The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, popularly known as March Madness, is one of the most thrilling and widely followed sporting events in the United States. Every year, millions of fans tune in to witness underdog victories, buzzer-beaters, and Cinderella stories, as 68 college teams battle it out for ultimate supremacy in college basketball.
As we gear up for the 2025 March Madness, the excitement is at an all-time high. The tournament kicks off with Selection Sunday on March 16, 2025, where the official bracket will be announced, followed by weeks of intense competition leading up to the Final Four and National Championship at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the schedule, venues, participating teams, and historical context to help you stay informed about the biggest basketball tournament of the year. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or a casual viewer, this is your go-to resource for everything related to March Madness 2025.
March Madness 2025 Full Schedule
The official tournament schedule for the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is as follows:
| Stage | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Selection Sunday | March 16, 2025 | Teams and bracket revealed on CBS |
| First Four | March 18-19, 2025 | UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio |
| First Round | March 20-21, 2025 | Various Locations |
| Second Round | March 22-23, 2025 | Various Locations |
| Sweet 16 | March 27-28, 2025 | East, West, South, and Midwest Regions |
| Elite Eight | March 29-30, 2025 | Regional Final Games |
| Final Four | April 5, 2025 | Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas |
| Championship Game | April 7, 2025 | Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas |
This year, fans can expect high-stakes matchups, thrilling overtime finishes, and game-winning shots as teams fight for their spot in the Final Four.
Venues and Host Locations for 2025
Every year, the NCAA selects prestigious basketball arenas across the United States to host various rounds of the tournament. Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 March Madness venues:
First Four & First/Second Rounds
| Round | City | Venue | Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Four | Dayton, OH | UD Arena | University of Dayton |
| First/Second | Lexington, KY | Rupp Arena | University of Kentucky |
| First/Second | Providence, RI | Amica Mutual Pavilion | Providence College |
| First/Second | Seattle, WA | Climate Pledge Arena | University of Washington |
| First/Second | Wichita, KS | Intrust Bank Arena | Wichita State University |
| First/Second | Cleveland, OH | Rocket Arena | Mid-American Conference |
| First/Second | Denver, CO | Ball Arena | Mountain West Conference |
| First/Second | Milwaukee, WI | Fiserv Forum | Marquette University |
| First/Second | Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center | North Carolina State University |
Regional Sites (Sweet 16 & Elite Eight)
| Region | City | Venue | Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| East | Newark, NJ | Prudential Center | Seton Hall University |
| West | San Francisco, CA | Chase Center | Pac-12 Conference |
| South | Atlanta, GA | State Farm Arena | Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Midwest | Indianapolis, IN | Lucas Oil Stadium | IU Indianapolis/Horizon League |
Final Four & Championship
| Date | City | Venue | Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 5-7, 2025 | San Antonio, TX | Alamodome | University of Texas at San Antonio |
The Alamodome in San Antonio is no stranger to hosting Final Four games, having previously done so in 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2018.
Top Storylines to Watch in March Madness 2025
1. Can UConn Defend Their Title?
The UConn Huskies dominated the 2024 NCAA Tournament, securing their fifth national title in program history. The big question now is: Can they go back-to-back? A repeat title would place them among the great college basketball dynasties.
2. Cinderella Teams Looking to Make History
Every year, a lower-seeded team defies expectations and makes a deep run into the tournament. In 2024, NC State and Grand Canyon emerged as surprise contenders. Who will be this year’s Cinderella story?
3. Future NBA Stars on Display
The NCAA Tournament has always been a showcase for future NBA talent. Some of the top prospects to watch in 2025 include:
- Cooper Flagg (Duke)
- Isaiah Collier (USC)
- Bronny James (USC)
- Kyle Filipowski (Duke)
Expect scouts from all 30 NBA teams to be closely watching the action.
How to Watch March Madness 2025
March Madness will be broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. Fans can also stream games via:
- CBS Sports App
- NCAA March Madness Live
- Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV
For the most up-to-date streaming schedules, visit the official NCAA website.
Future March Madness Final Four Locations
If you’re already looking ahead, here are the upcoming Final Four host cities:
| Year | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Indianapolis, IN | Lucas Oil Stadium |
| 2027 | Detroit, MI | Ford Field |
| 2028 | Las Vegas, NV | Allegiant Stadium |
| 2029 | Indianapolis, IN | Lucas Oil Stadium |
| 2030 | North Texas | AT&T Stadium |
Final Thoughts
March Madness 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive tournaments in recent history. With powerhouse programs vying for dominance and underdogs looking to shock the world, this year’s event promises unforgettable moments, shocking upsets, and legendary performances.
Will a blue-blood program like Duke, Kansas, or Kentucky reclaim the throne? Or will a Cinderella story steal the show? One thing is for certain – March Madness 2025 will be an event for the ages!
