NCAA Tournament games are coming to Raleigh. How to get tickets, best places to park

For the fifth time, the arena now known as Lenovo Center will be the site of some NCAA Tournament games.

The Raleigh venue is one of 14 places across the country where 68 men’s basketball teams will compete in March Madness and try to become national champions. This year, first- and second-round games will be held at the venue.

N.C. State University is the official host of the Raleigh games.

Lenovo Center, though it has been called different names over the years, was most recently the site of men’s first- and second-round games in 2016, said Scott Dupree, the executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, in a phone interview. His organization focuses on attracting sports events that bring many visitors to Wake County, and working with the events to make them successful.

“I feel confident in saying there’s not a better college basketball market in America in terms of passion and enthusiasm for the sport,” Dupree said.

When March Madness games have been held in Raleigh in the past, the events have generated about $10 million for the local economy each time, Dupree said, as visitors book hotels, shop at retail stores and eat at restaurants.

The economic impact from this year’s event won’t be determined until later, but Dupree said he expects similar totals in 2025.

When will March Madness games be played at the Lenovo Center?

First and second round games will be held at the Lenovo Center on March 21 and March 23.

• Friday, March 21: Round 1, Session 1 and Session 2, with a total of four games. Teams and game schedules for March 21 were announced Selection Sunday, March 16 (see below). Everyone must leave the stadium at the end of the first session and may re-enter for Session 2, if they have tickets.
• Sunday, March 23: Round 2, with two games. Game times will be announced after the March 21 games.

Thursday, March 20 is practice day at the Lenovo Center. Admission is free, no tickets are required, and all eight teams playing in Raleigh will practice throughout the day, starting at 11 a.m.

Which teams are playing in Raleigh? And when?

Yes, East Region No. 1 seed Duke will be in Raleigh, starting the tournament close to home. And yes, freshman sensation Cooper Flagg should play, school officials said this weekend.

But after Duke, who else will be in Raleigh?

The top-seeded Blue Devils still don’t know, before Wednesday, who they will face. It will be the winner of a First Four matchup in Dayton, Ohio, between American and Mount Saint Mary’s, which will slot in as a No. 16 seed in the East Region.

No. 8 seed Mississippi State and No. 9 Baylor will square off in the same East Region on Friday, with the winner advancing to the round of 32 to face either Duke or the No. 16 seed (American or Mount St. Mary’s).

In the other pod of four teams, West Region No. 1 Florida — one of two top seeds from the SEC — will open its tournament run in Raleigh against No. 16 Norfolk State.

No. 8-seed Connecticut and No. 9 Oklahoma battle with the winner to face the Florida/Norfolk State winner on Sunday.

Mississippi State and Baylor kick things off in Raleigh on Friday at 12:15 p.m. Duke will follow at 2:50 p.m.

Florida will battle Norfolk State at 6:50 p.m., with UConn-Oklahoma set for 9:25 p.m.

Where can you buy tickets?

• Event tickets are available from Ticketmaster, at ticketmaster.com.
• Ticket packages, which provide entry to the games along with a commemorative gift set, are available at onlocationexp.com.

Additional tickets may become available the week of Monday, March 17.

Download mobile tickets in advance to avoid connectivity issues or long lines at the stadium.

Are there other activities at Lenovo Center?

Lenovo Center (1400 Edwards Mill Road) will host the Hoops and Hops Fan Zone, which will open 2 1/2 hours before each game on March 21 and March 23.

No tickets are required to enter the fan zone, which will include family-friendly activities and games, food trucks, craft beers and nonalcoholic beverages, merchandise and televisions showing games across the country.

Is there parking at Lenovo Center?

Parking at Lenovo Center is free on practice day.

On March 21 and March 23, visitors must pay to park, and purchasing parking is cheaper if done ahead of time.

• To pay for parking in advance ($45), visit parkwhiz.com/lenovo-center-parking.
• Parking is $60 on site.

What is the bag policy at Lenovo Center?

Visitors are allowed to bring a bag that is 4 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches or smaller.

Diaper bags and medical bags are also permitted.

This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 6:48 PM with the headline "NCAA Tournament games are coming to Raleigh. How to get tickets, best places to park."

Renee Umsted

The News & Observer

202-383-6008

Renee Umsted is a service journalism reporter for The News & Observer. She has a degree in journalism from the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU.