On the heels of the World Baseball Classic, and ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Houston will be hosting crucial March Madness games for this year’s tournament. Continue our article below to find out all about March Madness 2026 in Houston.
When is March Madness 2026?
March Madness officially begins on March 15 with Selection Sunday. This is the day when the NCAA Selection Committee unveils the complete 68-team field for the NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments. Tournament games will take place from March 19 (March 18 for the women’s tournament) through April 5 – when the National Championship will occur. The men’s tournament schedule is broken down below:
- First Four: March 17 – 18
- First Round: March 19 – 20
- Second Round: March 21 – 22
- Sweet 16: March 26 – 27
- Elite 8: March 28 – 29
- Final Four: April 4
- National Championship: April 5
What March Madness games will be held in Houston?
This 2026, the Sweet 16 (regional semifinals) and Elite 8 (regional finals) games will be played in Houston. Back in 2023, when March Madness games were hosted at NRG Center; this year’s tournament games will be played at Toyota Center.
- Sweet 16: Two games between the four remaining South Bracket teams will be played on Thursday, March 26
- Elite 8: The winners from the two games played Thursday will play one another on March 28 to determine who advances to the Final Four
What else to know about March Madness in Houston 2026?
Another key difference between past years’ March Madness action in Houston where traditionally the University of Houston was the host – this year’s official host of March Madness is Rice University. This is because the University of Houston is a favorite, and likely (and hopefully) reach a specific regional in the tournament.
In celebration of March Madness, Toyota Center will host a range of festivities on March 26 and March 28. Activations include a tailgate-inspired experience with food and drinks, as well as meet-and-greets with former NCAA players, and a photo-op with the NCAA National Championship Trophy.
Furthermore, fans can expect a range of watch parties throughout the tournament at either area sports bars or Avenida Houston – the latter known for its large, free-to-attend watch parties that feature everything from screenings to giveaways, athlete appearances, and more.
How to get tickets to March Madness in Houston?
Tickets to March Madness at Toyota Center in Houston are available through the venue’s official website and box office. Tickets are also available through NCAA Ticket Exchange. Tickets start around $138.
