Best Seats to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament
Upcoming Events Calendar
Mar 23
Sun . 07:10 PMNCAA Mens Basketball Tournament Seattle - Session 3 (#4 Maryland vs #12 Colorado St, #4 Arizona vs #5 Oregon)
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WAMar 27
Thu . 03:30 AMNCAA Mens Basketball Tournament East Regional - Session 1 (#2 Alabama vs #6 BYU, #1 Duke vs TBD)
Prudential Center, Newark, NJMar 27
Thu . 03:30 AMNCAA Mens Basketball Tournament East Regional - All Sessions (3/27 & 3/29)
Prudential Center, Newark, NJMar 27
Thu . 06:30 AMNCAA Mens Basketball Tournament West Regional - All Sessions (3/27 & 3/29)
Chase Center, San Francisco, CAMar 27
Thu . 10:00 PMNCAA Mens Basketball Tournament West Regional - Session 1 (#3 Texas Tech vs #10 Arkansas, #1 Florida vs TBD)
Chase Center, San Francisco, CAMar 28
Fri . 03:30 AMNCAA Mens Basketball Tournament South Regional - Session 1 (#1 Auburn vs #5 Michigan, TBD vs TBD)
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GAMar 28
Fri . 03:30 AMNCAA Mens Basketball Tournament South Regional - All Sessions (3/28 & 3/30)
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GAMar 28
Fri . 03:30 AMNCAA Mens Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional - All Sessions (3/28 & 3/30)
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, INMar 28
Fri . 03:30 AMNCAA Mens Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional - Session 1 (#1 Houston vs #4 Purdue, #2 Tennessee vs #3 Kentucky)
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, INMar 29
Sat . 03:30 AMNCAA Mens Basketball Tournament East Regional - Session 2
Prudential Center, Newark, NJOne arena commonly used for March Madness games is the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This stadium has a seating capacity of around 70,000 for basketball games and offers various options for fans. The lower bowl near the court offers the best seats if you're looking to feel the energy of the game and be as close as possible to the action. Naturally, ticket prices for these areas are on the higher end, sometimes going for over $500 per seat.
On the flip side, upper-tier sections offer a more economical choice, with tickets sometimes as low as $50. Keep in mind that while these seats offer a full view of the court, the players will appear smaller, and you may need to rely on the Jumbotron for close-up views.
Rivalries play a significant role in March Madness, elevating the level of excitement and competition. A prime example is the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels. Games featuring these teams not only draw a big crowd but also skyrocket ticket prices. In years past, these teams have met multiple times in the tournament, making it one of the most awaited match-ups each season. Kentucky Wildcats Versus Louisville Cardinals is another riveting rivalry. The crowd energy for these games is palpable, even in the nosebleed sections, so anticipate a high demand for tickets and elevated prices.
Another factor to consider is the conference tournaments leading up to March Madness. These are often good predictors of how teams will perform in the tournament. Teams from power conferences like the Big Ten or ACC generally garner more attention and hence, higher ticket prices. The Michigan Wolverines, for example, have had strong showings in both their conference tournaments and March Madness, battling it out with teams like the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan State Spartans over the years.
Given that the best seats come at a premium, especially for high-stakes rivalry games or final rounds, considering your budget is crucial. Some might argue that sitting in the student section, often located behind one of the baskets, offers an unparalleled atmosphere, even though the view might not be ideal. These seats are generally more affordable and provide a unique experience of raw college energy.
While discussing ticket prices, it's worth noting that many arenas have VIP or premium seating options. These are often found in mid-level sections and offer perks like access to exclusive lounges, in-seat service, and better food options. However, these come at a considerably higher cost, sometimes exceeding $1,000.
When you're planning your March Madness experience, remember that getting the best seats requires weighing multiple factors: price, viewing angle, and the particular match-up you're interested in. Each of these elements will contribute to your overall experience. Whether you're going for the budget-friendly upper-tier sections or splurging on VIP seating, planning ahead is your best strategy to catch the must-see games of the season.