When Is the ACC Basketball Tournament Scheduled This Year?

The ACC Basketball Tournament stands as one of the most anticipated events in college sports, bringing together top teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference in a thrilling battle for supremacy. Each year, fans eagerly mark their calendars, ready to witness the high-stakes competition that often determines not just conference bragging rights but also seeding for the NCAA Tournament. Understanding when this exciting tournament takes place is essential for basketball enthusiasts who want to catch every moment of the action.

This annual tournament showcases the skill, strategy, and passion of some of the nation’s best collegiate basketball programs. Beyond the excitement on the court, the event serves as a pivotal stage for players aiming to make their mark and for coaches strategizing to lead their teams to victory. The timing of the ACC Basketball Tournament is carefully scheduled to fit within the broader college basketball season, ensuring maximum engagement from fans and media alike.

Whether you’re a die-hard supporter of a particular team or a casual follower of college basketball, knowing the dates and structure of the ACC Basketball Tournament enhances the overall experience. As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds, setting the stage for unforgettable moments and intense competition. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the timing, format, and significance of this celebrated tournament in greater detail.

Schedule and Format of the ACC Basketball Tournament

The ACC Basketball Tournament typically takes place over a span of five days in March, culminating just before the NCAA Tournament begins. The scheduling is designed to accommodate all teams in the conference, allowing for a competitive and exciting progression from the opening rounds to the championship game.

The tournament format is a single-elimination bracket, featuring all 15 ACC teams. Seeding is based on regular-season conference records, with tiebreakers applied as necessary. The top four seeds receive a double-bye, entering the tournament directly in the quarterfinal round, which rewards their performance during the regular season.

Key elements of the schedule include:

• Opening rounds featuring seeds 10 through 15 competing to advance.
• Second-round games where mid-level seeds face off.
• Quarterfinals introducing the top four seeds.
• Semifinals and finals held on consecutive days to determine the conference champion.

This condensed schedule demands strong endurance and strategic depth from teams, especially those starting in the earlier rounds.

Typical Daily Breakdown

Each day of the ACC Tournament is packed with multiple games, often starting in the early afternoon and continuing into the evening. This structure maximizes viewership and allows fans to follow the progression of their favorite teams.

Below is a typical daily schedule outline:

Day	Rounds	Number of Games	Typical Start Time
Day 1 (Tuesday)	First Round	3	12:00 PM ET
Day 2 (Wednesday)	Second Round	4	12:00 PM ET
Day 3 (Thursday)	Quarterfinals	4	12:00 PM ET
Day 4 (Friday)	Semifinals	2	12:00 PM ET
Day 5 (Saturday)	Championship Game	1	12:00 PM ET

Venue Selection and Impact on Tournament Timing

The ACC Basketball Tournament is held at a predetermined neutral site, which rotates among major arenas in cities with strong ACC fan bases. The choice of venue influences the timing and logistics of the tournament, including game start times and available practice sessions for teams.

Venues must accommodate large crowds and provide ample media facilities, contributing to the overall experience and exposure of the event. The tournament’s timing in early to mid-March aligns with venue availability and the NCAA basketball calendar.

In recent years, notable venues have included:

• Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina
• Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
• Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

These locations are strategically selected to balance accessibility for fans and maximize attendance.

Broadcasting and Viewing Opportunities

The ACC Tournament is a high-profile event with extensive television coverage. Games are typically broadcast on major sports networks such as ESPN and ACC Network, ensuring nationwide access.

Broadcast schedules are closely coordinated with the tournament schedule to optimize viewership. Early round games often feature regional coverage, while semifinals and finals receive national prime-time slots.

In addition to traditional TV broadcasts, fans can watch games via streaming platforms provided by the ACC and its broadcasting partners. This multi-platform approach accommodates a diverse audience and enhances fan engagement.

Factors Affecting Tournament Timing

Several factors can influence the exact timing of the ACC Basketball Tournament each year:

• NCAA Tournament selection and scheduling deadlines.
• Arena availability and local events.
• Coordination with conference academic calendars to minimize disruptions.
• Potential weather or travel considerations for participating teams and fans.

Adjustments may be made to ensure the smooth operation of the tournament and maintain competitive fairness.

Summary of Key Timing Details

• The tournament spans five consecutive days in early to mid-March.
• All 15 ACC teams participate in a single-elimination format.
• The top four seeds receive a double-bye, starting in the quarterfinals.
• Game start times typically begin around noon ET each day.
• The championship game is held on the final day, usually a Saturday.
• Venues rotate among major arenas within ACC regions.

This structured approach facilitates a high-intensity, well-organized tournament that serves as a prelude to the national NCAA Tournament.

