Yes, you can buy single game tickets to the NCAA Tournament, also known as March Madness. The NCAA Tournament is one of the most exciting events in college sports, as 68 teams compete in a single-elimination bracket to determine the national champion in men’s college basketball. Fans who want to attend just one game or venue of the tournament can purchase single session tickets.
How to Buy Single Game Tickets
There are a few ways to get single game tickets to the NCAA Tournament:
Directly from the NCAA
The NCAA sells official ticket packages directly through their website. These packages include single session tickets to first and second round sites. The tickets are sold through a lottery system before selection Sunday when the tournament bracket is revealed. Fans can sign up ahead of time for the ticket lottery and be notified if they are selected to purchase tickets. This is the most official way to get single session March Madness tickets.
On Secondary Ticket Marketplaces
Once the tournament bracket is announced, many fans will look to resell their tickets on secondary marketplaces like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, or Ticketmaster. These provide a platform for season ticket holders, schools, and other original ticket buyers to resell single session tickets at market-driven prices. Fans can shop for tickets to specific tournament matchups and locations. Prices often increase closer to game time.
Team Packages
Many teams that make the tournament will sell ticket packages to fans that include tickets just for their team’s first round games. These are usually only available to season ticket holders or donors before selection Sunday. Once the bracket is revealed, teams may release tickets for sale to the general public through their box office.
Venue Sales
In some cases, the tournament venue may sell limited number of single session tickets directly to fans on site. This is less common, but venues occasionally release extra tickets leading up to the sessions, especially later rounds. Fans would need to check availability on venue websites closer to the games.
Where Can the Tournament Be Played?
The NCAA Tournament is played at neutral sites across the United States. The opening rounds (first and second) are played at eight different regional sites. The regional semifinals and finals (Sweet 16 and Elite 8) are played at four different sites. The Final Four national semifinals and championship game are played at a predetermined site.
Here are the places where March Madness games can be played:
First and Second Rounds
The First Four and first and second round games are hosted by the following cities in 2023:
- Dayton, OH
- Des Moines, IA
- Fort Worth, TX
- Greensboro, NC
- Orlando, FL
- Phoenix, AZ
- Portland, OR
- Sacramento, CA
The eight first and second round sites host two games on Thursday and two games on Saturday. Winners advance to the regional semifinals.
Regional Semifinals and Finals
The Sweet 16 and Elite 8 rounds are played at four regional sites:
- East Regional (Philadelphia, PA)
- West Regional (Las Vegas, NV)
- South Regional (Louisville, KY)
- Midwest Regional (Kansas City, MO)
Two games are played at each regional site on Thursday (Sweet 16) and two games on Saturday (Elite 8).
Final Four
The NCAA Final Four national semifinals and championship game are played at:
- Houston, TX in 2023
The Final Four will be played at a different predetermined site each year. Upcoming Final Four locations include Las Vegas, NV (2026) and Detroit, MI (2027).
What Types of Single Game Tickets Are Available?
The NCAA offers different ticket types that fans can purchase as single game seats:
Upper Level End Zone
These are upper deck seats behind the basket areas. They are the most affordable ticket option. Upper level seating still provides a view of the action but from higher up in venue.
Upper Level Sideline
Upper deck seats along the sideline provide a view of the entire court and seating across from the team benches. These offer a great view at a cheaper price than lower level.
Lower Level End Zone
Lower level end zone seats are closer to the court than upper level behind the baskets. Fans are closer to action but still in end zone.
Lower Level Sideline
Lower level sideline seats are considered premium seating for the NCAA Tournament. They place fans along center court with an up-close view of the action. These are generally the highest demand and most expensive on secondary market. Floor seats are also available.
When Do Tickets Go on Sale?
Single game tickets for March Madness go on sale at different times leading up to the tournament:
- NCAA official ticket packages go on sale in fall for the following year’s tournament.
- Schools may begin selling ticket packages to season ticket holders and donors after conference championships.
- Venues will release any extra session tickets leading up to games.
- Secondary market tickets increase in volume after Selection Sunday when matchups are announced.
In general, more ticket inventory becomes available closer to the tournament. Fans planning to buy just single game tickets should track tickets on secondary marketplaces for best deals. Prices go up closer to tip-off.
How Much Do Single Game Tickets Cost?
