KeyBank Center to Host 2026 March Madness First and Second Rounds

Tickets now available for NCAA Tournament action in Buffalo

Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:20am

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The KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York will host the first and second rounds of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. Eight teams will compete in four first-round games on March 19, with the winners advancing to the second round on March 21. Tickets are now on sale through StubHub for all three tournament sessions at the arena.

Why it matters

Buffalo has a long history of hosting NCAA Tournament games, with the KeyBank Center previously welcoming March Madness action in 2000, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2017, and 2022. The city's downtown location along the Buffalo River, with its many restaurants, bars, hotels, and attractions, makes it an ideal host for basketball fans.

The details

Tickets for the 2026 NCAA Tournament games in Buffalo are available for purchase on StubHub. An all-sessions pass costs $600, while single-session passes range from $115 for Thursday's afternoon and evening games to $230 for Saturday's second-round matchup. The KeyBank Center is a cashless venue, accepting only credit cards and mobile payments, and has restrictions on bag sizes and types allowed inside.

  • The first four first-round games will be played on Thursday, March 19.
  • The two second-round games will be held on Saturday, March 21.

The players

KeyBank Center

A multi-purpose arena in downtown Buffalo, New York that is home to the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and has previously hosted NCAA Tournament games.

NCAA

The National Collegiate Athletic Association, the organization that oversees college sports in the United States, including the annual NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.

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What’s next

Fans interested in attending the 2026 NCAA Tournament games in Buffalo should purchase their tickets on StubHub as soon as possible, as availability and prices may change.

The takeaway

Buffalo's KeyBank Center continues to be a popular host for the NCAA Tournament, providing basketball fans with an exciting March Madness experience in a vibrant downtown setting.