The most exciting time of the year for college basketball fans is finally here as the 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament tips off on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. This year’s action-packed tournament will run through Monday, April 7, 2025, culminating with the national championship game. The tournament promises to deliver thrilling moments as teams vie for basketball glory.
For fans eager to catch all the tournament action, the games will be broadcast across major networks, including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. Viewers can experience the excitement firsthand from their own homes, making March Madness accessible to millions.
Kicking off the festivities are the First Four games on March 18. The matchups include (16) Alabama State taking on (16) Saint Francis at 6:40 p.m. on truTV, followed by (11) San Diego State against (11) North Carolina at 9:10 p.m. on the same network.
The following day, March 19, sees another set of First Four games with (16) American University playing (16) Mount St. Mary’s at 6:40 p.m. and (11) Texas facing (11) Xavier at 9:10 p.m., both broadcast on truTV.
March 20 marks the beginning of the first round, with highly anticipated games slated throughout the day. Highlights include (8) Louisville vs. (9) Creighton at 12:15 p.m. on CBS, (1) Houston matching up against (16) SIU Edwardsville at 2 p.m. on TBS, and (1) Auburn taking on the winner of the Alabama State/Saint Francis matchup at 2:50 p.m. also on CBS.
The tournament's structure features 68 teams competing, with 31 of those teams earning automatic bids by winning their respective conference tournaments. Notably, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has set a record by sending 14 teams to the tournament, followed by the Big Ten with 8 selections. This year's strong representation from the SEC and other conferences speaks to the competitive spirit and depth of talent across college basketball.
Fans can look forward to key matches being held across several exciting venues. The First Four rounds will be hosted at the UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio, from March 18-19, 2025. Subsequent games take place across historical athletic hubs including Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY, Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, RI, and Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA.
After the first rounds, the tournament will progress with the Second Round games scheduled for March 22-23, followed by the Sweet 16 rounds on March 27-28. The Elite Eight will see action on March 29-30, leading to the much-anticipated Final Four on April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The tournament will culminate with the national championship game, taking place on April 7 at 8:50 p.m. on CBS, promising to be a thrilling finish to weeks of exciting basketball.
March Madness is not just about the games; it’s about the unique and exhilarating atmosphere it creates. From the underdog victories to the nail-biting finishes, this tournament brings fans together, igniting school spirit and camaraderie as fans rally behind their teams. Throughout its history, the NCAA tournament has been known for its unexpected twists and storylines, captivating audiences nationwide.
This year, the tournament promises new moments of joy and heartbreak, as players and coaches clash with their eyes set on the ultimate goal: hoisting the championship trophy. The preparations have begun, excitement is building, and March Madness 2025 is set to deliver thrilling entertainment for basketball enthusiasts everywhere.
To access the official tournament bracket, fans can find printable versions through various sports networks, ensuring everyone can participate, whether by filling out brackets online or following along at home. The tournament brings together fans of all ages, from college students to veterans of the game, proving to be one of the most cherished traditions in American sports.<\/p>
