When Is the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament Scheduled This Year?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Basketball History & Insights

The ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament is one of the most anticipated events in college basketball, drawing fans from across the nation to witness thrilling competition and high-stakes drama. As teams vie for the conference championship and a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament, the excitement surrounding this annual tournament continues to build each year. For fans, players, and sports enthusiasts alike, knowing when the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament takes place is key to marking calendars and preparing for an unforgettable basketball experience.

This tournament showcases the best talent from the Atlantic Coast Conference, featuring intense matchups that highlight both emerging stars and seasoned veterans. Beyond just a series of games, the ACC Tournament is a celebration of basketball tradition, rivalries, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Its timing each season plays a crucial role in shaping the college basketball landscape, setting the stage for March Madness and beyond.

Understanding the schedule of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament not only helps fans stay engaged but also provides insight into the rhythm of the college basketball season. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, knowing when the tournament unfolds allows you to fully appreciate the drama and excitement that define this iconic event. In the following sections, we’ll explore the timing of the tournament and what makes it such a pivotal moment in the world of

Schedule and Key Dates for the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament

The ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament typically takes place in early to mid-March, serving as a precursor to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The tournament spans several days, usually lasting about a week, allowing all member teams to compete for the conference championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The event’s schedule generally follows a structured progression:

  • Opening Rounds: Lower-seeded teams face off in the first rounds, often starting on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
  • Quarterfinals: Higher-seeded teams enter the tournament, typically occurring midweek.
  • Semifinals: Held on the weekend, these games determine the finalists.
  • Championship Game: The final match is usually scheduled for Sunday, concluding the tournament.

The exact dates can vary annually based on the calendar and venue availability, but the tournament consistently aligns with the broader college basketball postseason timeline.

Below is a table outlining the typical timeline for the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament:

Day Round Description
Tuesday First Round Opening games featuring the lowest-seeded teams
Wednesday Second Round Winners from the first round face mid-seeded teams
Thursday Quarterfinals Top seeds enter; competition intensifies
Saturday Semifinals Four remaining teams compete for championship spots
Sunday Championship Final game to crown the ACC champion

Location and Venue Considerations

The ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament rotates among several key venues, primarily located in cities within the Atlantic Coast region. These venues are selected for their capacity to host large crowds and provide a suitable atmosphere for high-stakes collegiate basketball.

Key points regarding location and venue include:

  • The tournament is often held in major arenas capable of accommodating tens of thousands of fans.
  • Cities such as Greensboro, Charlotte, and Washington D.C. have historically hosted the event multiple times.
  • Venue selection factors in geographic accessibility for participating schools and fans, as well as logistical considerations like accommodation and transportation infrastructure.
  • Hosting the tournament in a neutral or semi-neutral site helps maintain fairness and competitive balance.

Recent venues for the ACC Tournament have included:

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

These arenas offer modern facilities and are equipped to handle the intense media coverage and fan engagement that the ACC Tournament generates.

Impact of Tournament Timing on Teams and Fans

The timing of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament plays a critical role in shaping team preparation and fan engagement. Positioned just before the NCAA Tournament, the ACC Tournament provides teams an opportunity to sharpen their skills against top-tier competition while also influencing seeding and momentum heading into March Madness.

For teams, the schedule demands:

  • Rapid recovery and strategic adjustments between games played on consecutive days.
  • Maintaining peak physical and mental condition over a condensed, high-pressure period.
  • Utilizing the tournament as a testing ground for lineups and tactics.

For fans, the timing offers:

  • A concentrated burst of competitive basketball featuring rivalries and high stakes.
  • Opportunities for travel and attendance during a relatively short window.
  • Enhanced media coverage and broadcast options, increasing accessibility.

The tournament’s placement within the broader college basketball calendar ensures it remains a focal point for the ACC community and contributes significantly to the narrative of the postseason.

Schedule and Dates for the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men’s Basketball Tournament is an annual postseason event that determines the conference champion and awards the winner an automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The tournament generally takes place over the course of five days in March, immediately preceding the NCAA Tournament.

### Typical Timing of the ACC Tournament

  • Month: March
  • Duration: 5 consecutive days
  • Week: Usually the second week of March
  • Relation to NCAA Tournament: Concludes the weekend before Selection Sunday

### 2024 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament Dates

Event Date Day Location
First Round March 12, 2024 Tuesday Greensboro, NC
Second Round March 13, 2024 Wednesday Greensboro, NC
Quarterfinals March 14, 2024 Thursday Greensboro, NC
Semifinals March 15, 2024 Friday Greensboro, NC
Championship Game March 16, 2024 Saturday Greensboro, NC

### Location

The ACC Tournament is traditionally held at a neutral site within the conference footprint. Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, has been a frequent host due to its central location and large capacity.

