March Madness is in progress, and basketball fans nationwide are gearing up for the most exciting time of the year. But when does the NCAA tournament start? Knowing the schedule beforehand helps you plan your game-watching experience, whether catching the action at home or hosting a fantastic tailgate party.
Tailgating parties are a popular way for fans to gather, celebrate, and watch games. For preparing a tailgating party for immersive viewing, you need to choose a location and prepare portable grills, folding tables and chairs, refrigerators, food and entertainment equipment, and small portable generators in advance to power the party. Let’s get ready for the madness.
When Does the NCAA Tournament Start?
The tournament kicks off in mid-March, right after the conference championships wrap, and the official bracket is revealed on Selection Sunday. Over three electrifying weeks, 68 elite teams [1] will battle in a high-stakes, win-or-go-home format, with just six victories standing between them and the national championship.
Fans can expect last-second buzzer-beaters and millions of people trying to predict the perfect bracket. It is the kind of excitement that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. But when does the NCAA tournament start?
1. Schedule Overview
Here is a quick breakdown of the tournament outline[2]:
- Selection Sunday: March 16, 2025
- First Four: March 18 to 19, 2025
- First round: March 20 to 21, 2025
- Second round: March 22 to 23, 2025
- Sweet 16: March 27 to 28, 2025
- Elite Eight: March 29 to 30, 2025
- Final Four: April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
- NCAA Championship game: April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
Understanding this schedule will help you prepare for the next game and participate in community discussions.
2. Key Time Nodes
Game times vary based on the round and broadcasting network generally:
- When does the NCAA tournament start? The excitement begins with the first four games, which tip off in the evening around 6:40 PM ET in Dayton, Ohio.
- The first and second rounds have games throughout the day, typically starting around noon ET and running until late at night.
- The final four and Championship games are in prime time, starting at approximately 8:50 PM on CBS.
3. Must Watch Highlights of the Tournament
Some of the most thrilling moments in sports happen during the NCAA tournament, from last-second shots to shocking upsets. March Madness never disappoints. Keep an eye on:
- Lower-seeded teams often make surprising runs.
- Top NBA prospects showcasing their talent
- The drama of do-or-die elimination games.
Knowing "when does the NCAA tournament starts" is key if you do not want to miss out on the action. The best way to stay updated is by checking official schedules online or setting reminders for your favorite matchups.
How to Watch NCAA Tournaments?
Now that you know "when does the NCAA tournament start," make sure you have the best way to watch it. With so many thrilling matchups, you will not want to miss a second of the action.
Interest in the tournament remains at an all-time high, with the 2024 NCAA men’s basketball championship drawing an average of 9.86 million viewers per game, a 3% increase from 2023.[3]
Luckily, there are many methods to catch every game, whether watching from home, streaming on the go, or even experiencing the tournament in person. Fans are marking their calendars and asking when the NCAA tournament starts. So don’t miss a second of action.
1. Live TV Broadcasts
Traditional cable and satellite TV remain the most reliable ways to watch the NCAA tournament. Major networks such as CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV hold broadcasting rights, meaning you can tune into any of these channels to watch the tournament live. CBS typically airs the most anticipated matchups, including the Final Four and National Championship. If you have a cable subscription, check your local listings to find out which games are available.
2. Streaming Platforms
You can also enjoy the entire tournament experience through various streaming services. Platforms like Max, Paramount+, Hulu + Live TV, Youtube TV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream offer live access to NCAA tournament games.
Many of these services also provide free trial periods, so you can watch games without committing to a full subscription. This is a great way to test different services and find the best one for you.
3. NCAA’s Official Website and App
For the fans looking for a direct source, the NCAA’s official website streams many of the games live. However, access often requires signing in with a cable TV provider. The NCAA March Madness Live app is another excellent option, offering live streams, real-time scores, and exclusive tournament content on mobile devices and smart TVs.
4. Watching the Tournament in Person
If you are lucky enough to be near a tournament venue, nothing beats the thrill of watching the NCAA tournament live.
Tickets can be purchased through official NCAA channels or third-party resale sites. The Final Four and National Championship will be held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, making it a prime destination for basketball fans.
So mark your calendar, pick your viewing option, and get ready for March Madness.
How to Throw the Perfect Tailgate Party for NCAA-Watching
Now that we have got "when does the NCAA tournament start" and how to watch it figured out, Let’s get into the fun part. Tailgating is a game-day tradition that brings fans together for food, fun, and basketball excitement. Here is how to prepare your tailgating party:
1. Pre-Match Preparation
With the excitement of March Madness in progress, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable tailgating experience requires thorough pre-match preparation.
Information Collection
Knowing "when does the NCAA tournament starts" is the initial and important step in organizing a successful event. Stay updated on game times, team pairings, and potential schedule changes to avoid missing key matchups.
Reliable sources include the official NCAA website, ESPN, CBS Sports, and other reputable sports news outlets. Bookmarking these sources and setting up alerts will help you track your favorite teams throughout the tournament. Remember, the tournament is running into early April.
Equipment Preparation
An efficient tailgate setup requires essential equipment, including:
- Portable grills: charcoal or electric grills for preparing game-day favorites.
