🏀 Philadelphia Hosts 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament First & Second Rounds

March Madness is coming back to Philadelphia.

In 2026, the city will host the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philadelphia. The games will take place on Friday, March 20, and Sunday, March 22, 2026, bringing some of the best college basketball teams in the country to the city.

The event is hosted by Saint Joseph’s University and will feature six total games across two days.

For basketball fans, it’s a chance to experience the excitement of March Madness live — and for visitors, it’s the perfect excuse to explore Philadelphia during a historic year.

📅 2026 NCAA Tournament – Philadelphia Details

📍 Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena (South Philadelphia)
🗓 Dates:
• Friday, March 20, 2026
• Sunday, March 22, 2026

🏀 Rounds: First and Second Rounds (Subregionals)
🎟 Ticket Format: Sold by session (each session includes two games)

🏀 What to Expect During Tournament Weekend

The NCAA First and Second Rounds bring together four teams competing in opening-round matchups on Friday. The winners return Sunday to compete for a spot in the Sweet 16.

Friday, March 20, 2026

First Round Games

• Session 1: Two games

• Session 2: Two games

Fans typically purchase tickets by session, with each session including two back-to-back games.

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Second Round Games

• One session

• Two games featuring the Friday winners

Expect a packed arena, energized fan bases, school bands, cheer squads, and the high-intensity atmosphere that defines March Madness.

📍 About the Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena

Located in South Philadelphia’s Sports Complex, Xfinity Mobile Arena is one of the city’s premier indoor sports venues. It sits alongside Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field, making it part of a well-known destination for major sporting events.

The arena is accessible via:

🚇 SEPTA Broad Street Line (NRG Station)
🚗 Major highways including I-95 and I-76
🚕 Rideshare services

Parking will be available on-site, though public transportation is often recommended for large events.

Part of America’s 250th Celebration

The 2026 NCAA Tournament games in Philadelphia are part of the broader celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

As the birthplace of American independence, Philadelphia will host numerous historic, cultural, and national events throughout 2026. Visiting during March Madness offers a unique opportunity to combine championship-level basketball with a meaningful moment in American history.

What the City Will Feel Like

During tournament weekend, visitors can expect:

• Packed sports bars and restaurants
• Fan gatherings across Center City and South Philadelphia
• School colors throughout the city
• A festive but competitive atmosphere

March in Philadelphia typically brings cool early-spring weather, so layering is recommended.

Things to Do While You’re in Town

If you’re visiting for the tournament, consider exploring:

🏛 Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell
🖼 Philadelphia Museum of Art
🍽 South Philadelphia’s dining scene
🍺 Local breweries and rooftop bars
🌳 Fairmount Park

With games split between Friday and Sunday, many visitors use Saturday as a full sightseeing day.

Planning Tips

✔ Book accommodations early
✔ Review session ticket options before purchasing
✔ Arrive early to allow time for security screening
✔ Consider public transit on game days

The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament First and Second Rounds promise two days of high-stakes college basketball in one of America’s most historic cities.

Whether you’re traveling to support your team or simply love the energy of March Madness, Philadelphia offers both competitive action and cultural depth.

March 20 & March 22, 2026
South Philadelphia
March Madness meets American history.