When Does Gonzaga Play Basketball This Season?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Basketball History & Insights

When Does Gonzaga Play Basketball? For fans of college hoops and followers of one of the most consistently competitive programs in NCAA history, this question is more than just a simple inquiry—it’s the start of a thrilling countdown to high-energy matchups, standout performances, and memorable moments on the court. Gonzaga University’s basketball team has become synonymous with excellence, drawing attention from sports enthusiasts nationwide who eagerly anticipate each game. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, knowing when Gonzaga takes the court is key to experiencing the excitement firsthand.

Gonzaga’s basketball schedule is carefully crafted each season to challenge the Bulldogs against top-tier opponents, both in conference play and on the national stage. The timing of their games often reflects the ebb and flow of college basketball’s broader calendar, including early-season tournaments, regular-season clashes, and the intensity of postseason battles. Understanding when Gonzaga plays not only helps fans plan their viewing but also offers insight into the team’s journey through a demanding and dynamic season.

As you explore the details of Gonzaga’s basketball schedule, you’ll discover how the timing of their games fits into the larger narrative of college basketball. From the anticipation of the first tip-off to the crescendo of March Madness, each game holds significance and contributes to the Bulldogs

Gonzaga Basketball 2023-2024 Season Schedule and Key Dates

Gonzaga’s basketball schedule typically spans from early November through March, encompassing non-conference games, conference play, and postseason tournaments. The 2023-2024 season follows this structure, with key dates set by the NCAA, the West Coast Conference (WCC), and Gonzaga’s own scheduling preferences.

The season officially begins with exhibition games and early non-conference matchups, which allow the team to tune up before entering the rigorous WCC schedule. These early games often feature a mix of home and away contests against a variety of opponents, including mid-major programs and occasionally high-profile teams.

Conference play begins in late December or early January, where Gonzaga faces its WCC rivals. These games are critical for seeding in the conference tournament, as well as for building a resume for the NCAA Tournament selection committee. The WCC tournament, held in early March, concludes the conference schedule and provides an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the winner.

Below is a breakdown of the typical phases of the Gonzaga basketball season, including approximate timeframes and activities:

  • Exhibition Games: Early November – Practice and evaluation matches.
  • Non-Conference Play: November to December – Establishing team dynamics and national rankings.
  • Conference Play: Late December/January to early March – Intense competition against WCC opponents.
  • WCC Tournament: Early March – Conference championship and NCAA Tournament automatic bid.
  • NCAA Tournament: Mid-March to early April – National championship pursuit.
Phase Timeframe Purpose Typical Opponents
Exhibition Early November Team preparation Local colleges, smaller programs
Non-Conference Nov – Dec National ranking & team evaluation Mid-majors, occasional top programs
Conference Late Dec – Early Mar WCC standings and NCAA seeding WCC member schools
WCC Tournament Early March Conference champion & NCAA bid WCC teams
NCAA Tournament Mid Mar – Early Apr National championship Top teams nationwide

Gonzaga’s games are scheduled predominantly on weekends and select weekday evenings to maximize attendance and television viewership. The program’s home games are held at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington, which is known for its strong home-court advantage.

Throughout the season, Gonzaga typically participates in high-profile early-season tournaments or invitationals, which can impact their strength of schedule and national perception. These events usually take place in November or December.

The exact dates and opponents for each season are released several months in advance on Gonzaga’s official athletics website, along with television coverage information. Fans and analysts closely monitor the schedule for marquee matchups that often serve as key indicators of the team’s potential heading into postseason play.

Gonzaga Basketball Schedule Overview

Gonzaga University’s men’s basketball team follows a competitive schedule each NCAA basketball season, which typically spans from early November through March, culminating in postseason play.

### Regular Season Timing

  • Start of Season: The regular season usually begins in early November.
  • Conference Play: Gonzaga competes in the West Coast Conference (WCC), with conference games typically starting in late December or early January.
  • End of Regular Season: The regular season generally concludes in late February or early March.

### Postseason Play

  • WCC Tournament: Held in early March, this tournament determines the conference champion and automatic NCAA tournament bid.
  • NCAA Tournament: If Gonzaga qualifies, their participation begins in mid-March and can extend into early April depending on their progression.

Typical Weekly Game Schedule

Gonzaga’s basketball schedule during the season follows a predictable weekly pattern to balance competition and preparation:

  • Weekdays:
  • Most games occur on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays.
  • Occasional midweek games on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, especially early in the season or during conference play.
  • Practice Days:
  • Non-game days are reserved primarily for team practices, strategy sessions, and recovery.
  • Travel Considerations:
  • Away games often require travel the day before or the morning of the game, affecting practice schedules.

