The NCAA Final Four: What It Is & How You Can Get Involved
The Final Four isn’t just another basketball tournament—it’s one of the biggest events in college sports. Whether you’re a hardcore basketball fan or just here for the hype, this guide will break it all down and show you how to get in on the action.
What is the Final Four?
The NCAA Final Four is the last stage of March Madness, where the four remaining teams battle for a spot in the national championship. It’s where underdogs shock the world, buzzer-beaters become instant classics, and college basketball legends are made.
This year, the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament kicks off with the First Four games on March 18-19 in Dayton, Ohio. The tournament progresses through various locations, culminating in the Final Four and National Championship at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on April 5 and 7, respectively.
The Women's NCAA Tournament begins with the First Four on March 19-20. The tournament concludes with the Final Four and National Championship at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on April 4 and 6. For a detailed schedule and updates, you can visit the official NCAA website.
How do teams make it to the Final Four?
It all starts with March Madness, a single-elimination tournament featuring 68 college teams. Each team fights through its regional bracket—East, West, South, and Midwest—until only four remain. Every year, upsets, Cinderella stories, and wild finishes make the tournament impossible to predict.
Why care about the Final Four?
The Final Four is a big deal, even if you’re not a huge basketball fan. Millions of people tune in, and nearly 70 million brackets are filled out every year. Here’s why it’s worth paying attention:
- Filling out a bracket is just fun. Selection Sunday (March 16, 2025) is when the full bracket is revealed, and everyone—students, teachers, and even celebrities—takes a shot at predicting the winners. Some do it for prizes, and others just for bragging rights.
- It could influence your college choice. If school spirit, wild student sections, and historic sports moments matter to you, a strong basketball program might be something to consider.
- It’s a social event. Watch parties, road trips, and campus celebrations make this way more than just a sports tournament.
- Student tickets are a steal. The NCAA offers discounted student tickets, and some colleges have access to special deals. If you’re already in college, check to see what’s available!
How you can watch or attend
If you can’t make it to San Antonio, don’t worry—you’ve got plenty of ways to watch:
- TV broadcast: The Games will air on CBS and Turner Sports (TBS, TNT, and truTV). Tip-off times will be announced closer to the event.
- Streaming options: Catch the action on the NCAA March Madness Live app or platforms like Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and Paramount+.
- Attending in person: If you’re serious about going, look into student ticket opportunities through the NCAA or your college.
Legendary Final Four moments
The Final Four has produced some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history. Here are a few:
- Kansas’ comeback (2022) – Down 16 points at halftime, the Jayhawks pulled off the biggest championship game comeback ever, beating North Carolina.
- Villanova’s buzzer-beater (2016) – Kris Jenkins sank a three-pointer at the final second to win the national championship.
- Duke’s miracle shot (1992) – Christian Laettner’s legendary turnaround jumper against Kentucky is still one of the greatest plays in NCAA history.
- UMBC’s historic upset (2018) – Okay, not a Final Four moment, but when No. 16 seed UMBC took down No. 1 seed Virginia, it changed March Madness forever.
Tips for filling out your brackett
Filling out a bracket is part strategy, part luck, and all about the fun. A good rule of thumb is to stick with the favorites early—No. 1 and No. 2 seeds usually survive the first few rounds. But don’t be afraid to throw in a few upsets.
Every year, a No. 10 or 11 seed makes a deep run, and picking the right Cinderella team can give you major bragging rights. Just don’t go too wild. Sure, a No. 16 seed beat a No. 1 seed once, but it’s rare. Another tip is to pay attention to momentum. Teams that get hot at the right time tend to pull off surprises, and strong defensive teams can grind out tough wins.
Finally, don’t stress too much about perfection. Just go with your gut, have fun, and enjoy the madness!
It’s all part of the college experience
The Final Four is more than just basketball—it’s part of the college experience. Whether you’re filling out a bracket, joining a watch party, or dreaming about being in the student section of a powerhouse program, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re thinking about college, why not find a school where you can be part of the action? Appily makes it easy to explore colleges, compare programs, and find the right fit for you.
Start your search today and see where your journey could take you!
