College basketball fans, prepare for the ultimate showdown as the Ncaa 2024 Tournament Bracket is just around the corner. Get ready to witness electrifying games, nail-biting finishes, and unforgettable moments as the journey to the Final Four takes center stage.

With a field of 68 teams eager to prove their dominance, the tournament promises non-stop action and unpredictable outcomes. From the initial rounds through the regional matchups and culminating in the championship game, every moment will hold its breath.

Before the madness unfolds, let’s take a closer look at the format and key dates, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament experience.

Ncaa 2024 Tournament Bracket

68 teams, March madness.

• Single-elimination tournament
• Selection Sunday: March 10, 2024
• First Four: March 12-13, 2024
• First round: March 14-15, 2024
• Second round: March 16-17, 2024
• Sweet 16: March 21-22, 2024
• Elite Eight: March 23-24, 2024
• Final Four: March 29-30, 2024

National Championship Game: April 1, 2024

Single-elimination tournament

The NCAA Tournament operates on a single-elimination format, where each game is a do-or-die battle. Every team enters the tournament with a clean slate, and one loss ends their championship aspirations.

• Win or go home:

  Every game carries immense pressure, as teams can ill afford a misstep. There are no second chances once defeated, and every possession becomes crucial.

• Upsets and surprises:

  The single-elimination format is known for producing unexpected results. Lower-seeded teams can pull off upsets against higher-seeded opponents, creating thrilling moments and captivating storylines.

• Cinderella stories:

  The tournament often features Cinderella stories, where unheralded teams make deep runs, capturing the hearts of fans nationwide. These Cinderella teams embody the spirit of the tournament and add an element of excitement and unpredictability.

• March Madness:

  The single-elimination format contributes to the tournament’s nickname, “March Madness.” The combination of high stakes, intense competition, and unpredictable outcomes creates a sense of chaos and excitement that makes the tournament a truly unique and captivating sporting event.

The single-elimination format of the NCAA Tournament creates a high-pressure environment where every game is a must-win. It’s this format that fuels the excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments that make the tournament one of the most beloved sporting events in the world.

Selection Sunday: March 10, 2024

Selection Sunday is a highly anticipated day in the college basketball calendar, marking the official announcement of the teams that have earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament. On this day, the Selection Committee, composed of athletic directors, conference commissioners, and former coaches, gathers to determine the 68 teams that will compete for the national championship.

The Selection Show, typically held in the evening, reveals the tournament bracket, showcasing the matchups for the first round and the path to the Final Four. The show is a highly produced event, featuring expert analysis, interviews with coaches and players, and dramatic music, building anticipation and excitement among fans.

The Selection Committee considers a variety of factors when choosing the tournament participants, including team records, strength of schedule, conference tournament results, and other metrics. The committee aims to create a balanced and competitive bracket that represents the best teams in the country.

Selection Sunday is also a day of celebration and disappointment for teams and fans alike. For those teams that make the tournament, it’s a moment of triumph and validation, while for those left out, it’s a time of reflection and regrouping for the following season.

Selection Sunday sets the stage for the NCAA Tournament, igniting the passion and enthusiasm of college basketball fans across the nation. The tournament bracket brings clarity to the path to the championship, creating storylines, rivalries, and endless possibilities.

First Four: March 12-13, 2024

The First Four is a play-in round that takes place before the official start of the NCAA Tournament. It involves eight teams that are vying for the final four spots in the 64-team field.

• Single-elimination format:

  The First Four games are single-elimination, meaning that the loser of each game is eliminated from the tournament.

• At-large teams:

  The eight teams that participate in the First Four are typically at-large teams that did not win their conference tournament but received an invitation to the NCAA Tournament based on their overall record and strength of schedule.

• Regional locations:

  The First Four games are played at regional sites, typically near the locations of the first-round tournament games. This allows the teams to minimize travel and helps to create a more festive atmosphere for the fans.

