March Madness is the most exciting time of the year for college basketball fans. Even if you’re not a die-hard sports enthusiast, there’s something thrilling about buzzer-beaters, underdog stories, and bracket-busting upsets. Whether you’re a seasoned bracketologist or just curious about all the hype, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about when March Madness starts and why it’s such a big deal.

What Is March Madness?

Before diving into the dates, let’s cover the basics for anyone new to the madness. March Madness is the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. It features 68 college basketball teams from across the U.S., all competing in a single-elimination tournament to crown the national champion.

The tournament is famous for its intensity, unpredictable outcomes, and the way it captivates the nation. Teams are divided into four regions and seeded based on their regular-season performance. With just one loss ending a team’s season, every game is a must-win, which makes it an edge-of-your-seat experience for players and fans alike.

When Does March Madness Start in 2024?

March Madness officially kicks off on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, with the First Four games. These are the opening-round matchups featuring eight teams battling for the final four spots in the main bracket.

The true madness begins on Thursday, March 21, 2024, with the start of the First Round, when all 64 teams hit the court. This is when the tournament fully shifts into high gear, with nonstop action over four days as teams try to survive and advance.

Here’s a quick breakdown of key dates for 2024:

• Selection Sunday: March 17, 2024 – The day the 68-team field is announced.
• First Four: March 19-20, 2024 – Play-in games for the last bracket spots.
• First and Second Rounds: March 21-24, 2024 – The bulk of the tournament’s early games.
• Final Four: April 6, 2024 – The semifinals, played in Phoenix, Arizona.
• Championship Game: April 8, 2024 – The ultimate showdown for the national title.

Mark your calendar—you don’t want to miss it!

How Are Teams Chosen for March Madness?

Now that you know when it starts, you might wonder how teams earn a spot in the tournament. The field of 68 is selected through a mix of automatic bids and at-large bids:

1. Automatic Bids: These go to teams that win their conference tournaments. There are 32 conferences, so 32 teams secure their spots this way.
2. At-Large Bids: The remaining 36 teams are chosen by the NCAA Selection Committee. This group evaluates teams based on their performance throughout the season, considering factors like strength of schedule, quality wins, and advanced metrics.

Once the field is set, teams are seeded 1 through 16 in each region, setting the stage for potential David-versus-Goliath matchups.

Why Is March Madness So Popular?

March Madness is more than just basketball; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Here’s why:

1. Unpredictability: Every year, there’s a Cinderella story—a lower-seeded team that shocks the world by defeating powerhouse programs. These moments make for unforgettable games and keep fans hooked.
2. Bracket Challenges: Filling out a bracket is almost as much fun as watching the games themselves. Fans try to predict the outcomes of all 67 games, often competing with friends, family, or coworkers.
3. Heartfelt Stories: The players are college students, often underdogs chasing their dreams. Their passion and determination resonate with fans, creating a sense of connection.
4. Wall-to-Wall Action: From buzzer-beaters to nail-biting finishes, the fast-paced nature of the tournament delivers endless entertainment.

Even if you’re not a basketball expert, you’ll find yourself cheering for teams you’ve never heard of or shouting at the TV as games come down to the wire.

March Madness is just around the corner, so now’s the time to prepare your brackets and get ready for an unforgettable month of college basketball. Whether you’re tuning in for the love of the game or just for the excitement, you won’t want to miss the magic of March Madness.

So, when does March Madness start? It all begins on March 19, 2024—mark your calendars and let the madness begin!