Get ready for an exciting month of women’s college basketball as the 2024 NCAA Tournament approaches. Sixty-four teams will compete for the national championship, with games taking place across the country from March 15th to April 1st. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with the complete schedule, bracket information, and essential details about the tournament.
The tournament will kick off with the First Four, where four teams will play in two games to determine the final two spots in the 64-team field. These games will be held on March 15th and 16th, with the winners advancing to the first round. The First Round will follow on March 17th and 18th, with 32 games taking place at various regional sites. The top 16 teams will receive byes into the Second Round, which will be held on March 19th and 20th.
From there, the tournament moves to four regional sites for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games. The Sweet 16 will be played on March 23rd and 24th, followed by the Elite Eight on March 25th and 26th. The Final Four will then take place at a single site on March 31st and April 1st, with the championship game crowning the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Champion.
2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Schedule
Excitement, Rivalry, March Madness.
- 64-team bracket
- First Four on March 15-16
- First Round on March 17-18
- Sweet 16 on March 23-24
- Elite Eight on March 25-26
- Final Four and Championship on March 31 – April 1
Don’t miss the thrilling games and nail-biting finishes!
64-team bracket
The 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament will feature a 64-team bracket, with the top 32 teams receiving automatic bids based on their conference tournament results. The remaining 32 teams will earn at-large bids, selected by the NCAA Tournament Committee. The teams will be seeded from 1 to 64, with the top 16 seeds receiving byes into the second round.
The 64-team bracket creates a single-elimination tournament, meaning that each team has only one chance to advance to the next round. This format ensures that every game is crucial, with teams needing to perform at their best in order to keep their championship hopes alive.
The tournament will begin with the First Four, where four teams will play in two games to determine the final two spots in the 64-team field. These games will be held on March 15th and 16th, with the winners advancing to the first round.
The First Round will follow on March 17th and 18th, with 32 games taking place at various regional sites. The top 16 teams will receive byes into the Second Round, which will be held on March 19th and 20th. From there, the tournament moves to four regional sites for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games, before culminating in the Final Four and championship game.
The 64-team bracket format provides a wide range of possibilities and storylines, with upsets, Cinderella runs, and thrilling finishes all part of the excitement of the NCAA Tournament.
First Four on March 15-16
The First Four is a play-in round that determines the final two teams to enter the 64-team NCAA Tournament bracket. This exciting and unpredictable round adds an extra layer of drama and anticipation to the tournament.
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Four teams, two games:
The First Four consists of four teams, who compete in two games. The winners of these games advance to the first round of the tournament, while the losers see their season come to an end.
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At-large teams:
The four teams in the First Four are typically at-large teams that have not earned an automatic bid to the tournament by winning their conference tournament. These teams are selected by the NCAA Tournament Committee based on their overall record, strength of schedule, and other factors.
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Regional sites:
The First Four games are played at regional sites across the country. The NCAA Tournament Committee selects the sites based on a variety of factors, including the availability of suitable venues and the proximity to the teams involved.
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Single-elimination format:
The First Four is a single-elimination round, meaning that the teams have only one chance to win and advance to the next round. This format creates a sense of urgency and excitement, as each game is a must-win for the teams involved.
The First Four is a thrilling and unpredictable round that sets the stage for the rest of the NCAA Tournament. It provides an opportunity for Cinderella teams to make a name for themselves and for the top teams to prove their mettle in high-pressure situations.
First Round on March 17-18
The First Round of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place on March 17th and 18th, with 32 games scheduled across various regional sites. This round features the 32 teams that received at-large bids and the 32 teams that won their conference tournaments.
The top 16 seeds in the tournament will receive byes into the Second Round, meaning they will not play in the First Round. The remaining 48 teams will be paired up for 32 First Round games, with the winners advancing to the Second Round.
The First Round games will be played at regional sites across the country, with the NCAA Tournament Committee selecting the sites based on a variety of factors, including the availability of suitable venues and the proximity to the teams involved.
The First Round is a crucial stage in the tournament, as it sets the stage for the rest of the bracket. Upsets can and do happen in the First Round, as lower-seeded teams look to make a statement and knock off the higher-seeded teams.
The First Round is also a time for Cinderella teams to emerge. These are teams that haveCinderella teams to emerge. These are teams that have unexpectedly strong performances and make deep runs into the tournament. Cinderella teams often capture the hearts of fans across the country with their inspiring stories and exciting play.
Sweet 16 on March 23-24
The Sweet 16 is the fourth round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, and it features the 16 teams that survived the First Round and Second Round. These teams have proven their mettle and are now just two wins away from reaching the Final Four.
The Sweet 16 games will be played at four regional sites across the country, with the NCAA Tournament Committee selecting the sites based on a variety of factors, including the availability of suitable venues and the proximity to the teams involved.
The Sweet 16 is often considered to be the most exciting round of the tournament, as the remaining teams are all evenly matched and capable of making a run to the championship game. Upsets are common in the Sweet 16, as lower-seeded teams look to continue their Cinderella runs and knock off the higher-seeded teams.
The Sweet 16 is also a time for individual players to shine. With the stakes so high, we often see incredible performances from some of the best players in the country. These players rise to the occasion and make plays that will be remembered for years to come.