• Excitement and drama:

  The First Four games are often filled with excitement and drama, as the teams involved are fighting for their tournament lives. Upsets are common, and the games often come down to the wire.

The First Four serves as a gateway to the main tournament bracket, and it provides an opportunity forCinderella teams to make a name for themselves and advance to the later rounds.

First round: March 14-15, 2024

The first round of the NCAA Tournament is where the real madness begins. The 64 teams that have made it through the Selection Sunday and First Four games compete in single-elimination matchups to advance to the second round.

• 64-team field:

  The first round features all 64 teams that have qualified for the NCAA Tournament, including the 32 automatic qualifiers (conference tournament winners) and 32 at-large teams (selected by the Selection Committee).

• Single-elimination format:

  Just like in the First Four, the first round games are single-elimination, meaning that the loser of each game is eliminated from the tournament.

• Upsets and surprises:

  The first round is known for its upsets and surprises, as lower-seeded teams often pull off unexpected wins against higher-seeded opponents. This is due to the single-elimination format and the pressure-packed atmosphere of the tournament.

• Regional matchups:

  The first round games are played at regional sites, typically near the locations of the second-round tournament games. This allows the teams to minimize travel and helps to create a more festive atmosphere for the fans.

The first round of the NCAA Tournament is a time of intense excitement and drama, as the field of 64 is whittled down to 32 teams that will advance to the second round.

Second round: March 16-17, 2024

The second round of the NCAA Tournament features the 32 teams that advanced from the first round. These teams are seeded 1-16 in each of the four regions (East, West, South, and Midwest), and they compete in single-elimination matchups to advance to the Sweet 16.

The second round games are typically played at the same regional sites as the first round games. This allows the teams to minimize travel and helps to create a more festive atmosphere for the fans.

The second round is often seen as the point where the tournament starts to get serious. The lower-seeded teams that pulled off upsets in the first round are now facing tougher competition, and the stakes are higher as the Sweet 16 is just one step away.

The second round is also known for its Cinderella stories. Teams that were not expected to make a deep run in the tournament often find themselves in the Sweet 16 after winning two games in the first two rounds. These Cinderella stories add to the excitement and unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament.

The second round of the NCAA Tournament is a time of intense competition and drama, as the field of 32 is whittled down to 16 teams that will advance to the Sweet 16.

Sweet 16: March 21-22, 2024

The Sweet 16 is the third round of the NCAA Tournament, and it features the 16 teams that advanced from the second round. These teams are seeded 1-4 in each of the four regions (East, West, South, and Midwest), and they compete in single-elimination matchups to advance to the Elite Eight.

The Sweet 16 games are played at four regional sites, one for each region. This allows the teams to minimize travel and helps to create a more festive atmosphere for the fans.

The Sweet 16 is often seen as the point where the tournament starts to get really exciting. The field of 16 is now filled with the best teams in the country, and the games are typically very competitive.

The Sweet 16 is also known for its Cinderella stories. Teams that were not expected to make a deep run in the tournament often find themselves in the Elite Eight after winning three games in the first three rounds. These Cinderella stories add to the excitement and unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament.

The Sweet 16 is a time of intense competition and drama, as the field of 16 is whittled down to 8 teams that will advance to the Elite Eight.

Elite Eight: March 23-24, 2024

The Elite Eight is the fourth round of the NCAA Tournament, and it features the 8 teams that advanced from the Sweet 16. These teams are seeded 1-4 in each of the two regions (East and West), and they compete in single-elimination matchups to advance to the Final Four.

The Elite Eight games are played at two regional sites, one for each region. This allows the teams to minimize travel and helps to create a more festive atmosphere for the fans.

The Elite Eight is often seen as the point where the tournament starts to get really intense. The field of 8 is now filled with the best teams in the country, and the games are typically very competitive.

The Elite Eight is also known for its Cinderella stories. Teams that were not expected to make a deep run in the tournament often find themselves in the Final Four after winning four games in the first four rounds. These Cinderella stories add to the excitement and unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament.

