NCAA Tournament
Spokane

March Madness in Spokane -- The Inland Northwest Welcomes the Tournament

Spokane has earned a reputation as one of the most passionate and welcoming NCAA Tournament host cities in the country. The community's enthusiasm for college basketball -- fueled by the nearby Gonzaga Bulldogs, one of the premier programs in the sport -- translates into electric arena atmospheres and packed restaurants on tournament weekends. Numerica Veterans Arena has hosted tournament games on multiple occasions, and each time the city has delivered a first-class experience for teams, fans, and media. The arena's 12,500-seat capacity creates an intimate setting where every cheer reverberates, making it one of the loudest opening-weekend venues in the tournament rotation.

The first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament are widely considered the most exciting stretch of the event. With 16 teams competing across four games on the opening day, the action is relentless -- games overlap, upsets unfold in real time, and the energy in the building builds from the first tip-off to the final buzzer. The second round narrows the field further, with winners advancing to the Sweet 16 at their assigned regional site. For fans in the arena, the opening weekend offers a density of competitive basketball that no other sporting event can match.

Spokane itself is a mid-sized city in eastern Washington with a thriving downtown centered around the Riverfront Park and the Spokane River. The city's dining scene has grown significantly in recent years, with craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and coffee shops dotting the downtown core. The arena is easily accessible from Spokane International Airport (GEG), about a 15-minute drive west of downtown, and the city's compact layout makes it easy to walk between hotels, restaurants, and the venue.

The 2027 tournament field of 68 is set on Selection Sunday in mid-March. The First Four in Dayton on March 16-17 kicks things off, followed by first- and second-round games at Spokane and seven other sites. The tournament builds through the regional rounds in late March before culminating with the Final Four at Ford Field in Detroit on April 3 and 5, 2027.

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How to Buy NCAA Tournament Spokane Tickets

Where can I buy 2027 NCAA Tournament Spokane tickets?

Tickets may be available through the official NCAA March Madness website and authorized sellers. Verified resale tickets are also available on BigStub, a trusted marketplace with no hidden fees and a full buyer guarantee.

When are the first- and second-round games in Spokane?

First-round games are held on Thursday and Friday in mid-March, with second-round games on Saturday and Sunday. Exact dates and matchups are set after the bracket is revealed on Selection Sunday. Check the official NCAA website for the schedule once announced.

What should I know about Numerica Veterans Arena?

Numerica Veterans Arena seats approximately 12,500 and is located in downtown Spokane, just north of the Spokane River. The arena is within walking distance of hotels and restaurants and about 15 minutes from Spokane International Airport (GEG).

Are resale NCAA Tournament tickets safe to buy?

Yes. BigStub verifies every seller and guarantees ticket authenticity. With over 20 years of experience and the highest Trustpilot rating among ticket resale marketplaces, every BigStub order includes a 100% buyer guarantee.

How many games are played in the first and second rounds?

Each first-weekend site hosts four first-round games spread across two days, followed by two second-round games. Winners of the second round advance to the Sweet 16 at their assigned regional venue.

NCAA Tournament Spokane -- Frequently Asked Questions

When are the 2027 NCAA Tournament games in Spokane?

Spokane hosts first- and second-round games in mid-March 2027. First-round games are played on Thursday and Friday, with second-round games on Saturday and Sunday.

Where is Numerica Veterans Arena?

Numerica Veterans Arena is located in downtown Spokane, Washington, just north of the Spokane River. It is within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants.

How big is Numerica Veterans Arena?

The arena seats approximately 12,500 for basketball, creating an intimate and loud atmosphere that is ideal for tournament games.

How do I get to Spokane?

Spokane International Airport (GEG) is about 15 minutes west of downtown. The city is also accessible by car via Interstate 90 from Seattle (about 4.5 hours west) and from Boise (about 6 hours south).

Are there hotels near the arena?

Yes. Several hotels are within walking distance of Numerica Veterans Arena in downtown Spokane. The Davenport Hotel, Hotel RL, and several chain properties along Division Street are popular choices for tournament visitors.

What is there to do in Spokane during the tournament?

Spokane offers Riverfront Park along the Spokane River, a growing craft brewery scene, diverse dining options downtown, and easy access to outdoor recreation. The city is compact and walkable during tournament weekends.

How many teams play in the first round at Spokane?

Sixteen teams are divided into four pods, and each first-weekend site hosts one pod. Spokane will host eight teams playing four first-round games, with four winners returning for two second-round games.

Where is the 2027 Final Four?

The 2027 Final Four is at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, with the national semifinals on April 3 and the championship game on April 5.

What is the connection between Spokane and Gonzaga basketball?

Gonzaga University is located in Spokane and has one of the most successful basketball programs in the country. The local fan base brings passionate college basketball knowledge and energy to NCAA Tournament games hosted in the city.

Can I buy all-session passes for the Spokane games?

All-session ticket packages covering both the first and second rounds are typically available and offer the best value for fans planning to attend the full opening weekend.

Are NCAA Tournament Spokane tickets refundable?

Refund policies vary by seller. BigStub offers a buyer guarantee on every order, and their customer service team can assist with questions about specific purchases.

What is Selection Sunday?

Selection Sunday is the day the full 68-team NCAA Tournament bracket is revealed. It typically falls in mid-March and sets all matchups, seeds, and regional assignments for the tournament.