- Coolers and mini-fridges: keep beverages and perishable food items fresh.
- Chairs and tables: provide comfortable seating and ample space for food and drinks.
- Tents and canopies: necessary for sun protection or unexpected weather changes.
Portable power solutions
Since electronics like TVs, speakers, and streaming devices are crucial, having a reliable power source is non-negotiable. For example, solar power stations are recommended options to ensure your devices remain charged throughout the event and you never miss a second of the action due to power issues.
Live Streaming Channels
Confirm access to broadcasting channels well before game time. The NCAA tournament airs on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with streaming options available via Paramount +, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.
Test your devices beforehand to ensure a stable internet connection and seamless streaming experience. If you are tailgating in a remote location, a mobile hotspot or satellite internet device can serve as a backup.
2. Tailgate Party Arrangement
Once you lock in the schedule, it’s time to focus on the details that will make your tailgate unforgettable.
Organize your Spectator Team
A successful tailgating party requires teamwork. Coordinate with friends and fellow fans to finalize attendance and assign responsibilities. Have designated roles for setting up tents, managing food prep, handling drinks, and monitoring the live game stream. Make a game day checklist so no important item is overlooked.
Prepare Delicious Food and Drinks
It’s better to plan a perfect menu of delicious food and drinks for your watch party. Classic tailgate fare includes burgers, hot dogs, wings, and various side dishes. Do not forget desserts. Options like cookies, brownies, and cupcakes are both portable and crowd-pleasing. Drinks are a must. To keep all that cold, you will need a portable refrigerator powered by solar generators.
Pack electric grills, food warmers, and disposable tableware to create a convenient and hassle-free tailgate party. With solar generators, you will not have to worry about losing power for your electric grill or mini-fridge.
Entertainment Activities
Keep the energy high with engaging pre-game activities like basketball-themed games, including mini hoop challenges, cornhole, or even easy-to-set-up ladder toss.
3. Emergency and Alternative Solutions
To avoid last-minute technical failures, inspect and maintain all tailgate gear ahead of time. Pack essential repair tools, extra cables, and backup batteries to address any unexpected issues quickly.
Internet and power disruptions can be frustrating, especially during interesting game moments. A backup power supply provides ample backup power to keep your appliances running throughout the event.
If technical difficulties arise, have alternative ways to stay connected. Switch to social media feeds. For example, Twitter and ESPN’s live updates provide instant scores. You can also use a second device with mobile data to continue watching. Ultimately, a traditional radio can serve as a last-resort backup for live game updates.
Best Portable Power Solutions for the NCAA Tournament and Tailgate Parties
So, during this NCAA tournament season or other games in the future, the last thing you want is for your TV to go dark just as the game-winning shot is in the air. That is where Jackery’s portable power solutions come in, ensuring your NCAA tournament watch party stays powered from tip-off to the final buzzer.
1. Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
If you are hosting a cozy tailgate party or backyard watch party with a small group of friends, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the perfect solution. With a capacity of 1264Wh and a 2000W output, it can easily power TVs, speakers, and small kitchen appliances like mini fridges or coffee makers.
One of the standout features of this solar generator is its solar charging capability, ensuring you never be interrupted when there is sunlight. The Jackery SolarSaga solar panels utilize advanced IBC technology to maximize power output, providing up to 20% more efficiency than traditional solar panels.
Durability is another strong suit of the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus. It features LiFePO4 battery cells that provide a 10-year lifespan or remain 70%+ capacity even after 4000 charge cycles. With intelligent app control via WiFi or Bluetooth, you can monitor battery levels and adjust settings, all from your smartphone.
2. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus takes things up a notch for larger crowds and high-energy NCAA tournament tailgate parties. With a massive expandable capacity ranging from 2kWh to 24kWh, this solar generator can handle heavy-duty devices while ensuring an uninterrupted power supply for the entire environment.
With a maximum output of 6000W, it can handle anything from large-screen TVs to high-powered cooking appliances to keep the party going from game time to overtime. It also features fast solar charging using advanced IBC solar panel technology, allowing you to recharge with six Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panels in just two hours.
Like its smaller counterpart, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is built with LiFePO4 battery cells, providing 10 years of usage. Additionally, it incorporates ChargeShield technology, a unique variable speed charging system that boosts battery lifespan by 50% while allowing faster and more efficient recharging.
Conclusion
March Madness is an exciting time for basketball fans, and knowing "What time does the NCAA tournament start today?" is just the beginning. Whether you are watching from home, streaming on the go, or throwing an epic tailgate party, planning ahead is key.
At Jackery, we believe in making game-day experiences seamless and stress-free. With the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus and Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, you can enjoy uninterrupted power for your tailgate party. Visit our website now to get one for your tournament viewing and future outdoor activities!
References
[1] Men's College Basketball Teams. Available at: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/teams (Accessed: 2 April 2025)
[2] 2025 March Madness: Men's NCAA tournament schedule, dates. Available at: https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2025-03-30/2025-march-madness-mens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates (Accessed: 2 April 2025)
[3] NCAA Men's March Madness basketball tournament average TV viewership in the United States from 2013 to 2024. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/251560/ncaa-basketball-march-madness-average-tv-viewership-per-game/ (Accessed: 2 April 2025)
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