March 13, 2026 · Sports · San Diego, CA

SDSU to Host March Madness First & Second Round Games at Viejas Arena

March Madness is coming to the mesa. San Diego State University's Viejas Arena has been selected to host NCAA Tournament first and second round games on March 20-22, bringing the excitement of college basketball's biggest event to San Diego for the first time since 2018.

What to Expect

Viejas Arena, which seats 12,414 for basketball, will host eight first-round games on Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21, followed by four second-round matchups on Saturday, March 22. Game times and matchups will be announced following Selection Sunday on March 16.

"Having the NCAA Tournament return to San Diego is a testament to our world-class facility and the incredible basketball culture in this city," said SDSU Athletic Director John David Wicker. "Viejas Arena has hosted some of the most electric atmospheres in college basketball, and March Madness will be no different."

Economic Impact

The San Diego Tourism Authority estimates the three-day event will generate approximately $12 million in economic impact for the region. Hotels near campus and in Mission Valley are already seeing elevated booking rates for the tournament weekend.

Local restaurants and bars in the College Area, SDSU Transit Center area, and along El Cajon Boulevard are preparing for increased traffic. Several establishments plan extended hours and special March Madness promotions.

Tickets and Access

Tickets are available through the NCAA's official ticket partner. All-session passes start at $180, with individual session tickets starting at $45. SDSU students with valid Red-Black cards will have access to a limited student section allocation.

Parking on campus will be extremely limited during the tournament. Organizers recommend using the SDSU Transit Center, accessible via the Green Line trolley, as the primary transportation option. Shuttle service will run between the transit center and Viejas Arena.

SDSU's Tournament Hopes

The Aztecs, currently 24-7 and ranked No. 18 in the AP Poll, are expected to earn an at-large bid to the tournament. While they won't play their first-round games at home per NCAA rules, having the tournament on campus could provide a psychological boost for the team and an incredible experience for their fanbase.