The price for single session tickets varies drastically depending on round, matchup, and seat location. Here are some average costs:
| Round | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| First Four | $40 – $100 |
| First & Second Rounds | $60 – $200 |
| Sweet 16 | $150 – $350 |
| Elite 8 | $225 – $500 |
| Final Four | $350+ |
| Championship | $500+ |
Prices are higher for marquee matchups between powerhouse teams and blueblood programs. The best deals can be found on first round games between smaller schools.
Are Single Game Tickets Guaranteed?
There is no guarantee on specific matchups when buying single game tickets before Selection Sunday. First and second round tickets are for the session and not a particular game. Matchups won’t be known until the bracket is revealed on Selection Sunday.
However, all single game tickets directly from the NCAA or schools will grant entry to the session. Only the exact matchup is unknown.
On secondary markets, buyers can filter tickets for specific matchups after the bracket comes out. Sellers will then list tickets for the confirmed team game.
Tips for Buying Single Game Tickets
Here are some tips for finding the best deals on single session March Madness tickets:
- Shop early for best ticket selection, before matchups are set.
- Compare all ticket sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek for best prices.
- Buying right after Selection Sunday can get good deals before prices rise.
- Join team ticket packages or NCAA ticket lottery for face value seats.
- Avoid very last minute purchases when demand surges.
- Weekday sessions are typically cheaper than weekend.
- First round games have more affordable tickets.
Are Tickets Refundable?
Policies on refunds and exchanges vary by the ticket source:
- NCAA tickets – Full refunds are issued if games are canceled before start. No refunds once event starts. Exchanges allowed prior to event.
- Team packages – Set by individual schools. Some may offer refunds.
- Secondary markets – Reputable sites like StubHub guarantee tickets. Refunds given if event is canceled and not rescheduled. Seller and site policies determine exchanges or refunds.
- Venue box office – Refunds and exchange policy set by each venue. Refunds unlikely once event starts.
Fans should carefully review the ticket policies before purchasing. Sites like StubHub offer buyer guarantees for invalid or fraudulent tickets.
Are Single Game Tickets Transferable?
Transferring or reselling NCAA Tournament tickets depends on the original source:
- NCAA tickets – Can be transferred to someone else. Name on ticket does not matter.
- Team packages – Typically non-transferable to different buyer.
- Secondary market tickets – Can be resold on site as long as barcodes remain intact.PDF tickets require name change.
- Venue tickets – Transfer rules vary by venue. Assume non-transferable.
Digital tickets have made transferring tickets easier in recent years. Mobile entry and flexible barcodes enable tickets to be transferred safely.
What are the Best Matchups and Tickets?
The most in-demand NCAA Tournament tickets are for games featuring top-ranked teams and traditional basketball powers. Here are some of the hottest tickets every March:
- Duke – Perennial top seed with huge fan base.
- Kentucky – Large fan base travels well and always contender.
- Kansas – Midwest powerhouse with storied tradition.
- North Carolina – Deep tournament runs and rivalry games.
- UCLA – Most national titles. West coast draw.
- Indiana – Hungry fan base that loves basketball.
- Michigan State – Strong Midwest fan base.
Games between rivals like Duke and North Carolina always see huge demand. Prices also rise later in tournament when top seeds face off in regional finals and Final Four.
How Early Should You Arrive?
March Madness draws large crowds so arriving early is recommended, especially later in tournament.
- First round games – 60-90 minutes before tipoff
- Regional rounds – 90 minutes before tipoff
- Final Four – 2+ hours before tipoff
This ensures enough time to get through security lines and find your seat. Have your game ticket ready to scan for entry.
Consider travel time if sessions are in different venues. Consecutive games may require leaving right after the final buzzer. Venues clear out quickly between sessions.
Can You Get Autographs?
Autographs are rare at the NCAA Tournament since teams are focused on games. Best opportunities are:
- Outside team hotel if you can identify it.
- At open practices day before game.
- Player walk-ins at arena before warmups.
For best chance, bring items to sign and sharpie and be respectful requesting autographs. Players are most receptive to kids.
Conclusion
March Madness delivers thrilling NCAA basketball action that fans love attending live. Single game tickets can be purchased to individual tournament matchups in any round. Tickets are available through the NCAA, teams, venues, or secondary marketplaces once the tournament bracket is set. Prices vary by round and matchup. Selling out is common so shopping early is advised, especially for games with top teams. Use ticket resale sites to find the best deals on seats. Arrive early and enjoy one of the most exciting environments in sports.
