When does March Madness 2017 start?

Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Kris Jenkins (2) hits the game winning shot with .6 seconds over North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men's Final Four at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Taking a look at when March Madness, the greatest annual three weeks in sports, tips off in 2017

March has arrived and the 2016-17 regular season has concluded for college basketball. Now it’s all about conference tournaments to determine automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament. Ultimately, that means that the best time of year is approaching as 2017 March Madness is upon us. And we have every reason to be excited.

Just one year ago, March Madness delivered some incredible surprises and moments. It always does, but last year was special. Any time that the tournament ends on a game-winning buzzer-beater to crown a champions, you’re talking about something that rarely ever happens. That was the case with the Villanova Wildcats as they toppled the North Carolina Tar Heels on the shoulders of Kris Jenkins.

Both North Carolina and Villanova figure to be heavily in the mix to compete for the National Championship once again as they prepare for 2017 March Madness. While they’d love to win their respective conference tournaments, neither team has much to worry about as they’re likley both No. 1 seeds on the NCAA Tournament bracket.

Other serious contenders for the title include teams like the Kansas Jayhawks and Kentucky Wildcats, of course. More semi-dark horses involved would be the Gonzaga Bulldogs, UCLA Bruins, Duke Blue Devils and plenty more. With all of the talent that they have to work with on those teams, it’s hard to see them not at least putting up a strong showing. More importantly, it should be a joy to watch.

Subsequently, it’s understandable if you’re anxious to get March Madness underway. As a result, you may then be wondering when 2017 March Madness begins.

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With the field of 68 teams, March Madness officially begins on Tuesday, March 14 with the First Four from Dayton, OH, tipping off around 6:40 p.m. ET traditionally. Two games will be played on Tuesday and then two more on Wednesday. As for when the full Big Dance begins, with the First Round of 64, that will begin just after Noon ET on Thursday, March 16.

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