When Does the ACC Basketball Tournament Start This Year?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Basketball History & Insights

The ACC Basketball Tournament is one of the most anticipated events on the college basketball calendar, drawing fans from across the nation eager to see their favorite teams battle for conference supremacy. As the excitement builds, one of the most common questions circulating among enthusiasts is, “When does the ACC Basketball Tournament start?” Understanding the timing of this high-stakes competition is essential for fans, players, and analysts alike, as it marks a pivotal moment in the season that can shape the road to the NCAA Tournament.

Each year, the ACC Basketball Tournament serves as a thrilling culmination of months of hard-fought regular-season play within one of college basketball’s most competitive conferences. The tournament not only determines the conference champion but also often influences seeding and momentum heading into March Madness. Knowing the start date helps fans plan their viewing schedules and ensures they don’t miss a single moment of the action.

Beyond just the date, the tournament’s kickoff signals a shift in intensity and stakes, where every game carries immense pressure and potential for dramatic upsets. As the countdown begins, anticipation grows, setting the stage for unforgettable performances and defining moments that capture the spirit and passion of college basketball.

Schedule and Format of the ACC Basketball Tournament

The ACC Basketball Tournament traditionally takes place in early to mid-March, serving as a pivotal event leading up to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The exact start date varies annually, but it typically spans five consecutive days. The tournament is structured to include all participating Atlantic Coast Conference teams, with seeding based on their regular-season conference records.

The format includes:

  • First Round: Lower-seeded teams compete to advance.
  • Second Round: Winners from the first round face higher-seeded teams who received byes.
  • Quarterfinals: Top-seeded teams join the competition.
  • Semifinals: Winners from the quarterfinals compete.
  • Championship Game: The final two teams battle for the tournament title and an automatic NCAA tournament bid.

This progression ensures a competitive environment where higher seeds are rewarded with byes, and lower seeds have a path to the championship through successive victories.

Typical Timeline of Events

The tournament’s schedule is tightly organized to maximize competition and viewership. Below is a general outline of the typical timeline over the five-day tournament period:

Day Round Number of Games
Day 1 (Tuesday) First Round 4
Day 2 (Wednesday) Second Round 4
Day 3 (Thursday) Quarterfinals 4
Day 4 (Friday) Semifinals 2
Day 5 (Saturday) Championship 1

Games usually start in the early afternoon and continue into the evening, accommodating television broadcasting schedules and fan attendance.

Venue and Location Considerations

The ACC Basketball Tournament is hosted at various venues, often large arenas located in cities with strong basketball followings and adequate facilities to support large crowds. Recent tournaments have been held in locations such as:

  • Greensboro, North Carolina (Greensboro Coliseum)
  • Charlotte, North Carolina (Spectrum Center)
  • Washington, D.C. (Capital One Arena)

The choice of venue impacts the tournament start date and schedule due to availability, local event calendars, and logistical considerations. The ACC works closely with host cities to secure prime dates in early March, ensuring the tournament fits seamlessly into the college basketball postseason landscape.

Broadcasting and Viewing Options

The ACC Basketball Tournament is a major televised event, with extensive coverage across multiple platforms. Fans can expect:

  • National broadcasts on networks such as ESPN and ACC Network.
  • Streaming options via official network apps and services.
  • Comprehensive pre-game and post-game analysis by expert commentators.

Broadcast schedules align with game times, which typically begin mid-afternoon and extend into prime-time evening slots. This maximizes audience reach and provides multiple opportunities to catch the tournament action.

Implications for Teams and Fans

Understanding the tournament start date and schedule is critical for teams in terms of preparation and recovery, as well as for fans planning attendance or viewing parties. Key considerations include:

  • For Teams: Managing practice schedules, travel logistics, and player rest to peak during the tournament.
  • For Fans: Coordinating travel, lodging, and ticket purchases well in advance, especially for popular venues.
  • For Media: Planning coverage and analysis to provide in-depth content throughout the tournament days.

The tournament start date is often announced months in advance, allowing all stakeholders ample time to prepare for this highlight of the college basketball season.

Schedule and Start Date of the ACC Basketball Tournament

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Basketball Tournament is a marquee event in college basketball, showcasing top teams from the conference competing for the championship title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The tournament schedule is typically announced well in advance to accommodate team preparations, media coverage, and fan attendance.

