How to Buy March Madness 2026 Tickets – Complete Guide
NCAA Tournament 2026 — Official Ticket Guide
How to Buy March Madness 2026 Tickets – Complete Guide
Published: March 15, 2026 | Team10Sports
March Madness 2026 is officially here. Selection Sunday just wrapped on March 15, the bracket is set, and games start this week. If you’re dreaming of being in the stands for one of the greatest sporting events in America, here’s everything you need to know about buying tickets — from the First Four all the way to the Final Four.
2026 March Madness Schedule at a Glance
The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament features 68 teams competing across three weeks of single-elimination basketball. Here’s the full round-by-round breakdown:
| Round | Dates | Location | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Four | Mar 17–18 | UD Arena, Dayton, OH | TruTV |
| Round of 64 | Mar 19–20 | Buffalo, Greenville, OKC, Portland, Tampa, Philly, San Diego, St. Louis | CBS / TBS / TNT / TruTV |
| Round of 32 | Mar 21–22 | Same 8 cities | CBS / TBS / TNT / TruTV |
| Sweet 16 | Mar 26–27 | Houston · San Jose · Chicago · Washington D.C. | CBS / TBS |
| Elite Eight HOT | Mar 28–29 | Houston · San Jose · Chicago · Washington D.C. | CBS / TBS |
| Final Four HOT | Apr 4 6 & 8:30 p.m. ET |
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN | TBS |
| Championship HOT | Apr 6 8:30 p.m. ET |
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN | TBS |
Ticketmaster is the Official Ticket Marketplace of the NCAA. Browse tickets for every round.
🎟️ Buy March Madness TicketsFirst & Second Round Host Cities (March 19–22)
The First Round (Round of 64) runs March 19–20 and the Second Round (Round of 32) runs March 21–22, spread across eight host cities. Tickets are sold per session — matchups are only confirmed close to tip-off.
| City | Arena | Game Days |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo, NY | KeyBank Center | Mar 19 & 21 |
| Greenville, SC | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | Mar 19 & 21 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | Paycom Center | Mar 19 & 21 |
| Portland, OR | Moda Center | Mar 19 & 21 |
| Tampa, FL | Benchmark International Arena | Mar 20 & 22 |
| Philadelphia, PA | Xfinity Mobile Arena | Mar 20 & 22 |
| San Diego, CA | Viejas Arena | Mar 20 & 22 |
| St. Louis, MO | Enterprise Center | Mar 20 & 22 |
Regional Sites: Sweet 16 & Elite Eight (March 26–29)
| Regional | City | Arena |
|---|---|---|
| South | Houston, TX | Toyota Center |
| West | San Jose, CA | SAP Center |
| Midwest | Chicago, IL | United Center |
| East | Washington, D.C. | Capital One Arena |
Final Four & Championship: Indianapolis
All roads lead to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Final Four semifinals take place on Saturday, April 4 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET on TBS, with the National Championship Game on Monday, April 6 at 8:30 p.m. ET on TBS.
Understanding Ticket Types
All-Session Tickets
Gives you access to every game at that venue on both days. Best choice if you want to enjoy the full atmosphere without worrying about which specific teams are playing.
Session-Specific Tickets
Gets you into one specific session. Most fans following a specific team prefer this once matchups are confirmed. For early rounds, All-Session offers better value. For regionals and beyond, go session-specific to target your team’s game.
Tips for Getting the Best Tickets
1. Act Fast — Demand Is Already Spiking
The bracket was set on March 15. The sooner you buy, the better your seat options — especially for popular venues like Houston and Chicago.
2. Choose the Right City for Your Team
Check which region your team is seeded in, then buy tickets in the city hosting that regional bracket.
3. Consider the First Four for Budget-Friendly Access
First Four games in Dayton, Ohio are typically the most affordable March Madness experience — real tournament atmosphere at a fraction of Final Four prices.
4. Book Travel Early
Hotels and flights fill up fast once the bracket is set. Lock in accommodation immediately — especially for Indianapolis Final Four weekend (April 4–6).
| Round | Dates | Link |
|---|---|---|
| First Four | Mar 17–18 · Dayton, OH | Buy Tickets → |
| First & Second Round | Mar 19–22 · 8 cities | Buy Tickets → |
| Sweet 16 & Elite Eight | Mar 26–29 · 4 regional cities | Buy Tickets → |
| Final Four & Championship | Apr 4 & 6 · Indianapolis, IN | Buy Tickets → |
Data verified March 15, 2026 based on official NCAA and Ticketmaster information.