A Guide to Purchasing Tickets for the Saturday Round of 32 of Tennessee March Madness

March Madness, the annual NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, is one of the most exhilarating sporting events in the United States, captivating fans across the nation. For those lucky enough to attend the games, the experience of watching high-stakes, elite basketball action live is a thrill like no other. The Round of 32, set for the Saturday of the tournament, is a pivotal point where the remaining teams vie for a spot in the Sweet 16. For Tennessee fans, the excitement of seeing their team play live is especially high, as they cheer on the Volunteers in their quest for a national title.

Purchasing tickets to the Saturday Round of 32 in March Madness, particularly for Tennessee’s game, requires some preparation and attention to detail. Whether you’re a seasoned basketball fan or a first-time attendee, securing your seat at the game can be a smooth and enjoyable process if you follow the right steps.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of purchasing tickets, from understanding the ticketing system to finding the best options for your budget and preferences. Let’s get started!

1. Understanding the Format of the NCAA Tournament

Before diving into the specifics of purchasing tickets, it’s essential to understand how the NCAA Tournament is structured and when the Round of 32 takes place. The tournament consists of 68 teams, which are divided into four regions: East, West, South, and Midwest. Each region has its own set of games, and the teams play their way through the rounds.

• First Four: The tournament begins with the First Four games, which are played on the Tuesday and Wednesday before the tournament’s official start.
• First Round: Following the First Four, the First Round begins on Thursday and Friday, where 64 teams compete in the opening round of the tournament.
• Second Round (Round of 32): This is where Tennessee enters the conversation. The Saturday of the tournament typically features the second round of games, where the winners of the First Round face off for a chance to advance to the Sweet 16.

If you’re looking to attend the Tennessee game in the Round of 32, you will likely be looking for tickets for a game either in the South region (if Tennessee is assigned there) or another location depending on the bracket placement.

2. Where to Buy NCAA Tournament Tickets

Several platforms offer tickets to the NCAA Tournament, including official NCAA ticketing outlets, secondary market sellers, and other authorized ticket distributors. Here’s a breakdown of where to buy tickets:

A. Official NCAA Ticketing

The safest and most reliable way to purchase tickets for the March Madness Round of 32 is through the official NCAA ticketing portal. The NCAA allocates a portion of tickets to the public through its own sales channels. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Visit the Official NCAA Website: Go to the official NCAA March Madness website (ncaa.com). This site contains the most up-to-date information about ticket sales, game locations, and game times. On the website, you’ll find a dedicated section for purchasing tickets to the tournament.
2. Select Your Game and Location: Once you’re on the ticketing page, you’ll be able to select the game you want to attend. For Tennessee, look for the bracket where they’re playing and the corresponding venue. This information will help you choose the correct game.
3. Log In or Create an Account: To purchase tickets directly through the NCAA website, you will need to create an account or log into an existing account. This account will store your purchasing information and allow you to track your ticket orders.
4. Choose Your Seats: The NCAA’s official platform often sells tickets in a general “best available” format, but some regions allow you to choose specific sections or seats. Be prepared to purchase quickly, as tickets can sell out fast due to high demand.
5. Ticket Prices: Official ticket prices can vary depending on the venue, the game, and the round of play. Generally, for the Round of 32, ticket prices range from $50 to $150 per seat, depending on the location and proximity to the court.
6. Ticket Delivery: After your purchase is confirmed, tickets will typically be delivered digitally to your email or available in a mobile app for entry. Make sure to download or print your tickets before heading to the venue.

B. Secondary Market (Resale Platforms)

Sometimes, official tickets are unavailable, or the prices on the primary market may be too high. In these cases, resale platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster are popular alternatives. Here’s how to navigate these options:

1. StubHub: One of the most well-known resale platforms, StubHub allows fans to buy and sell tickets in a secure environment. You can search for tickets by team, venue, or specific game. Keep in mind that prices on StubHub are set by the sellers, and they can fluctuate based on demand. The benefit of StubHub is that it guarantees the authenticity of tickets and offers customer service if any issues arise.
2. Vivid Seats: Vivid Seats is another popular resale site that allows you to find tickets for March Madness games. It’s often a good place to search if the official tickets have sold out. As with StubHub, prices may be higher than face value due to demand.
3. SeatGeek: Like StubHub and Vivid Seats, SeatGeek offers resale tickets but prides itself on offering transparency through a rating system for each ticket listing. This system helps buyers understand whether they’re getting a good deal or not. Make sure to check the seats’ ratings before purchasing.
4. Ticketmaster: Known for its extensive network, Ticketmaster is another reliable source for NCAA tickets, including resale options. Ticketmaster also often has verified resale tickets, which can be a great option for securing tickets closer to game time.
5. Ticket Prices on Secondary Market: On secondary market platforms, ticket prices can vary widely. Depending on demand, you could find tickets at prices well above or below face value. Prices for tickets to the Round of 32 can range from $100 to $300 or more for premium seats.
6. Fees: When purchasing tickets on resale platforms, be aware of the additional service and processing fees, which can add 10-20% to the total cost.

C. Other Authorized Sellers

In addition to the NCAA’s official portal and secondary platforms, other sellers like Fanatics, The Ticket Network, and Primesport offer official tickets to NCAA events. It’s essential to ensure these platforms are authorized resellers to avoid counterfeit tickets or scalping issues.

3. Where to Sit: Choosing Your Seats

Choosing the right seats for the Round of 32 can make a huge difference in your overall experience. Here’s a quick rundown of the different types of seating options available at NCAA games:

1. Courtside Seats: For the ultimate fan experience, courtside seats offer an up-close-and-personal view of the action. These seats are generally the most expensive option but are worth it if you want to be as close to the game as possible. Courtside tickets for high-demand games can run anywhere from $300 to $1,000 or more.
2. Lower Level: If courtside seats are out of your budget, seats in the lower bowl are a great choice. These seats provide a fantastic view and are often priced in the range of $100 to $300.
3. Upper Level: For fans on a budget, the upper level provides a more affordable option. While the view is not as close, it’s still a great way to experience the energy of the game. Upper-level tickets for the Round of 32 typically range from $50 to $150.
4. VIP and Club Seats: Some arenas offer VIP or club-level seats, which provide additional amenities like access to exclusive lounges, in-seat service, and more comfortable seating. These tickets often come with a premium price but can enhance the experience significantly.

4. Additional Tips for Buying Tickets

• Be Ready to Buy Early: Tickets for March Madness are in high demand, especially for games featuring top-ranked teams like Tennessee. Be prepared to purchase as soon as tickets go on sale to avoid missing out.
• Monitor Prices and Deals: If you’re purchasing tickets from a resale platform, keep an eye on fluctuating prices. Sometimes, sellers will lower prices closer to game day if tickets haven’t sold.
• Consider Parking and Transportation: When purchasing tickets, don’t forget to consider parking or transportation to the arena. Depending on the location, you may need to purchase parking passes in advance or use public transportation to avoid the hassle of finding parking.
• Set Up Alerts: If you’re hoping for a deal, consider setting up alerts on ticketing platforms for when tickets become available or drop in price. Many sites offer this feature.
• Group Tickets: If you’re attending with a group, check if there are discounts for bulk ticket purchases. Many arenas offer group pricing for larger parties, which can help save money.