Your Complete Guide to March Madness Tickets

 

---

 

Start planning your bracket...

The Big Dance is almost upon us! The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament kicks off on March 13th with Selection Sunday, and fans across the country are already scooping up tickets in hopes that their team will prevail on The Road to the Final Four. Whether you majored in bracketology or make your picks based on whose mascot would win in a fistfight, it's a month of crazy fun competition that even the most casual basketball fan can get behind.

But while you're intricately researching and planning ahead for your best bracket ever, you might want to hold off on grabbing tickets and save yourself some cash. After all, it's called madness for a reason — and there are bound to be upsets and underdogs that not only surprise us all but also impact ticket prices from coast to coast. When a favorite gets suddenly knocked out, your wallet will be glad you waited. 

Hoping to live out your college hoop dreams? In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about how do March Madness tickets work: 

• March Madness 2022 Ticket Types
• Full March Madness Bracket Schedule
• When to Buy March Madness Tickets
• Why Buy from Gametime
• The Final Four Schedule of Events
• The Final Four Experience (accommodations, food + drink, transportation)

 

TL;DR: We've got your back when it comes to March Madness tickets and how march madness tickets work.

March Madness Ticket Types

Before we dive into the different ticket types, let's understand how March Madness tickets work. March Madness tickets are as unique as the tournament itself, with a handful of options to get into the game. While you can purchase directly from the NCAA, all tickets sold through their website include the "Official NCAA Experience," a hospitality upgrade that includes private lounge access, food, and drink. If you don't want to fork over the extra cash for VIP add-ons, you can still purchase tickets to any round of the tournament from a trusted reseller like Gametime. Just don't jump the gun too early — ticket prices are likely to fluctuate based on which teams progress through the tournament, so we recommend waiting until the last minute to grab your tickets. 

• Session Tickets
  For most of the tournament, you won't have the ability to purchase individual game tickets, so you'll likely want to grab a session ticket. Each session consists of two games, and each venue hosts three sessions. If you buy a session ticket, you’ll have access to two games at a given venue.
  
  
• All-Session Tickets
  Also called full strip tickets, all-session tickets include three separate sessions — six games in total — at one tournament location. Though they're more expensive, all-session tickets are generally the most cost-effective option if you plan to attend every game at a certain venue. 
  
  
• Final Four Tickets
  The Final Four tickets consist of the last two rounds of the tournament, including two semifinal games and the National Championship. For these rounds, fans can pick up either individual game tickets or an all-session package to see both semifinal games and the championship game.

 

March Madness Schedule

The competition kicks off with Selection Sunday on March 13th, when a special committee announces the 68 teams that will play in the tournament. With 67 games happening over the following three weeks, the schedule is tight and the madness is real. Want to get in on the action? Check out the full March Madness schedule and locations below.

 

  

When to Buy March Madness Tickets

If you're a college basketball fan, you're probably wondering how to get cheap March Madness tickets. But it's not just about where you buy tickets — your timing is important, too. As with any other big game, NCAA ticket prices tend to drop as each match-up approaches. Keep in mind that the Big Dance is a single-elimination, one-and-done tournament, and you'll still be on the hook for your tickets even if your team is knocked out in the first round. We recommend that you wait until later in the tournament to get your March Madness or Final Four tickets, so you can be sure you're pumped about the match-up. 

With that said, in the case of tournaments like March Madness, ticket prices fluctuate significantly as teams are eliminated and unexpected upsets happen. If you see a price you're comfortable paying (no matter which teams are playing), grab tickets now to avoid surprises. 

Tracking prices in the Gametime app? We recommend enabling All-In Pricing to view total costs including taxes and fees. Simply tap “My Tickets” in the app, click on your profile info at the top, and toggle All-In Pricing under Settings. By turning on this feature, you’ll see the full cost of tickets as you scroll through the app. (Note: you’ll need to create a Gametime account in order to adjust these settings.)

 

Why Buy from Gametime?

	Guaranteed Authentic March Madness Tickets Skip the agonizing parking lot hustle. Our Gametime Guarantee means you can rest assured that your tickets are 100% authentic and we'll get them to you on time for the game.
	Lower Fees → Better Prices Gametime has some of the lowest ticketing fees in the business, meaning we offer more competitive pricing for March Madness and Final Four tickets, and you don't have to worry about paying exorbitant service fees.
	Curated Listings We do the hard work for you. Our intuitive platform surfaces the best ticket options available at any given time based on price, location, and other factors — so you don’t have to waste your time scrolling through less-than-stellar deals.
	Dedicated Customer Support Our Fan Happiness team is here to make sure everything goes right. If you have any questions, send us an email at feedback@gametime.co and we'll get back to you right away.

---

 

Final Four Schedule of Events

If you're heading south for the Final Four, be prepared for a full weekend of festivities. The semifinals are scheduled to go down on April 2nd, while the grand finale takes place on April 4th. There will be plenty of action happening between games, though, so plan accordingly and take advantage of all that's going on. From live music to rowdy tailgates, the city will be abuzz with basketball fans, families, and yes – an abundance of college students embracing the "madness." 

* All times are local (EST). All events, times, and locations are subject to change. 

 

---

 

Final Four Location

The City: New Orleans, LA

The 2022 March Madness Final Four and Championship will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana – home of the Pelicans, Jazz, and Mardi Gras. This sprawling metropolitan city boasts mild winters, an easy-to-navigate public transit system, and countless greasy spoons. The makings for a perfect NCAA Tournament host city. Fortunately, the city is no stranger to marquee sporting events. New Orleans has hosted the Super Bowl 11 times, as well as the Zurich Classic and horse racing at the Fair Grounds Race Course.

