March Madness 2025 will officially tip off on March 18, beginning with the highly anticipated First Four games in Dayton, Ohio. This thrilling tournament is a high-stakes, single-elimination event where 68 college basketball teams battle it out for the ultimate prize: the national championship.
The action kicks into gear from the very first game, with intense matchups taking place across the nation, including locations such as Lexington, Cleveland and Denver. It is an iconic event in sports, with its unpredictability and drama keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
From buzzer-beaters to shocking upsets, it’s a time when anything can happen. The excitement lasts for three unforgettable weeks, wrapping up on April 7 with the crowning of the champion at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. What makes it so unique is its “do or die” nature, where every team has to win or go home.
The field is set, but the bracket predictions are what capture the imagination of fans nationwide. March Madness brackets are due shortly before the tournament’s start, and fans from all walks of life eagerly make their predictions. Once the matchups are revealed, it’s game time—each team’s journey to the Final Four is filled with incredible passion, teamwork and, of course, a bit of luck.
2025 Men’s March Madness complete schedule
March Madness 2025 is one of the most anticipated events in college basketball, and its schedule is packed with excitement from start to finish. The tournament begins with the reveal of the bracket on Selection Sunday.
Detail of a basketball on the court as Nevada Wolf Pack practice ahead of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Delta Center on March 20, 2024. (Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
From there, the competition intensifies quickly, with elimination games determining which teams stay alive in the fight for the title. Each matchup will bring its own unique rivalries and talent.
Each phase of the tournament, from the First Four to the Final Four, promises moments full of surprises and thrills. Check out the official schedule for one of the most awaited events in the NCAA:
- Selection Sunday: 6 PM ET Sunday, March 16 on CBS
- First Four: March 18-19
- First round: March 20-21
- Second round: March 22-23
- Sweet 16: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
- NCAA championship game: April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
When does March Madness start?
March Madness 2025 will officially begin on March 18 with the exciting First Four games in Dayton, Ohio. This is the first step of the tournament, where four teams compete in single-elimination games for a spot in the main bracket.
Tristen Newton attempts a shot while being guarded by Zach Edey in the first half during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament National Championship game in 2024. (Source: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Although it’s not the most well-known phase of the tournament, the First Four marks the start of one of the most thrilling college basketball competitions, filled with surprises and unforgettable moments.
The teams that win these games will advance to the next round, while the losers will be eliminated, making every minute count from the first whistle. These initial games are just the beginning of three weeks of pure adrenaline.
When does March Nadness end?
March Madness 2025 will end on April 7, with the national championship game taking place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. After three weeks of action, this will be the tournament’s culminating moment.
Teams from all over the country fight for the title, but those who have survived the previous rounds will reach this final showdown, where only one will emerge as the champion. It is expected that the tension will be at its peak.
A general view as the Miami Hurricanes face the Wichita State Shockers during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Dunkin’ Donuts Center. (Source: Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
All the players will face off on the tournament’s biggest stage, with everything on the line. After the final buzzer, the story of MM 2025 will be written, crowning the new national champion in a night that will be remembered by fans.
2025 Men’s March Madness locations
| Round | City | Venue | Dates | Host |
| First Four | Dayton, Ohio | UD Arena | March 18 – 19 | University of Dayton |
| First/Second | Lexington, KY | Rupp Arena | March 20 -22 | University of Kentucky |
| First/Second | Providence, RI | Amica Mutual Pavilion | March 20 -22 | Providence College |
| First/Second | Seattle, WA | Climate Pledge Arena | March 21 – 23 | University of Washington |
| First/Second | Wichita, KS | Intrust Bank Arena | March 20 -22 | Wichita State University |
| First/Second | Cleveland, OH | Rocket Arena | March 21 – 23 | Mid-American Conference |
| First/Second | Denver, CO | Ball Arena | March 20 -22 | Mountain West Conference |
| First/Second | Milwaukee, WI | Fiserv Forum | March 21 – 23 | Marquette University |
| First/Second | Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center | March 21 – 23 | North Carolina State University |
| East Regional | Newark, NJ | Prudential Center | March 27 – 29 | Seton Hall University |
| West Regional | San Francisco, CA | Chase Center | March 27 – 29 | Pac-12 Conference |
| South Regional | Atlanta, GA | State Farm Arena | March 28 – 30 | Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Midwest Regional | Indianapolis, IN | Lucas Oil Stadium | March 28 – 30 | IUPUI/Horizon League |
