When does march madness start?

March Madness typically starts in mid-March. The exact dates can vary slightly each year, but the tournament usually begins with the First Four games in the second week of March, followed by the first round games in the third week of March.

March Madness, also known as the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, is an annual event that captivates the attention of millions of basketball fans across the United States. It is a single-elimination tournament featuring 68 college basketball teams from various universities and colleges, all competing for the prestigious national championship title.

The start of March Madness varies slightly from year to year, but it typically begins in the middle of March. The tournament is organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and has been a beloved tradition since its inception in 1939. Over the years, it has grown in popularity and has become one of the most-watched sporting events in the country.

The tournament officially kicks off with Selection Sunday, which usually takes place on the second Sunday of March. On this day, the NCAA Selection Committee announces the 68 teams that have been chosen to participate in the tournament. This announcement is eagerly awaited by basketball fans, as it sets the stage for the exciting weeks of competition that lie ahead.

Following Selection Sunday, the teams are divided into four regions: East, West, Midwest, and South. Each region consists of 16 teams, and they are seeded from 1 to 16 based on their performance during the regular season. The top four teams in each region are given the coveted 1 seed, while the remaining teams are seeded accordingly.

Once the teams and their respective seeds are determined, the tournament officially begins with the First Four games. These games are played on the Tuesday and Wednesday following Selection Sunday and feature eight teams competing for the final four spots in the main bracket. The winners of these games advance to the first round of the tournament.

The first round, also known as the Round of 64, takes place on the Thursday and Friday following the First Four games. This is when the real madness begins, as all 64 teams compete in a single-elimination format. The games are spread across multiple venues, and fans are treated to a whirlwind of thrilling matchups and upsets.

The second round, or the Round of 32, follows the first round and takes place on the weekend immediately after. This is where the field of teams is narrowed down to the Sweet Sixteen, as the winners of the Round of 64 advance to face each other. The Sweet Sixteen games are held on the following Thursday and Friday, and they determine the teams that will move on to the Elite Eight.

The Elite Eight games are played on the weekend following the Sweet Sixteen, and they determine the four teams that will advance to the Final Four. This stage of the tournament is highly anticipated, as it showcases the best teams in the country battling it out for a chance to compete in the national championship game.

The Final Four games are held on the first Saturday of April and feature the remaining four teams. These games are played at a predetermined location, often a large stadium, and attract massive crowds of fans. The winners of the Final Four games advance to the national championship game, which takes place on the first Monday of April.

In conclusion, March Madness starts with Selection Sunday in the middle of March, followed by the First Four games, the Round of 64, the Round of 32, the Sweet Sixteen, the Elite Eight, the Final Four, and ultimately culminates in the national championship game. The tournament is a thrilling and unpredictable journey that captures the hearts of basketball fans nationwide, making it one of the most exciting sporting events of the year.

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