The NCAA announced dates for its men’s basketball tournament this March. The tournament, which will be held entirely in the Indianapolis area due to COVID-19 protocols, is now slated to begin Thursday, March 18, instead of Tuesday, March 16. The Final Four will remain Saturday, April 3 and the national championship game will be held Monday, April 5.
The major adjustment to the schedule is a slightly delayed start compared to normal years, allowing for additional time following Selection Sunday for teams to arrive in Indianapolis and clear safety measures. The First Four, which in a normal year would be played on the Tuesday and Wednesday following Selection Sunday, will this year be held entirely on Thursday, March 18.