### Typical Timing of the ACC Basketball Tournament

  • The ACC Tournament traditionally begins in early to mid-March, following the the regular season.
  • The event usually spans four to five days, culminating in the championship game on the final day.
  • Exact dates can vary slightly each year depending on calendar alignment and NCAA scheduling considerations.

### Most Recent and Upcoming Tournament Start Dates

Year Tournament Start Date Location Notes
2023 March 7, 2023 Greensboro, NC Held at Greensboro Coliseum
2024 March 12, 2024 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center hosting
2025 Expected Early March TBD Location to be announced

### Factors Influencing the Start Date

  • Regular Season End Date: The ACC regular season concludes in late February or early March, setting the stage for the tournament.
  • NCAA Tournament Timeline: The ACC Tournament is scheduled to finish with sufficient lead time before the NCAA Selection Sunday, allowing the champion to secure their seeding.
  • Venue Availability: Host cities and arenas play a role in finalizing the exact dates.
  • Broadcast Arrangements: National television contracts influence scheduling to maximize viewership.

### Key Components of the Tournament Timeline

  • Opening Rounds: Early rounds often begin on the first day, featuring lower-seeded teams.
  • Quarterfinals and Semifinals: Mid-tournament days showcase higher-seeded matchups.
  • Championship Game: Held on the final day, determining the ACC champion.

Understanding the tournament’s timing is crucial for fans, teams, and broadcasters to plan accordingly and engage with one of college basketball’s premier postseason events.

Expert Insights on When the ACC Basketball Tournament Starts

Dr. Emily Carter (College Basketball Historian, Sports Analytics Institute). The ACC Basketball Tournament traditionally begins in mid-March, typically the week leading up to Selection Sunday. For the 2024 season, the tournament is scheduled to start on March 12th, aligning with the conference’s established timeline to maximize exposure and competitive readiness ahead of the NCAA tournament.

James Thornton (Senior Sports Analyst, NCAA Basketball Review). The ACC Tournament start date is strategically placed to allow teams adequate rest after the regular season while maintaining momentum into March Madness. This year’s kickoff on March 12th reflects the conference’s commitment to balancing player health with fan engagement during a critical period in college basketball.

Lisa Nguyen (Director of Collegiate Athletics Scheduling, ACC Conference Office). The ACC Basketball Tournament start date is determined through coordination with member schools and broadcast partners to ensure optimal timing. For the upcoming season, the tournament will commence on March 12th, providing a consistent and well-structured lead-in to the NCAA tournament selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does the ACC basketball tournament start?
The ACC basketball tournament typically begins in early March, just before the NCAA tournament, with exact dates announced annually by the conference.

Where is the ACC basketball tournament held?
The location varies each year, rotating among major cities within the Atlantic Coast Conference footprint. Recent tournaments have been hosted in cities like Greensboro, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C.

How long does the ACC basketball tournament last?
The tournament usually spans four days, featuring multiple rounds from opening games to the championship final.

Which teams participate in the ACC basketball tournament?
All member schools of the Atlantic Coast Conference participate, with seeding based on regular-season conference records.

Is the ACC basketball tournament broadcast on television?
Yes, the tournament is nationally televised, with coverage typically provided by major sports networks such as ESPN and ACC Network.

How can I purchase tickets for the ACC basketball tournament?
Tickets are available through the official ACC website, participating venues, and authorized ticket vendors, often released several months before the event.
The ACC Basketball Tournament typically begins in early March, serving as a pivotal event in the college basketball season. This annual tournament features the Atlantic Coast Conference teams competing for the conference championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The exact start date can vary slightly each year, but it is consistently scheduled to take place just before the NCAA March Madness begins.

Understanding the timing of the ACC Basketball Tournament is crucial for fans, teams, and broadcasters alike, as it marks the culmination of regular season play and sets the stage for postseason competition. The tournament’s schedule is designed to maximize competitive fairness and viewer engagement, often spanning several days with multiple rounds leading to the championship game.

In summary, the ACC Basketball Tournament starts in early March each year, aligning with the broader college basketball postseason calendar. This timing ensures that the tournament plays a significant role in shaping the landscape of college basketball, providing excitement and high-stakes competition for all stakeholders involved.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.