when do march madness games start

June 28, 2026

The first March Madness games this year start with the men’s First Four on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, followed by the full first round beginning Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Key dates at a glance

Selection Sunday: March 15, 2026.

First Four (opening games in Dayton): March 17–18, 2026.

First round (wall‑to‑wall games): March 19–20, 2026.

So if you’re asking “when do March Madness games start,” the very first tip‑offs are on March 17 (First Four), but the classic all‑day bracket chaos begins March 19 with the first round.

Think of it this way: March 17 is the appetizer, March 19 is when the full feast of games really hits.