San Diego to Host 2026 NCAA Tournament First and Second Rounds at Viejas Arena

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San Diego will host the first and second rounds of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on the campus of San Diego State University. The arena, which seats 12,400 fans, will feature four first-round games on Friday, March 20 and two second-round games on Sunday, March 22. Tickets are now available on StubHub, with all-session passes costing $540 and single-session tickets ranging from $150 to $300.

Why it matters

San Diego is a popular destination for college basketball fans, with the city's beaches, mountains, and other attractions making it an ideal host for the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Viejas Arena has previously hosted March Madness games five times, showcasing the venue's ability to provide an exciting atmosphere for the tournament.

The details

Viejas Arena, located on the San Diego State campus, is just minutes away from the city's beaches, downtown, and other popular attractions. The arena features a capacity of 12,400 and has hosted NCAA Tournament games five times previously. Tickets are available now on StubHub, with all-session passes costing $540 and single-session tickets ranging from $150 for the first round to $300 for the second round. Fans should note that Viejas Arena is a clear bag venue and a cashless facility.

• The first four games will be played on Friday, March 20, 2026.
• The two second-round games will be played on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

What’s next

Fans interested in attending the 2026 NCAA Tournament games in San Diego can purchase tickets now on StubHub.