WHAT SPORTS ARE HAPPENING THIS MONTH?
March Sports Calendar: A Guide to the Thrilling World of Sports in Season
March is a bustling month in the sports world, offering fans a wide array of events across various disciplines. From the adrenaline-pumping action of the NCAA tournaments to the high-speed thrills of Formula 1, there's something for every sports enthusiast.
Here's your comprehensive guide to the major professional sports events, including how to watch them, ensuring you won't miss a moment of the action.
NCAA Basketball: March Madness
March Madness is the highlight of the college basketball season, captivating fans with its unpredictable upsets and buzzer-beaters. The 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament kicks off with Selection Sunday on March 17, followed by the First Four on March 19-20. The first and second rounds take place from March 21-24, leading up to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight from March 28-31. The Final Four will be held on April 6, with the championship game on April 8 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
For women's basketball, the NCAA Tournament follows a similar timeline, with teams battling it out to earn their spot in the Final Four and ultimately, the national championship. These games are a showcase of the best young talent in basketball and are not to be missed. You'll want to tune in to catch Caitlin Clark!
Men's Tournament
- Selection Sunday: March 17
- First Four: March 19-20
- First and Second Rounds: March 21-24
- Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: March 28-31
Formula 1 Racing
The Formula 1 season continues with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 22-24. This event marks the third race of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship, following the excitement of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. Fans can expect a weekend full of speed, strategy, and spectacle as the world's top drivers compete down under.
UEFA Champions League:
The knockout stages of Europe's premier club football competition continue in March, with teams vying for a place in the quarter-finals.
Major League Baseball (MLB): Spring Training
Spring Training: Throughout March
Spring training is in full swing in March, with teams honing their skills in the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues. Fans get a preview of the upcoming season, with new signings and prospects showcasing their talents.
National Basketball Association (NBA): Ongoing Season
Regular Season Action
Dates: Ongoing through April
The NBA season continues with teams jockeying for playoff positions. March is a critical month for establishing momentum and securing a favorable spot in the standings.
National Football League (NFL): Draft Preparations
NFL Draft Build-Up
NFL Draft: Scheduled for late April
March sees NFL teams deep in preparation for the upcoming draft, evaluating prospects at the NFL Combine and Pro Days, and finalizing their draft boards.
NASCAR: Race Season
Sprint Cup Series
Dates: Weekly races throughout March
NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series features high-octane races each weekend. March's races are pivotal for drivers looking to make their mark on the season standings.
World Athletics Indoor Championships
The World Athletics Indoor Championships is a major event in the athletics calendar, taking place from March 1-3 in Glasgow. This event gathers the world's best athletes to compete in various indoor track and field disciplines, showcasing their speed, strength, and agility[2].
Six Nations Rugby:
This annual international rugby union competition between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales concludes in March, with the final matches determining the championship.
How to Watch
Sports fans have various options to catch these events live. Cable subscribers can watch games on ESPN, CBS, and other sports networks. Streaming options include ESPN+, Paramount+, F1TV for Formula 1 races, and Peacock for select events. Additionally, many sports leagues and associations offer their own streaming services or partnerships with digital platforms, ensuring fans can follow the action from anywhere.
March is a sports enthusiast's dream, offering a packed schedule of events across all major sports. Whether you're tuning in for the buzzer-beaters of March Madness, the strategic maneuvers of Formula 1, or the athletic prowess on display at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, there's no shortage of thrilling moments. Keep this guide handy to stay updated on all the major sports action throughout the month.