournament be held?
Answer 3: The host cities for the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament have not yet been announced. The NCAA typically announces the host cities several years in advance.

Question 4: How can I watch the tournament?
Answer 4: The NCAA Basketball Tournament is televised on a variety of networks, including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. Fans can also follow the tournament online through live streams and highlights.

Question 5: Who are the favorites to win the tournament?
Answer 5: The favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament will depend on the performance of teams throughout the regular season and conference tournaments. Some of the top contenders include Gonzaga, Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina.

Question 6: What are some of the biggest upsets in tournament history?
Answer 6: Some of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history include:
– UMBC (16-seed) over Virginia (1-seed) in 2018
– Saint Peter’s (15-seed) over Purdue (3-seed) in 2022
– Mercer (14-seed) over Duke (2-seed) in 2014
– Lehigh (15-seed) over Duke (2-seed) in 2012
– Appalachian State (16-seed) over Michigan (1-seed) in 2003

Closing Paragraph:

We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament. As the tournament approaches, be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis by following your favorite sports media outlets. Good luck to your favorite team!

In addition to the FAQ, here are some bonus tips for enjoying the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament:

– Make a bracket and compete with your friends and family.

– Host a viewing party and invite your friends over to watch the games.

– Follow the tournament on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news and highlights.

– Check out the NCAA Tournament website for more information on the tournament, including schedules, brackets, and team profiles.

Tips

Get ready for the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament with these helpful tips:

Tip 1: Fill out a Bracket

One of the best ways to enjoy the NCAA Tournament is to fill out a bracket. You can do this online or print out a bracket from a newspaper or magazine. Try to make your picks based on your knowledge of the teams and their recent performance. The tournament is full of surprises, so don’t be afraid to make some bold predictions.

Tip 2: Host a Viewing Party

Invite your friends and family over to watch the games and make a day of it. Order some food, set up a bracket challenge, and enjoy the excitement of the tournament together. You can also follow the tournament on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news and highlights.

Tip 3: Take Advantage of Free Live Streams

If you don’t have cable or satellite TV, you can still watch the NCAA Tournament for free. There are a number of websites and apps that offer live streams of the games. Just be sure to do your research and find a reputable source.

Tip 4: Follow the Tournament on Social Media

Social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and highlights from the NCAA Tournament. Follow your favorite teams and players, as well as sports journalists and analysts, to get their insights and opinions on the tournament.

Closing Paragraph:

With these tips, you’re sure to have a great time watching the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament. So get your bracket ready, invite your friends over, and enjoy the excitement of March Madness!

Now that you know everything you need to know about the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament, it’s time to start making your plans. Get your bracket ready, invite your friends over, and get ready for the most exciting three weeks in college basketball!

Conclusion

The 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a talented field of teams and a wide-open bracket, there are sure to be plenty of surprises and upsets along the way. So get your bracket ready, invite your friends over, and enjoy the madness!

Here’s a recap of the main points we covered in this article:

  • The 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament will take place from March 10th to April 8th, 2024.
  • A total of 68 teams will participate in the tournament, including 32 automatic qualifiers from conference tournaments and 36 at-large bids.
  • The host cities for the tournament have not yet been announced.
  • The tournament will be televised on a variety of networks, including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV.
  • Some of the favorites to win the tournament include Gonzaga, Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina.
  • There have been many memorable upsets in NCAA Tournament history, such as UMBC (16-seed) over Virginia (1-seed) in 2018 and Saint Peter’s (15-seed) over Purdue (3-seed) in 2022.

Closing Message:

We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to know about the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament. Be sure to follow your favorite teams and players throughout the tournament and enjoy all the excitement that March Madness has to offer. Good luck to your bracket and enjoy the games!

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