The Madness is Back: How Long Will March Madness Last?

How long is March Madness? Learn about game schedules, key dates, and popular resources for following the action and enjoying the madness to the fullest!

March Madness is one of the most exciting times of the year for college basketball fans. Millions of people worldwide are eager to see their favorite teams battle it out on the court once again. As the countdown to the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament begins, many are wondering how long March Madness lasts. Let’s take a closer look at the tournament and explore what to expect regarding game schedules, dates, and more. So, get ready to grab your brackets and dive into the madness as we answer the question on every sports fan’s mind: how long is March Madness?

Unpredictable Madness

March Madness is one of the most exciting events in the world of sports. The tournament features the top college basketball teams in the country, competing in a single-elimination format to determine the national champion. The excitement stems from the intense matchups, the upsets and the unpredictability of the tournament. It often can produce Cinderella stories and dramatic finishes that fans go wild for.

However, March Madness has faced disruptions and cancellations in the past. This was most notable in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the tournament. The tournament’s absence left fans without the usual excitement it brings. With the tournament back on schedule for this year, people are eagerly anticipating it’s return.

While the tournament’s duration can vary, it usually lasts for several weeks and includes multiple rounds of games leading up to the Final Four. Understanding the length of the tournament can help fans plan their schedules and enjoy the madness to the fullest.

Historical Changes to March Madness Duration

Over the years, the format and schedule of March Madness have undergone several changes, affecting the duration of the tournament. One of the most significant changes occurred in 2011. The tournament expanded from 65 teams to 68 teams, adding an extra round of games. 

Other changes, such as the switch to play-in games for the First Four round, have also impacted it. In 2021, the NCAA announced that all 67 games of the tournament would be played in Indiana to limit travel and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This lead to a condensed schedule with some days featuring multiple games being played at the same venue.

The reasons behind these changes vary. Some aim to accommodate more teams and provide more opportunities for mid-major programs to participate. Others are driven by factors like revenue and logistical considerations. 

Key Dates 

March Madness is more than just the games themselves. It’s an entire month filled with excitement and anticipation beginning with the announcement of the 68-team field on Selection Sunday. After the selection, the First Four takes place where eight teams compete for a spot in the first round.

The first and second rounds follow, where 64 teams compete in 48 games over a four-day span. The Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight are then played over two weekends culminating with the Final Four and national championship game.

These dates all play a significant part in determining the tournament’s length. Various factors can impact the schedule, such as the number of games played, weather or unforeseen delays and changes to the tournament format or schedule.

How to Keep Up With March Madness

There are many ways to watch or follow the March Madness tournament, whether you prefer watching games on TV, streaming online or following updates on your mobile device. CBS and Turner Sports hold the rights to broadcast the tournament, with games available on CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV.

For those who prefer streaming online, the NCAA’s official website or the March Madness Live app offer ways to watch the games. Additionally, popular streaming services such as Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling TV offer access to the tournament.

Various websites and resources are available to track scores, brackets, and game highlights. The NCAA’s website is a great resource for up-to-date scores and statistics. ESPN and CBS Sports offer comprehensive coverage and analysis of the tournament. Websites like Yahoo Sports provide game highlights and expert analysis to keep fans informed.

To enjoy the madness to the fullest, we recommend filling out a bracket and participating in a tournament pool with friends or colleagues. This can add an extra level of excitement and make every game even more thrilling. And of course, there’s nothing quite like cheering on your favorite team and enjoying the unique energy that comes with March Madness.

Embrace the Madness: Enjoying March Madness to the Fullest

To sum up, we have discussed various aspects of March Madness. We explored the excitement and energy surrounding the tournament, as well as the different rounds and key dates that impact its duration. Furthermore, we examined changes to the tournament format and schedule in the past and ways to follow the action and enjoy the madness to the fullest.

The tournament typically lasts for approximately three weeks, culminating with the Final Four and championship game. Factors such as the number of teams competing, game schedules, and unforeseen circumstances can affect the duration of the tournament.

Despite any potential changes or disruptions, we encourage all sports fans to embrace the spirit of March Madness. Enjoy the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament by watching on TV or streaming online. Participating in a bracket pool or cheering on your favorite team are just a few ways to engage with the tournament and join in on the madness.