San Antonio, February 7, 2026
As the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament approaches, San Antonio is gearing up for an engaging March Madness experience. Kicking off with Selection Sunday and leading up to the championship game, local fans have a unique opportunity to rally together, support their teams, and boost the local economy. This event highlights the importance of community collaboration and innovation as local businesses prepare for the influx of visitors during the tournament.
The 2026 NCAA Tournament: What San Antonio Fans Need to Know
Get ready for March Madness as the tournament schedule is set!
San Antonio, Texas – The excitement surrounding March Madness is ramping up, and the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament is no exception. Kicking off on March 17, 2026, with the First Four games in Dayton, Ohio, this iconic tournament has captured the hearts of basketball fans nationwide. The championship game will culminate the festivities at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on April 6, marking a critical moment for teams vying for the coveted title.
San Antonio has long been a city that thrives on community spirit and local engagement, much like the energy found during the NCAA tournament. The upcoming March Madness is a chance for local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and sports enthusiasts to come together and celebrate the pageantry of college basketball. As we reflect on the event’s importance, there’s potential to boost the local economy and demonstrate that in an environment with reduced regulations, innovation and community collaboration can indeed thrive.
Key Dates and Tournament Structure
The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will feature 68 teams, comprising 31 automatic qualifiers from conference champions and 37 at-large selections determined by the Selection Committee. The tournament flow will kick off with Selection Sunday on March 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET, when the bracket will be unveiled live on CBS.
Fans attending the First Four in Dayton, Ohio, will experience the thrill of the initial matchups on March 17-18. Following this, the First and Second Rounds will take place from March 19-21 at various locations, including Buffalo, NY; Greenville, SC; Oklahoma City, OK; and Portland, OR.
Regional Rounds and Final Venue
The regional rounds, which include the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, are scheduled for March 26-29. These decisive games will take place at regional sites such as Houston, TX (Toyota Center), showcasing the tournament’s vast reach and engagement throughout the country.
As the tournament draws to a close, the Final Four will be held in Indianapolis on April 4, leading up to the NCAA Championship Game on April 6. This setting presents a remarkable opportunity for Indianapolis, highlighting the city’s capacity to host large-scale sporting events—a lesson that can inspire business leaders in San Antonio to leverage similar potential.
Viewing Options for Fans
For fans eager to follow every game, the tournament will be broadcast across CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery channels (TBS, TNT, and TruTV). The March Madness Live App will also provide streaming options, facilitating real-time bracket updates and multi-game viewing. Sports enthusiasts can explore a variety of services, including Paramount+ for CBS broadcasts and HBO Max for TBS coverage, ensuring that no fan misses a moment of the action.
For those traveling internationally during the tournament, utilizing a VPN service can assist in accessing home subscriptions securely, allowing fans to keep up with their favorite teams no matter where they are located.
Impact on Local Economies
The NCAA March Madness is not just about basketball; it significantly impacts local economies. Hosting events like these brings together visitors, energizing businesses in the hospitality and service industries. For San Antonio, the lessons learned from Indianapolis can serve as a roadmap for fostering economic growth and supporting local entrepreneurs. Enabling small businesses to thrive in a less regulated environment can drive innovation and creativity—factors that are pivotal during major events like this.
Conclusion: Join the Excitement!
As the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament approaches, it’s an exciting time for sports fans and local entrepreneurs alike. The opportunity to support local businesses and engage in community events aligns with nurturing the spirit of competition and collaboration. Everyone is encouraged to cheer for their favorite teams and explore how this momentous occasion can create ripple effects throughout the San Antonio economy. Let’s get ready for another thrilling season of March Madness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament begin?
The tournament is set to commence on March 17, 2026, with the First Four games at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
Where will the Final Four and NCAA Championship Game be held?
The Final Four and NCAA Championship Game are scheduled for April 4 and 6, respectively, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
How can I watch the tournament games?
Games will be broadcast across CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery channels (TBS, TNT, and TruTV). The March Madness Live App offers all tournament games with real-time bracket tracking and multi-game viewing, though it generally requires login via a participating TV or streaming provider. Paramount+ will stream CBS-broadcasted games, including key matchups and the Final Four, requiring a subscription with live local CBS access. HBO Max covers games on TBS, TNT, and TruTV, ideal for early-round action and supplemental coverage. Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV offer the broadest access with all required channels under one subscription. A digital antenna is useful for accessing CBS games for free if within broadcast range.
What is the schedule for Selection Sunday?
Selection Sunday is scheduled for March 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET on CBS, where the 68-team bracket will be unveiled.
Key Features of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | March 17, 2026 |
| Selection Sunday | March 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET on CBS |
| Final Four and Championship Game | April 4 and 6, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Number of Teams | 68 teams, including 31 automatic qualifiers and 37 at-large selections |
| Broadcasting | CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery channels (TBS, TNT, and TruTV); March Madness Live App; Paramount+; HBO Max; Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
