March Madness Kicks Off Thursday: When and Where to Catch the First NCAA Tournament Games

March Madness fever hits the nation Thursday as the first full slate of the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament games tip off. Fans can expect 32 first-round matchups over two days, with some intriguing contests already drawing attention.

Thursday's Opening Games Set the Stage

College basketball's biggest event starts in earnest Thursday, March 19, with 16 games scheduled across four venues: Buffalo’s KeyBank Center, Greenville’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center, and Portland’s Moda Center. The action begins early, with the first tip-off at 12:15 p.m. ET featuring Ohio State taking on TCU on CBS. This game kicks off the round of 64 and promises a close fight between two power-conference teams.

Later in the day, fans will see a notable matchup at 6:50 p.m. ET on TNT when No. 6 North Carolina faces No. 11 VCU. The Tar Heels will be without star freshman Caleb Wilson, who suffered a broken thumb and will miss the rest of the season. That absence could lower North Carolina’s ceiling, opening the door for the Rams, who boast a balanced attack and have won 16 of their last 17 games. VCU’s aggressive style and ability to get to the free-throw line make them a popular upset pick, despite their recent struggles in advancing past the first round.

Another key game Thursday night is No. 8 Georgia versus No. 9 Saint Louis at 9:45 p.m. ET on CBS. Both teams like to play fast-paced basketball, making this late-session game one to watch. Saint Louis has several players averaging over nine points, which could test Georgia’s depth.

Friday’s First-Round Matchups Continue the Madness

Friday, March 20, features the remaining 16 first-round games at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Viejas Arena in San Diego, and the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. The day’s schedule includes a potential upset candidate with No. 6 BYU facing No. 11 Texas at 7:25 p.m. ET on TBS. Texas enters the tournament limping, having lost five of their final six regular-season games.

Their defense has been a concern, and key player Matas Vokietaitis needs to avoid foul trouble to have an impact against BYU’s offense.

Before that, the early games Friday will continue the first-round battle, with several teams seeking their first-ever tournament wins. Nebraska and Troy are among those hungry to break through, adding another layer of intrigue to the tournament’s opening days.

How to Watch: TV and Streaming Options

All 67 games of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament will be broadcast across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. Paramount+ subscribers can stream every game airing on CBS, while HBO Max carries all games on TBS, TNT, and truTV. The March Madness Live app is the most comprehensive option, offering every game live for viewers on the go.

CBS carries the heaviest load, broadcasting 21 games through the Elite Eight, while TBS will handle the Final Four coverage as well as games in earlier rounds. For those tuning in, expect some games to start a few minutes later than scheduled due to spillover from earlier contests. Fans should keep an eye on live updates throughout the day.

Notable Players and Storylines to Watch

Injuries have already played a role in shaping the tournament outlook. North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson and Louisville’s Mikel Brown are sidelined, forcing their teams to adjust on the fly. Louisville faces off against South Florida in a Thursday afternoon game at 1:30 p.m. ET on TNT, where the Bulls are coming in hot with an 11-game winning streak.

Texas’ Matas Vokietaitis could be a difference-maker if he stays out of foul trouble against BYU. For VCU, their versatile lineup with multiple players hitting 3-pointers regularly gives them a dangerous edge. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s guard Bruce Thornton leads a late-season surge for the Buckeyes as they open against TCU.

The 2026 tournament also features four No. 1 seeds, including Duke and Michigan, both playing Thursday. Historically, first-round rounds with all top seeds remaining have been rare, adding to the tournament’s competitive feel.

The madness of March is back with a bang starting Thursday. With dozens of games packed into two days and several teams on the hunt for historic wins, the NCAA tournament promises drama from the very first tip-off.