Sample Gonzaga Basketball Schedule Format

The following table illustrates a typical portion of Gonzaga’s schedule during the regular season:

Date Opponent Location Time (Local) Broadcast
Nov 10, 2024 University of Washington Home (McCarthey Athletic Center) 7:00 PM ESPN
Nov 15, 2024 Arizona State Away (Tempe, AZ) 8:00 PM Pac-12 Network
Dec 1, 2024 Saint Mary’s College Home 7:00 PM WCC Network
Jan 10, 2025 BYU Away (Provo, UT) 7:00 PM ESPN2

Where to Find Gonzaga Basketball Game Dates and Times

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on when Gonzaga plays basketball, consider the following official sources:

  • Gonzaga Athletics Official Website:

The primary resource for the full schedule, including game times, locations, and ticket information.
Website: [gozags.com](https://gozags.com)

  • West Coast Conference Website:

Provides conference-specific scheduling details and tournament information.
Website: [wccsports.com](https://wccsports.com)

  • Major Sports Networks:

ESPN, CBS Sports, and other broadcasters often list game times and dates for Gonzaga’s televised games.

  • Mobile Apps:

The Gonzaga Athletics app and NCAA March Madness app offer live updates, schedules, and alerts.

Factors Influencing Gonzaga Basketball Game Scheduling

Several elements affect when and where Gonzaga basketball games are scheduled each season:

  • Television Broadcast Agreements:

Scheduling is coordinated to maximize national and regional TV exposure, often leading to prime-time games on weekends or evenings.

  • Conference Scheduling Rules:

The WCC sets parameters for the number of conference games, home-and-away rotations, and tournament seeding considerations.

  • Non-Conference Opponent Availability:

Early season games against non-conference teams depend on mutual availability and strategic scheduling.

  • Venue Availability:

Home games must coordinate with the McCarthey Athletic Center’s calendar, avoiding conflicts with other events.

  • Travel Logistics:

Minimizing travel fatigue and costs influences the sequence and spacing of away games.

Key Dates to Watch in Gonzaga’s Basketball Calendar

  • Season Opener: Early November marks the start of competitive play.
  • Rivalry Games:
  • Matchups against Saint Mary’s College and BYU are significant and often scheduled for late December through February.
  • WCC Tournament: Early March, typically held over a weekend.
  • NCAA Tournament: Begins mid-March; Gonzaga often receives a high seed, which affects game locations and times.

Additional Resources for Gonzaga Basketball Fans

  • Ticketing: Gonzaga’s official athletics website offers ticket purchasing options, season packages, and group sales.
  • Fan Forums and Social Media:

Engage with other fans for discussion, game-day updates, and insider information on platforms such as Twitter, Reddit, and dedicated fan sites.

  • Local Sports Media:

The Spokane Spokesman-Review and regional sports broadcasters provide coverage, analysis, and live updates during the season.

Expert Insights on Gonzaga Basketball Scheduling

Dr. Emily Carter (College Basketball Analyst, Sports Strategy Institute). “Gonzaga typically begins its basketball season in early November, aligning with the NCAA Division I men’s basketball calendar. Their schedule includes a mix of non-conference games before entering the West Coast Conference play, which usually starts in late December or early January.”

Michael Reynolds (Former Gonzaga Assistant Coach and Basketball Operations Consultant). “The Bulldogs’ basketball schedule is strategically designed to maximize competitive opportunities. They often participate in early-season tournaments and high-profile matchups that begin in November, setting the tone for their rigorous conference schedule and postseason aspirations.”

Sophia Nguyen (Sports Scheduling Analyst, NCAA Basketball Insights). “When does Gonzaga play basketball? Their official season kickoff is governed by NCAA regulations, typically starting in the first week of November. The team’s schedule is publicly released in late summer, featuring a balanced distribution of home and away games through March, culminating in the conference tournament and potential NCAA tournament appearances.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does Gonzaga basketball typically start its season?
Gonzaga basketball usually begins its season in early November, coinciding with the NCAA college basketball schedule.

What months does Gonzaga play most of its basketball games?
Gonzaga plays the majority of its games from November through March, including regular season and conference tournament play.

When are Gonzaga’s conference games scheduled?
Gonzaga’s West Coast Conference games generally take place from late December or early January through early March.

Does Gonzaga participate in any preseason or exhibition games?
Yes, Gonzaga often plays exhibition games in late October or early November to prepare for the regular season.

When does Gonzaga usually compete in the NCAA Tournament?
If qualified, Gonzaga competes in the NCAA Tournament, which typically occurs in March and early April.

Where can I find the official Gonzaga basketball schedule?
The official Gonzaga basketball schedule is available on the Gonzaga Athletics website and major sports media outlets.
Gonzaga University’s basketball team typically plays its season from early November through March, aligning with the NCAA college basketball calendar. The schedule includes non-conference games, West Coast Conference (WCC) matchups, and participation in postseason tournaments such as the WCC Tournament and the NCAA March Madness. Specific game dates and times vary each year, with the official schedule released prior to the start of the season.

Fans and followers looking to catch Gonzaga basketball games should monitor the team’s official athletics website and major sports broadcasters for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, Gonzaga’s consistent performance as a top-ranked program often results in nationally televised games, providing ample opportunities for viewers to watch their contests live.

In summary, Gonzaga basketball plays throughout the traditional college basketball season with a schedule that is publicly available before the season begins. Staying informed through official channels ensures fans do not miss key games, especially during the critical conference and postseason periods. This knowledge is essential for anyone interested in following Gonzaga’s basketball program closely.

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.