How To Watch The First NCAA March Madness Games: Schedule, Start Time, Channels, Bracket, And More
Mar 23 2025
The NCAA March Madness tournament is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the United States, drawing millions of fans who eagerly follow the thrilling matchups and Cinderella stories. Whether you're a die-hard college basketball fan or a casual viewer looking to jump into the excitement, understanding how to watch the first games of the NCAA March Madness is essential. This article will guide you through everything you need to know to enjoy this exhilarating event, from the schedule and start times to the channels and brackets.
March Madness kicks off with the First Four games, setting the stage for the main tournament. These early games provide underdog teams with a chance to prove themselves on a national stage, making them some of the most exciting matches of the tournament. As we delve deeper, you'll discover all the necessary details to ensure you don't miss a moment of the action.
With the right information at your fingertips, watching the NCAA March Madness games becomes an enjoyable and stress-free experience. From understanding the bracket structure to knowing where to stream the games, this comprehensive guide aims to enhance your viewing experience, ensuring you're fully prepared for the madness of March.
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Table of Contents
- Introduction to March Madness
- Schedule and Start Times
- Channels and Streaming Options
- NCAA Tournament Bracket
- Teams to Watch Out For
- How to Fill Out Your Bracket
- History of March Madness
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips for Watching Games
- Conclusion
Introduction to March Madness
March Madness is an annual college basketball tournament that captivates audiences across the United States. It features 68 teams competing in a single-elimination format, culminating in the crowning of a national champion. The tournament's popularity stems from its unpredictability and the opportunity for lesser-known teams to achieve unexpected victories.
The event starts with the First Four games, which are crucial for determining the final spots in the main draw. These games often showcase intense competition and serve as a preview of the drama that unfolds throughout the tournament. Understanding the basics of March Madness is key to enjoying the spectacle and participating in office pools or friendly brackets.
What Makes March Madness Unique?
March Madness stands out due to its unpredictable nature, where any team can win on any given day. This element of surprise keeps fans on the edge of their seats and makes filling out brackets both challenging and exciting. Additionally, the tournament's structure allows for a wide range of storylines, from powerhouse programs to underdog teams making deep runs.
Schedule and Start Times
Knowing the schedule and start times of the NCAA March Madness games is crucial for planning your viewing experience. The tournament typically begins in mid-March with the First Four games, followed by the main draw.
The First Four games usually take place on the Tuesday and Wednesday before the main tournament starts. These games are scheduled to accommodate fans in different time zones, with start times ranging from late afternoon to early evening.
Key Dates to Remember
- First Four Games: Tuesday and Wednesday of the second week of March
- Round of 64: Thursday and Friday of the second week of March
- Round of 32: Saturday and Sunday of the second week of March
- Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: Late March
- Final Four and Championship Game: Early April
Channels and Streaming Options
With the increasing popularity of streaming services, there are now more ways than ever to watch the NCAA March Madness games. Traditional television channels like CBS and TBS continue to broadcast the tournament, while streaming platforms offer additional flexibility for viewers.
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Subscribers to services such as ESPN+ and CBS All Access can stream games live on their devices, providing a convenient option for those who prefer watching on-the-go. Additionally, the NCAA March Madness Live app offers comprehensive coverage of all tournament games, ensuring fans don't miss a single moment of the action.
Which Channel Should You Choose?
Choosing the right channel depends on your preferences and availability. CBS is the primary network for the tournament, airing many of the key games, including the Final Four and championship game. TBS also broadcasts several high-profile matchups, making it a great option for viewers who want to catch the biggest games.
NCAA Tournament Bracket
The NCAA tournament bracket is a visual representation of the competition, showing how teams are paired against each other throughout the tournament. Understanding the bracket is essential for anyone participating in a bracket pool or simply following the tournament closely.
Each team is seeded from 1 to 16 in four regions, with the top-seeded teams expected to advance further in the tournament. However, upsets are a common occurrence in March Madness, making the bracket an unpredictable and exciting element of the event.
How to Read the Bracket
Reading the bracket involves understanding the seeding system and the matchups. Teams are listed in order of their seed, with the higher-seeded teams playing against lower-seeded opponents in the early rounds. As the tournament progresses, the remaining teams are rebracketed to determine the Final Four and eventual champion.
Teams to Watch Out For
Each year, certain teams stand out as favorites to win the NCAA March Madness tournament, while others emerge as potential Cinderella stories. Keeping an eye on these teams can enhance your viewing experience and improve your chances of predicting the outcome accurately.
Powerhouse programs like Gonzaga, Kentucky, and Duke often enter the tournament as top contenders, thanks to their strong rosters and successful regular seasons. However, history has shown that underdog teams can make surprising runs, capturing the hearts of fans nationwide.
Top Contenders for 2023
- Gonzaga Bulldogs
- Kentucky Wildcats
- Duke Blue Devils
- Houston Cougars
How to Fill Out Your Bracket
Filling out a bracket is one of the most engaging aspects of March Madness. Whether you're competing in a large office pool or just filling out a bracket for fun, there are strategies you can use to increase your chances of success.
Start by researching the teams' regular-season performances, paying attention to their strengths and weaknesses. Consider factors such as team experience, player injuries, and recent form. While seeding is important, don't overlook the potential for upsets, as they are a defining feature of the tournament.
Bracket-Filling Tips
- Research team statistics and player performances
- Consider historical trends and common upsets
- Balance confidence in top seeds with room for surprises
History of March Madness
The NCAA March Madness tournament has a rich history dating back to 1939, when it was first organized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Over the years, the tournament has grown in popularity, becoming a cultural phenomenon that captures the attention of sports fans nationwide.
Some of the most memorable moments in March Madness history include Larry Bird's Indiana State team's run to the championship game in 1979 and Duke's dramatic victory over Kentucky in the 1992 East Regional Final. These moments, among countless others, have contributed to the tournament's legendary status.
Notable Upsets in March Madness History
- Lehigh defeats Duke in 2012
- UMBC defeats Virginia in 2018
- Stephen F. Austin defeats West Virginia in 2014
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about watching the NCAA March Madness games:
Q: Can I watch the games for free?
A: While some games may be available for free on over-the-air broadcasts, most require a subscription to a cable or streaming service. Check local listings and streaming platforms for free options.
Q: How can I stream the games?
A: You can stream the games through services like ESPN+, CBS All Access, or the NCAA March Madness Live app. These platforms offer comprehensive coverage of all tournament games.
Tips for Watching Games
Enhance your March Madness viewing experience with these tips:
Create a comfortable viewing area with plenty of snacks and drinks. Invite friends over for a watch party to share in the excitement and camaraderie. Keep track of your bracket predictions and enjoy the thrill of watching your favorite teams compete.
Maximizing Your Viewing Experience
- Set up a comfortable viewing area
- Invite friends for a watch party
- Stay updated with live scores and highlights
Conclusion
March Madness offers a unique and exhilarating experience for college basketball fans, filled with drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments. By understanding the schedule, start times, channels, and brackets, you can fully immerse yourself in the tournament and enjoy every game.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Have you filled out your bracket yet? Who do you think will take home the championship this year? Don't forget to explore our other articles for more insights and updates on the NCAA March Madness tournament.