 

The Venue: Caesars Superdome

The Final Four and National Championship games will be held at Caesars Superdome in the central business district of New Orleans. This iconic stadium routinely hosts major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, NCAA Championships, concerts, and much more. Seating just over 73,000 people, the stadium acts as home turf for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL.

The state-of-the-art facility features a 273-foot dome made of a lamellar multi-ringed frame, making it the largest fixed domed structure in the world.  As for the food, the venue’s dining and beverage options are pretty great! Besides the typical hotdog and pizza options, fans at Caesars Superdome can gorge on alligator po’-boys, fries topped with roast beef “debris,” beer-can chicken bowls, and Cubano sandwiches.

Among the dining options available, fan favorites include:

• Royal Feast and Kings Table
• Cajun Corner
• St Jacks BBQ
• Mini Melts Ice Creams
• 100 Level Bar

 

Final Four Accommodations

Take our advice and book your hotel ASAP – if they haven’t already, hotels near the stadium will most certainly sell out. Heads up that somg of the hotels are requiring a 4-night minimum during Final Four weekend. So, make the most of the weekend and stay the whole time (you might not have a choice!) 

Impromptu trip? Nice moves. Check out the HotelTonight app for the best chance at snagging a last-minute hotel deal in the New Orleans area. Visitors can also rent an apartment or home on websites like Airbnb.

Hotels Near Caesars Superdome:

• Hyatt Regency New Orleans
  Offering a heated outdoor pool with sundeck and bar, Hyatt Regency New Orleans is the closest hotel to the Ceasars Superdome and Smoothie King Center. You’re going to March Madness in person—why not do it right?
  
  
• Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome
  Just a short walk from the NCAA Tournament grounds, the Holiday Inn New Orleans Hotel features a rooftop pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. With free Wi-Fi and rooms with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee machine, this Holiday Inn offers great value for families and those needing a little more space. 
  
  
• Ace Hotel New Orleans
  Just a stone’s throw from the action, the Ace Hotel New Orleans is a charming 4-star hotel offering an award winning restraunt option, rooftop bar, seasonal outdoor pool, and more. Guests can enjoy live music on-site, making it a great option for those looking for a cozy place to stay. 
  
  
• Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans
  For fans that are truly looking to splash out, the Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans is the choice. Featuring a rooftop bar, a full-service spa, and rooms with stylish décor and luxury amenities, swimming pools and a fully-equipped fitness center, this hotel has a little something for everyone - and of course, it's very close to the Ceasars Supedome.
  
  
  

Getting Around New Orleans

Located in the heart of downtown New Orleans, Caesars Superdome is easily accessible whether you plan to walk, drive, or ride. For directions, parking passes, and public transit routes, visit the stadium website. Here are the easiest ways to get to the games:

• Public Transportation
  New Orleans’s citywide bus and rail system, known as RTA, is the easiest way to get to the game if you’re coming from within the metro area. With a stop at the doorstep of the stadium, you’ll be delivered right to the center of the action.
  
  
• Ride Sharing
  Attendees can also catch a ride with Uber or Lyft, both of which are widely available in New Orleans. 
  
  
• Driving
  There are 7,000 parking spots available in official parking lots. As well as this, there are several public parking lots within walking distance of the stadium - with parking prices as low as $10. We recommend purchasing a parking pass in advance to save yourself from a pregame headache.

 

Eating & Drinking in New Orleans 

While you’re in town for some basketball, you might as well check out the city’s incredible restaurant scene. Below is a couple of our top recs. Let’s be clear that this list is not at all comprehensive, and there are so 👏 many 👏 spots 👏 in New Orleans to indulge your food and drink snobbery. These are a good places to start:  

• Mother's
  Serving up the world's best baked ham for over 84 years, this friendly restaurant located in the French Quater of New Orleans is a local institution that every fan should experience.
  
  
• Pat O'Brien's
  Once a popular Speakeasy, Pat O'Brien is a popular joint for tourists and locals alike. At this bar you'll be able to taste their own invention, "the Hurricane" drink, as well as enjoy the daily "Dueling Pianos" show. This is not one to be missed! If you haven’t had your fill of tasty drinks yet, Pat O'Briens should be near the top of your list.
  
  
• Acme Oyster House
  It's been said before, and it's true; live's more fun with seafood! So, the next time you're looking for a little extra nourishment to soak up all those game day beers, Acme Oyster House is your destination, serving up “seafood with a side of fun” since 1910. 
  
  
• Cafe Du Monde
  The original french market coffee stand opened in 1862, Cafe Du Monde is frequented by everyone. From beignets to café au lait, Café Du Monde is a New Orleans tradition and a must-visit stop on your Final Four dining tour of New Orleans.
  
  
• Vitascope Hall
  Vitascope Hall is the place to unwind and continue the fun all at once with huge TVs for sports. Enjoy the freshest Louisiana seafood, an exceptional raw bar, and stunning sushi.

• Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
  Located just a hop-skip from Caesars Superdrome, this popular rooftop sports bar will undoubtedly be packed all throughout Final Four weekend. This is a great place to enjoy gameday with a taste of Louisiana.
  
  

---

 

March Madness Support

Still have questions about How do March Madness tickets work or Final Four tickets? Shoot us an email at feedback@gametime.co and we’ll touch base with an answer as soon as possible.