March Madness 2018
When the calendar flips to March, there is just one thing on every sports fan's mind: the NCAA Tournament is just weeks away. With dozens of games every year that help the tournament live up to its "Madness" nickname, it's an event on every fan's bucket list.
March Madness 2018 Schedule
This year, Selection Sunday is on March 11, 2018, with the First Four games taking place March 13 and 14. First and second round games will take place March 15-18, with the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 taking place March 22-25.
All eyes will then turn to the 2018 Final Four, played on March 31 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, with the championship two days later on April 2.
March Madness 2018 Locations
NCAA Tournament Sites and Dates |
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| Round | Location | Dates |
| First Four | Dayton, OH | March 13 & 14 |
| First and Second Round | Pittsburgh, PA | March 15 & 17 |
| First and Second Round | Wichita, KS | March 15 & 17 |
| First and Second Round | Dallas, TX | March 15 & 17 |
| First and Second Round | Boise, ID | March 15 & 17 |
| First and Second Round | Charlotte, NC | March 16 & 18 |
| First and Second Round | Detroit, MI | March 16 & 18 |
| First and Second Round | Nashville, TN | March 16 & 18 |
| First and Second Round | San Diego, CA | March 16 & 18 |
| Midwest Regional | Omaha, NE | March 23 & 25 |
| West Regional | Los Angeles, CA | March 22 & 24 |
| South Regional | Atlanta, GA | March 22 & 24 |
| East Regional | Boston, MA | March 23 & 25 |
| Final Four | San Antonio, TX | March 31 & April 2 |
March Madness Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament can vary substantially based on a handful of variables, including the stage of play, the location of the games, and the teams playing. The earlier rounds are typically less expensive. As the tournament progresses and demand for tickets rises in the later rounds, ticket prices tend to increase. See below for a chart of the average ticket price by tournament round over the past three years, from 2015 to 2017.
How much do Final Four tickets cost?
The price of a Final Four Ticket can vary based on the location of the game as well the teams playing. Last year, the average price of a ticket to the Full Strip (both the semifinal games and the National Championship) was $823. Tickets to just the 2017 semifinal games resold for an average of $539, while 2017 NCAA Championship game tickets resold for an average of $376.
What does a "Full Strip" of tickets mean?
A full strip of tickets includes a ticket to each of the sessions hosted at that venue. For the first and second round locations, this would include tickets to the two afternoon session games, the two evening session games, and the two second round games in the third session. In the case of the Sweet 16 and Elite 8, a full strip would include tickets for the games at the location for both those rounds. In the case of the Final Four, a full strip includes tickets to the two semifnal games as well as the Championship game.
Why are tickets broken into sessions?
Unlike most sporting events, in the case of the NCAA Tournament many tickets include admission to more than a single game. In the First Round, Second Round, and Sweet 16, each session includes admission to back-to-back games. However, in the case of the First Round Session 1 tickets do not include admission to the games in Session 2, and vice versa, even though the games are on the same day.