The Elite Eight is a time of intense competition and drama, as the field of 8 is whittled down to 4 teams that will advance to the Final Four.

Final Four: March 29-30, 2024

The Final Four is the culminating event of the NCAA Tournament, and it features the 4 teams that advanced from the Elite Eight. These teams compete in single-elimination matchups to determine the national champion.

• Single-elimination semifinals:

  The Final Four begins with two semifinal games, played on the first day. The winners of these games advance to the championship game, while the losers play in the third-place game.

• National championship game:

  The championship game is played on the second day of the Final Four. The winner of this game is crowned the national champion of college basketball.

• Location:

  The Final Four is typically held at a major stadium or arena in a large city. Recent Final Four locations have included Indianapolis, Houston, and Minneapolis.

• Festive atmosphere:

  The Final Four is a major sporting event, and it attracts fans from all over the country. The atmosphere is electric, with passionate fans cheering on their teams and enjoying the excitement of the tournament.

The Final Four is a time of intense competition and drama, as the four best teams in the country battle it out for the national championship. It is a can’t-miss event for any college basketball fan.

FAQ

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

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

Question 2: How many teams participate in the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: A total of 68 teams participate in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Question 3: What is the selection process for the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: The NCAA Tournament field is selected by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. The committee considers factors such as team records, strength of schedule, and conference tournament results when making their selections.

Question 4: Where will the 2024 NCAA Tournament games be played?
Answer: The 2024 NCAA Tournament games will be played at various locations across the United States. The First Four games will be played in Dayton, Ohio. The second round and Sweet 16 games will be played at regional sites. The Elite Eight and Final Four games will be played at a predetermined location.

Question 5: Who are the favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: The favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament are the teams that are currently ranked at the top of the polls. Some of the contenders include the University of North Carolina, the University of Gonzaga, and the University of Kansas.

Question 6: How can I watch the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: The 2024 NCAA Tournament will be televised on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. You can also stream the games online through NCAA March Madness Live.

Question 7: What is the prize for winning the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: The winning team of the 2024 NCAA Tournament will receive the NCAA championship trophy and a banner to hang in their arena. The players on the winning team will also receive championship rings.

We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Be sure to tune in to the games and cheer on your favorite team!

Now that you know all about the 2024 NCAA Tournament, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

Tips

Here are a few tips to make the most of your 2024 NCAA Tournament experience:

Tip 1: Fill out a bracket.
Filling out a bracket is a great way to add to the excitement of the tournament. You can fill out a bracket online or print one out from a newspaper or magazine. Be sure to do your research and make your picks based on the teams’ records, strength of schedule, and recent performances.

Tip 2: Watch the games with friends and family.
Watching the NCAA Tournament with friends and family is a great way to create lasting memories. You can host a tournament party at your house or go to a local bar or restaurant to watch the games. Be sure to have plenty of food, drinks, and snacks on hand.

Tip 3: 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 the official NCAA Tournament accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also follow your favorite teams and players to get their perspective on the tournament.

Tip 4: Attend a tournament game in person.
If you have the opportunity, attending a tournament game in person is an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere at a tournament game is electric, and you’ll get to see the best college basketball players in the country compete live. Be sure to buy your tickets early, as they tend to sell out quickly.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your 2024 NCAA Tournament experience and create lasting memories.

So there you have it, all you need to know about the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Be sure to tune in to the games, fill out a bracket, and enjoy the excitement of March Madness!

Conclusion

The 2024 NCAA Tournament promises to be another exciting and memorable event in the history of college basketball.

With 68 teams vying for the national championship, there are sure to be plenty of upsets, Cinderella stories, and thrilling finishes.

Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard college basketball enthusiast, the NCAA Tournament is an event that you won’t want to miss.

So mark your calendars for March 10th, 2024, and get ready for the madness to begin!

Until then, enjoy the regular season and conference tournaments, and start thinking about who you’re going to pick in your bracket. Good luck!