The Sweet 16 is a true basketball spectacle, and it’s a round of the tournament that no fan should miss. The games are always intense, the atmosphere is electric, and the storylines are captivating. It’s a weekend of non-stop basketball action that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Elite Eight on March 25-26
The Elite Eight is the fifth round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, and it features the eight teams that survived the Sweet 16. These teams are just one win away from reaching the Final Four and punching their ticket to Minneapolis, Minnesota, the site of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship Game.
The Elite Eight games will be played at two regional sites, with the NCAA Tournament Committee selecting the sites based on a variety of factors, including the availability of suitable venues and the proximity to the teams involved.
The Elite Eight is often considered to be the most pressure-packed round of the tournament. The stakes are incredibly high, as the teams are so close to reaching the Final Four. This often leads to intense and thrilling games, as the teams battle it out for a chance to advance.
The Elite Eight is also a time for Cinderella teams to make their mark. We’ve seen several instances in recent years where lower-seeded teams have made it to the Elite Eight, and even the Final Four. These teams play with nothing to lose and often surprise the higher-seeded teams with their talent and determination.
The Elite Eight is a showcase of the best women’s basketball has to offer. The games are always competitive, the atmosphere is electric, and the storylines are captivating. It’s a weekend of non-stop basketball action that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Final Four and Championship on March 31 – April 1
The Final Four is the culmination of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, and it features the four teams that survived the Elite Eight. These teams have proven themselves to be the best of the best, and they will now compete for the national championship.
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Single-elimination format:
The Final Four is a single-elimination tournament, meaning that the teams have only one chance to win and advance to the championship game. This format creates a sense of urgency and excitement, as each game is a must-win for the teams involved.
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National semifinals:
The first two games of the Final Four are the national semifinals, which are played on March 31st. The winners of these games will advance to the championship game.
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National championship game:
The championship game is played on April 1st, and it determines the NCAA Women’s Basketball Champion. This game is one of the most-watched sporting events in the United States, and it always features an exciting and competitive matchup.
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Host city:
The Final Four is held in a different city each year. The NCAA Tournament Committee selects the host city based on a variety of factors, including the availability of a suitable venue and the city’s ability to accommodate the large number of fans who attend the event.
The Final Four is a celebration of women’s basketball, and it’s a time for fans across the country to come together and cheer on their favorite teams. The games are always intense and exciting, and the atmosphere is electric. It’s a weekend of non-stop basketball action that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament:
Question 1: When is the tournament?
Answer 1: The 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place from March 15th to April 1st.
Question 2: How many teams participate in the tournament?
Answer 2: A total of 64 teams participate in the tournament, including 32 automatic qualifiers from conference tournaments and 32 at-large selections.
Question 3: Where will the tournament be held?
Answer 3: The tournament will be held at various sites across the United States, with the First Four, Second Round, and Sweet 16 games taking place at regional sites. The Elite Eight and Final Four games will be held at predetermined locations.
Question 4: How can I watch the tournament?
Answer 4: The tournament will be televised on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. You can also stream the games online through ESPN.com and the ESPN app.
Question 5: Who are the favorites to win the championship?
Answer 5: The favorites to win the championship in 2024 are the defending champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks, as well as teams like Stanford, Louisville, and UConn.
Question 6: How can I get tickets to the tournament?
Answer 6: Tickets for the tournament will go on sale in early 2024. You can purchase tickets through the NCAA website or through the host sites.
Question 7: What are some of the storylines to watch for in the tournament?
Answer 7: Some of the storylines to watch for in the tournament include the quest for a repeat championship by South Carolina, the return of star players from injury, and the emergence of new Cinderella teams.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Be sure to check the NCAA website for more information and updates as the tournament approaches.
In addition to the FAQ, here are some tips to help you make the most of your 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament experience:
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament experience:
Tip 1: Plan ahead:
The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is a popular event, so it’s important to plan ahead if you want to attend games in person. Purchase your tickets early, book your hotel accommodations, and arrange for transportation well in advance.
Tip 2: Research the teams and players:
Familiarize yourself with the teams and players participating in the tournament. Read up on their recent performances, key players, and coaching staffs. This will help you make informed decisions about which games to watch and who to root for.
Tip 3: Create a bracket:
Filling out a bracket is a fun way to engage with the tournament and test your knowledge of women’s basketball. You can create a bracket online or print one out from a newspaper or magazine.
Tip 4: Enjoy the atmosphere:
The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is known for its incredible atmosphere. Embrace the excitement and energy of the games, whether you’re watching in person or on TV. Cheer for your favorite teams, participate in the chants, and soak up the experience.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament experience. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the sport, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
With its thrilling games, passionate fans, and inspiring stories, the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament promises to be an unforgettable event. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready for the madness of March!
Conclusion
The 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament promises to be an unforgettable event, filled with thrilling games, passionate fans, and inspiring stories.
With 64 teams competing for the national championship, the tournament will feature some of the best women’s basketball players in the world. The First Four, First Round, and Second Round games will take place at regional sites across the country, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation in cities and towns across the nation.
The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games will narrow the field down to the final four teams, who will compete in the Final Four in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Final Four and championship game will be played in front of a sold-out crowd and a national television audience, providing a fitting conclusion to the tournament.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the sport, the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is an event that you won’t want to miss. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready for the madness of March!
Here’s to an exciting and memorable 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament!