DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – The NCAA First Four is just a day away, and with its arrival surely there will be a multitude of visitors unfamiliar with the Miami Valley.
Welcome!
What is the schedule of the First Four games of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament?
All games broadcast on TruTV
Tuesday, March 19
- 6:40 p.m.: Wagner (16) vs. Howard (16)
- 9:10 p.m.: Colorado State (10) vs. Virginia (10)
Wednesday, March 20
- 6:40 p.m.: Grambling (16) vs. Montana State (16)
- 9:10 p.m.: Colorado (10) vs. Boise State (10)
The Big Hoopla has put together a list of frequently asked questions for those planning to attend the prelude to the annual college basketball championship tournament.
How do I purchase First Four tickets?
Tickets for the event can be purchased here. The website also provides information on the various ticket options available.
What is the schedule for this year’s tournament?
The Men’s 2024 tournament begins in Dayton on March 19 with the First Four event and ends with the NCAA championship game on April 8. This is according to the NCAA website.
Public practice sessions for teams playing during First Four start on Monday, March 18 from 5-8 p.m. They will also be held on Tuesday from 12-3 p.m.
Admission and parking are free to visitors.
The schedule of events as far as the tournament itself goes is listed below:
- Selection Sunday – Sunday, March 17.
- First Four – March 19-20.
- First round – March 21-22.
- Second round – March 23-24.
- Sweet 16 – March 28-29.
- Elite Eight – March 30-31.
- Final Four – Saturday, April 6.
- NCAA championship game – Monday, April 8.
What activities are offered leading up to the tournament?
Two events set the tone for First Four.
- The Big Hoopla 4 Miler – begins on March 17, a four-mile run that starts and finishes near UD arena.
- The Big Hoopla Stem Challenge – on March 17 at Dayton Convention Center, a bevy of activities for K-8 students that unites college hoops and STEM.
What time do the doors open for each game?
Generally speaking, doors open around ninety minutes before the first game begins.
Is there an ATM on site?
University of Dayton is 100% cashless, so there is not an ATM on location. The ticket office, concessions and gift shop take credit or debit cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Can I keep my car parked at the arena overnight?
No. Overnight parking is not permitted.
What can I bring into UD arena?
This question is probably easier to answer by stating what can’t be brought inside the arena.
- Bags and Backpacks, exceptions are made for purses and diaper bags.
- Bottles, cans or beverage containers.
- Large umbrellas.
- Laser pointers.
- Noise making devices (i.e. bells, whistles, horns, etc.)
- Illegal drugs and alcohol.
- Strollers.
- Weapons, including lawfully concealed firearms.
- Commercial signs or banners without the prior approval of UD Arena.
- Any item that challenges public safety.
- Cameras with a lens length longer than about an inch, and no detachable lenses or tripods will be allowed entry.
How much does it cost to park at UD Arena for the tournament?
Call the UD Arena Ticket Office at 937-229-4433 for parking prices.
What is the address for the arena?
UD Arena is located on 1801 Edwin C. Moses Blvd. in Dayton. If you’re arriving from the highway the arena is past exit 51 off I-75).
Where can I find a layout of the arena?
Click here to see a map of UD Arena as well as other gameday-specific information.
