March Madness schedule: NCAA Tournament bracket, games, start times

The 2021 March Madness tournament officially kicks off on Thursday, March 18.

Last year, the annual March Madness tournament failed to take place due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus in North America. But after a long, tolling year, we have some semblance of normalcy. The 2021 NCAA tournament is taking place this week.

The Selection Show took place on Sunday, and the four No. 1 seeds selected were Gonzaga, Illinois, Baylor and Michigan. But with all 68 teams added to the big tournament, you are probably wondering when everything takes place. Do not worry, we have got you covered.

March Madness 2021: Complete schedule for the 2021 NCAA tournament

• First Four: Thursday, March 18 at 4 p.m. ET
• First Round: Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20 at 12 p.m. ET
• Second Round: Sunday, March 21 and Monday, March 22 at 12 p.m. ET
• Sweet 16: Saturday, March 27 at 2 p.m. ET and Sunday, March 28 at 1 p.m. ET
• Elite Eight: Monday, March 29 at 7 p.m. ET and Tuesday, March 30 at 6 p.m. ET
• Final Four: Saturday, Apr. 3 at 5 p.m. ET
• NCAA Championship Game: Monday, Apr. 5 at 9 p.m. ET

Unlike previous years, the entirety of the tournament will take place in the state of Indiana due to the coronavirus pandemic. So, games will be split between Lucas Oil Stadium, Mackey Arena, Simon Skjodt Assembly Center, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse and Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, will house two basketball courts, but only one game will be played at a time. The football stadium will host games from the first round all the way until the NCAA Championship Game.

Games will be broadcasted on CBS, TNT, TBS, truTV and the March Madness Live app.

While the above dates are what the NCAA has decided upon, they can be changed if there are any issues caused by COVID-19. Like we have seen from the NFL, MLB and NBA this past year, no date is set in stone.

For more NCAA basketball news, analysis, opinion and features, check out more from the FanSided college basketball section to stay on top of the latest action.