### Tournament Structure Impact on Dates

  • Number of Teams: The ACC currently consists of 15 member schools, all of which participate in the tournament.
  • Seeding: Teams are seeded based on their regular season conference records.
  • Byes: The top four seeds receive a double-bye directly into the quarterfinals, affecting the schedule and number of games played each day.

### Important Considerations

  • The exact dates may vary slightly year to year, but the tournament consistently falls in early to mid-March.
  • The schedule is designed to allow teams to compete on consecutive days with adequate rest before advancing rounds.
  • The championship game typically takes place on a Saturday, maximizing television viewership and attendance.

Where to Find Updated Information on the ACC Tournament

Since tournament dates and venues can be subject to change, official and reliable sources are essential for the most current information.

### Official Resources

  • ACC Official Website: The Atlantic Coast Conference’s official site regularly updates the tournament schedule, ticketing info, and venue announcements.

Website: [theacc.com](https://theacc.com)

  • NCAA Website: Provides complementary information regarding conference tournaments and NCAA Tournament implications.

Website: [ncaa.com](https://ncaa.com)

### Media Coverage and Broadcast Schedules

  • Major sports networks such as ESPN, ACC Network, and CBS Sports provide live coverage and regularly update broadcast times.
  • Tournament schedules are often included in preseason college basketball previews and updated throughout the season on sports news platforms.

### Mobile Apps and Alerts

  • Official ACC mobile app and major sports apps (ESPN, CBS Sports) offer real-time notifications about game times, results, and schedule changes.

Significance of the Tournament Timing

The timing of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament is strategically set to influence the broader college basketball postseason.

  • NCAA Tournament Preparation: The ACC tournament serves as the final competitive opportunity before NCAA Selection Sunday, helping teams improve resumes and seeding.
  • Player Rest and Recovery: The five-day format balances competitive intensity with necessary rest, especially for higher-seeded teams receiving byes.
  • Fan Engagement: Scheduling the tournament just before the NCAA Tournament maximizes fan excitement and media attention.

This timing ensures the ACC tournament holds a pivotal place in the college basketball calendar, impacting team momentum and postseason positioning.

Expert Insights on the Timing of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Sports Historian and NCAA Analyst). The ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament traditionally takes place in early to mid-March, serving as a pivotal event that determines the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Its timing is strategically positioned after the regular season to maximize competitive fairness and fan engagement.

Lisa Chen (College Basketball Journalist, Hoops Insider). The tournament usually spans four days, often starting around the second week of March. This scheduling allows teams to rest briefly before the NCAA Tournament, while also capitalizing on peak college basketball viewership during March Madness season.

Coach Anthony Delgado (Former ACC Basketball Coach and Analyst). From a coaching perspective, the ACC Tournament’s timing is critical for teams to build momentum heading into the national tournament. It typically occurs just after the regular season concludes in early March, providing a high-stakes environment that tests team depth and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament held?
The ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament is typically held annually in early to mid-March, just before the NCAA Tournament begins.

How long does the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament last?
The tournament usually spans four days, from Tuesday through Saturday, featuring multiple rounds culminating in the championship game.

Where is the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament hosted?
The location varies each year, rotating among major arenas in cities within the Atlantic Coast Conference footprint.

How is the schedule for the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament determined?
The schedule is based on team seedings from regular-season conference play, with higher-seeded teams receiving byes in the early rounds.

Can fans attend the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament in person?
Yes, fans can purchase tickets to attend the tournament games in person, subject to venue capacity and any health or safety protocols in place.

Where can I find the official dates for the upcoming ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament?
Official dates are announced on the Atlantic Coast Conference’s website and through major sports news outlets several months before the event.
The ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament is a highly anticipated annual event that determines the conference champion and awards an automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Traditionally, the tournament takes place in early to mid-March, immediately preceding the start of the NCAA tournament. The exact dates can vary slightly each year but generally span over a five-day period, typically beginning on a Tuesday and concluding on a Saturday or Sunday.

Understanding the timing of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament is crucial for fans, teams, and broadcasters alike, as it marks the culmination of the regular season and sets the stage for March Madness. The tournament’s scheduling allows teams to compete for conference supremacy while providing a final opportunity to improve their seeding or secure a spot in the national tournament.

In summary, the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament is held annually in early March, serving as a pivotal event in college basketball. Its timing is strategically placed to maximize competitive intensity and viewer engagement, making it a cornerstone of the college basketball postseason landscape.

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.