The First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament take place from 18 to 21 March 2027, with 32 games across four days whittling the 64-team main bracket down to 16. This is where the magic of March Madness truly begins, as upsets, buzzer-beaters, and Cinderella stories emerge across venues nationwide.
What are the First and Second Rounds?
The First and Second Rounds are the opening two stages of the 64-team NCAA Tournament main bracket. The First Round (Thursday and Friday) features 32 games as all 64 teams play their opening matchups, seeded 1 through 16 in each of four regions. The Second Round (Saturday and Sunday) features 16 games between the First Round winners, reducing the field to the Sweet 16.
These rounds are synonymous with the term “March Madness” for good reason. The single-elimination format means every game is a must-win, and the seeding system regularly produces dramatic upsets as lower-seeded underdogs knock off established powerhouses. The first Thursday and Friday of the tournament are informally known as the best two days in American sport, with non-stop basketball running from noon until midnight across multiple television channels.
When are the First and Second Rounds?
The 2027 First and Second Rounds are scheduled for 18-21 March:
- Thursday 18 March and Friday 19 March: First Round (32 games)
- Saturday 20 March and Sunday 21 March: Second Round (16 games)
Games run throughout each day, with tip-off times starting around noon Eastern Time and the final games concluding late in the evening.
Where are the First and Second Rounds?
First and Second Round games are played at eight host venues across the United States, with each site hosting games from two of the tournament’s four regions. The NCAA selects a mix of NBA arenas, college venues, and neutral-site stadiums. Host cities for 2027 will be confirmed by the NCAA. Previous host venues have included locations such as Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Sacramento, Memphis, Orlando, and many others.
Key Contenders
The top seeds (1 through 4 in each region) are expected to advance through the opening rounds, but March Madness is defined by its upsets. Historically, 12-seeds upset 5-seeds with remarkable frequency, and at least one major upset (a 13, 14, or 15-seed defeating a top-four seed) occurs in most tournaments. In 2018, UMBC became the first 16-seed to defeat a 1-seed when they beat Virginia, proving that no lead and no seed is safe in this tournament. Programmes such as Duke, Kansas, UConn, North Carolina, and Gonzaga typically enter as top seeds, while mid-major programmes like Saint Mary’s, Creighton, and others compete fiercely for upset opportunities.
How to Watch the First and Second Rounds
- United States: CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV share coverage across all games. Streaming is available on NCAA March Madness Live, Paramount+, and Max.
- Global: NCAA March Madness Live and international sports networks carry coverage. Check local listings for availability.
History and Records
The NCAA Tournament has been played since 1939, but its expansion to 64 teams in 1985 created the format that defines modern March Madness. The opening rounds have produced some of the most iconic moments in tournament history, including Bryce Drew’s buzzer-beating three-pointer for Valparaiso in 1998, Stephen Curry’s scorching runs for Davidson in 2008, and UMBC’s historic upset of Virginia in 2018. The “Cinderella” narrative, where a little-known programme makes an improbable run, is central to the tournament’s cultural appeal.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the First and Second Rounds are available through the NCAA’s official ticketing platform. Session tickets grant access to multiple games at a single venue, making them excellent value for basketball fans. Prices vary by venue and session, with Thursday/Friday sessions often being the most sought-after. Tickets typically go on sale following Selection Sunday and sell quickly, particularly for games involving popular programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many games are played in the First and Second Rounds?
There are 32 First Round games (Thursday-Friday) and 16 Second Round games (Saturday-Sunday), for a total of 48 games across four days.
Why are the first two days called the best in sport?
With 16 games per day running simultaneously across multiple channels, upsets happening every few hours, and the single-elimination stakes, the opening Thursday and Friday deliver unmatched drama and volume of action.
How often do upsets occur in the First Round?
Upsets are a defining feature of March Madness. At least one double-digit seed advances past the First Round in virtually every tournament, and 12-over-5 upsets happen with surprising regularity.
Where can I watch every game?
In the US, CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV broadcast all games, with NCAA March Madness Live providing a single streaming destination for every game simultaneously.
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