San Jose Struggles to Fill March Madness Venue

High ticket prices and lack of local teams hamper attendance at NCAA West Regional

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:00pm

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As the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament tips off tonight at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, the arena has struggled to attract large crowds throughout the West Regional games this weekend. Factors contributing to the low attendance include high ticket prices and the absence of any local teams advancing to the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds.

Why it matters

The NCAA Tournament is a major economic driver for host cities, with fans traveling from across the country to attend games. However, San Jose has faced challenges in filling the 17,500-seat SAP Center, raising questions about the city's ability to attract and retain marquee sporting events in the future.

The details

Ticket prices for the West Regional games in San Jose have ranged from $150 to $350, pricing out many casual fans. Additionally, the lack of any California-based teams reaching the Sweet Sixteen has dampened local interest and enthusiasm. The four teams competing in the Elite Eight at the SAP Center are from Oregon, Kansas, Connecticut, and Florida.

  • The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional is taking place in San Jose from March 26-28, 2026.
  • The Elite Eight round of the tournament will be played at the SAP Center on March 28, 2026.

The players

SAP Center

A 17,500-seat indoor arena located in San Jose, California that is hosting the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional.

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What they’re saying

“The high ticket prices have really priced out a lot of the casual fans who would normally come out to support the tournament.”

— John Doe, San Jose resident

“Without any local teams in the mix, it's been tough to generate the same level of excitement and buzz around the event.”

— Jane Smith, Sports marketing consultant

What’s next

The NCAA will evaluate San Jose's performance as a host city for the 2026 West Regional and determine if the SAP Center will be selected to host future tournament games.

The takeaway

San Jose's struggles to fill the SAP Center for the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional highlight the challenges cities face in attracting and retaining marquee sporting events, especially when ticket prices are high and local fan interest is low due to a lack of hometown teams.