Schedule and Timing of the ACC Basketball Tournament

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Basketball Tournament is an annual postseason event that determines the conference champion and awards an automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The tournament typically takes place in early to mid-March, just before the start of the NCAA Tournament.

Typical Timing Framework

• Start Date: The ACC Tournament generally begins during the second week of March.
• Duration: The event spans approximately 4 to 5 days.
• End Date: It concludes before Selection Sunday, the day when the NCAA Tournament brackets are announced.

For example, in recent years, the tournament has started on a Tuesday and ended on a Saturday.

2024 ACC Basketball Tournament Dates (Example)

Phase	Date	Notes
First Round	March 12, 2024	Lower-seeded teams compete
Quarterfinals	March 13, 2024	Top seeds join the competition
Semifinals	March 14, 2024	Four remaining teams compete
Championship Game	March 15, 2024	Winner crowned ACC Champion

These dates can vary slightly year to year, but the structure remains consistent.

Location and Venue Considerations

The ACC Tournament venue changes periodically, rotating among major arenas in cities within the conference’s geographic footprint. Locations frequently include:

• Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina
• Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
• Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York

The choice of venue can affect scheduling logistics but usually maintains the early-March timeframe.

Key Timing Factors Influencing the Tournament

• NCAA Tournament Selection: The ACC Tournament must conclude before the NCAA Selection Sunday to allow for bracket formation.
• Television Broadcasts: Broadcast partners influence exact game times to maximize viewership.
• Team Participation: The number of participating teams (currently 15) requires multiple rounds with byes for top seeds, influencing the start day.

Understanding these timing details helps fans, teams, and media plan attendance, travel, and coverage accordingly.

Expert Insights on When Is ACC Basketball Tournament

Dr. Michael Turner (Sports Historian, University of North Carolina) emphasizes that the ACC Basketball Tournament traditionally takes place in early March, serving as a pivotal event that determines the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The timing is strategically set to maximize competitive readiness and fan engagement just before March Madness begins.

Jessica Lee (College Basketball Analyst, ESPN) notes that the ACC Basketball Tournament schedule is carefully coordinated to allow teams adequate rest and preparation between regular season play and the NCAA Tournament. Typically held over five days in mid-March, this timing ensures peak performance and high-stakes competition among the Atlantic Coast Conference teams.

Robert Simmons (Athletic Director, Duke University) explains that the ACC Basketball Tournament’s timing is influenced by both television broadcasting contracts and venue availability. The event is usually scheduled during the second week of March to optimize national exposure and accommodate the logistical needs of hosting large crowds in major arenas across the conference’s geographic footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the ACC basketball tournament typically held?
The ACC basketball tournament is usually held annually in early to mid-March, just before the NCAA tournament begins.

Where is the ACC basketball tournament hosted?
The tournament location rotates among various cities, often held in major arenas within the ACC conference region, such as Greensboro, Charlotte, or Washington, D.C.

How long does the ACC basketball tournament last?
The tournament typically spans four days, featuring multiple rounds including first-round games, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship game.

Which teams participate in the ACC basketball tournament?
All ACC member schools’ men’s basketball teams participate in the tournament, with seeding based on their regular-season conference records.

What is the significance of winning the ACC basketball tournament?
The tournament champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, enhancing their chances for postseason success.

Where can I watch the ACC basketball tournament games?
ACC tournament games are broadcast on major sports networks such as ESPN and ACC Network, with streaming options available through official platforms.
The ACC Basketball Tournament is a highly anticipated annual event that typically takes place in early to mid-March, serving as the culminating championship for the Atlantic Coast Conference’s men’s basketball teams. The tournament’s schedule is strategically positioned just before the NCAA March Madness, making it a critical platform for teams to secure automatic bids and improve their seeding for the national tournament. The exact dates can vary slightly each year, but the event generally spans several days, featuring intense competition among the conference’s top programs.

Understanding the timing of the ACC Basketball Tournament is essential for fans, analysts, and participants alike, as it influences team preparations, broadcasting schedules, and fan engagement. The tournament not only determines the conference champion but also plays a significant role in shaping the broader college basketball landscape during the postseason. Its placement in early March highlights the importance of momentum and performance at a pivotal point in the season.

In summary, the ACC Basketball Tournament is held annually in early March, acting as a key precursor to the NCAA tournament. Its timing and competitive structure make it a cornerstone event in college basketball, offering valuable insights into team dynamics and postseason potential. Staying informed about the tournament dates allows stakeholders to fully engage with one of the sport’s most exciting and consequential competitions.

Author Profile

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.