march madness where are they playing

March Madness 2026 is being played at multiple sites across the country, not one single arena. The first and second rounds are in Buffalo, Greenville, Oklahoma City, Portland, Tampa, Philadelphia, San Diego, and St. Louis, with the First Four in Dayton.

Regional sites

The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight are split into four regional hosts: Houston for the South, San Jose for the West, Chicago for the Midwest, and Washington, D.C. for the East.

Final games

The Final Four and national championship are in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Quick scoop

Here’s the full short version:

• First Four: Dayton, Ohio.

• First and second rounds: Buffalo, Greenville, Oklahoma City, Portland, Tampa, Philadelphia, San Diego, and St. Louis.

• Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: Houston, San Jose, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

• Final Four and title game: Indianapolis.

TL;DR: March Madness is spread across several host cities this year, with Indianapolis reserved for the Final Four and championship.