The 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, part of the excitement-packed March Madness, has commenced, ushering in a period of intense competition and showcasing the pinnacle of college basketball talent. Here’s everything you need to know about the tournament schedule, locations, and key moments to watch.
Key Dates and Events
- Selection Sunday: Kicked off on March 17 at 8 p.m. ET, the selection event was broadcasted on ESPN, unveiling the tournament brackets.
- First Four: The preliminary round took place on March 20-21, setting the stage for the main event.
- First Round: Games began on March 22 and continued through March 23, featuring intense matchups across the board.
- Second Round: Scheduled for March 24-25, the competition narrows down as teams vie for a spot in the Sweet 16.
- Sweet 16: Slated for March 29-30, the tournament heats up as teams aim for the Elite Eight.
- Elite Eight: Taking place from March 31 to April 1, teams will battle it out for a coveted spot in the Final Four.
- Final Four: Set for April 5, with games at 7 p.m. and the second semifinal starting 30 minutes after the first, these matches will determine the finalists.
- NCAA Championship Game: Scheduled for April 7 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC, the championship will crown the 2024 winner.
Tournament Venues and Regional Sites
The later stages of the tournament will feature games in notable venues across the United States. The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds will take place at the MVP Arena in Albany, N.Y., and the Moda Center in Portland, Ore., hosted by the MAAC and Oregon State, respectively.
The climax of the tournament, including the Final Four and the championship game, will be hosted at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, promising a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
2024 March Madness: Key Matchups and TV Schedule
- Notable first-round matchups on March 23 included fierce competitions like Tennessee vs. Green Bay and UConn vs. Jackson State, among others, with games broadcasted across ESPN networks.
- The second round on March 24 featured exciting clashes such as Ohio State vs. Duke and South Carolina vs. North Carolina, continuing the high-stakes battles.
Future Tournament Sites
Looking ahead, the Final Four and championship games in the coming years will be hosted in a variety of iconic cities, including Tampa, Phoenix, Columbus, and more, showcasing the nationwide appeal and significance of women’s college basketball.
A Legacy of Champions
The history of the NCAA DI women’s basketball champions is a testament to the sport’s evolution and the exceptional talent it has showcased over the years. From the dominant performances of teams like Connecticut and Tennessee to the historic wins by schools such as Stanford and Baylor, the tournament has produced moments of triumph that have become etched in the annals of sports history.
As the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament unfolds, fans and participants alike look forward to adding another chapter to this storied competition, celebrating excellence in women’s basketball and the spirit of competition that defines March Madness.