The March Madness play-in games (the “First Four”) for the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament are on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, and Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

They are held at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio , as usual for the First Four, and determine the final spots in the 64-team main bracket that starts on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Quick Scoop

  • Event: March Madness First Four play-in games.
  • Dates: Tuesday, March 17 & Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
  • Location: UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio.
  • Purpose: Decide the last teams into the 64-team main field before the Round of 64 starts March 19.
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Stage Dates (2026) Notes
Selection Sunday March 15 Bracket revealed, 68 teams announced.
First Four (play-in) March 17–18 Play-in games in Dayton to determine final spots in the 64-team field.
First Round March 19–20 Full main bracket tips off.

Fans on forums are already calling this a “St. Patrick’s Day tipoff” year, since the First Four starts right on March 17, adding to the usual March Madness hype.

TL;DR: If you’re planning to watch the March Madness play-in games, block off the evenings of March 17–18, 2026. They set the bracket before the real chaos starts that Thursday.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.