What Is The First Four In March Madness? Your Ultimate Guide To The Exciting NCAA Tournament Kickoff

Author Krops 01 Apr 2025

March Madness is here, and it’s time to dive deep into the action-packed world of college basketball! If you’re new to this annual frenzy or just brushing up on the details, you’ve probably heard about the “First Four.” But what exactly is the First Four in March Madness? Stick around because we’re about to break it down for you in a way that’s easy to digest, packed with info, and maybe even a little entertaining. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore the tournament, this article’s got you covered!

The First Four in March Madness is more than just a prelude to the main event—it’s an essential part of the NCAA Tournament that sets the stage for the madness ahead. For those who don’t know, March Madness is one of the most thrilling sports tournaments in the world, and the First Four plays a crucial role in determining which teams get to compete in the big dance. It’s not just about filling out brackets; it’s about the underdog stories, the unexpected upsets, and the sheer excitement of college basketball.

So, why should you care about the First Four? Well, aside from the fact that it’s a fantastic way to kick off the tournament, it’s also where some of the most memorable moments happen. Think about it: these games give smaller schools or teams with lower seeds a chance to prove themselves on a national stage. It’s like a sneak peek into the drama that unfolds throughout the rest of March Madness. Let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know!

What is the First Four in March Madness?

The First Four is essentially the opening round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. It’s a set of four games that take place before the official start of the 64-team bracket. These games are designed to determine the final four spots in the tournament, giving teams a chance to earn their place among the elite. The concept was introduced in 2011 to accommodate the expansion of the tournament from 65 to 68 teams.

Here’s the deal: the First Four isn’t just a warm-up act. It’s a legitimate part of the tournament, and the winners of these games move on to the Round of 64, where the real action begins. These matchups often feature lower-seeded teams, teams from smaller conferences, or teams that barely made the cut. It’s a chance for the underdogs to shine and for fans to witness some incredible upsets right out of the gate.

Why Was the First Four Introduced?

Back in the day, the NCAA Tournament only had 64 teams, and there was no need for an extra round. However, as the popularity of the tournament grew, so did the demand for more teams to participate. In 2011, the NCAA decided to expand the tournament to 68 teams, and the First Four was born. This change allowed more schools to compete, giving smaller conferences a better chance to make noise in the big dance.

Let’s not forget the financial aspect. Expanding the tournament meant more games, more TV contracts, and more revenue for the NCAA. But don’t worry—it’s not all about the money. The First Four also adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, giving fans even more basketball to enjoy and more storylines to follow.

Key Reasons Behind the First Four

To accommodate the expansion of the tournament from 64 to 68 teams.
To provide more opportunities for smaller schools and conferences to compete.
To generate additional revenue through TV contracts and sponsorships.
To enhance the overall excitement and anticipation leading up to the main event.

How Does the First Four Work?

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about how the First Four actually works. The four games are divided into two categories: the play-in games for the lower-seeded teams and the games for the teams from smaller conferences. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Lower-Seed Play-In Games: These games feature the last four teams selected for the tournament based on their seeding. Typically, these are the No. 11 and No. 12 seeds, but occasionally, you’ll see higher seeds competing here as well. The winners of these games move on to face higher-seeded teams in the Round of 64.

Small-Conference Play-In Games: These games are reserved for teams from smaller conferences that may not have had the best regular-season records but still earned an automatic bid to the tournament. It’s a chance for these teams to prove they belong on the big stage.

Breaking Down the First Four Schedule

The First Four games usually take place on the Tuesday and Wednesday before the main tournament begins. Each game is broadcast nationally, giving fans a chance to see the action live. Here’s a sample schedule:

Tuesday: Two play-in games featuring lower-seeded teams.
Wednesday: Two play-in games featuring small-conference teams.

These games are played at the same venue as the early rounds of the tournament, ensuring a seamless transition into the main event.

What Makes the First Four So Exciting?

There’s something special about the First Four that sets it apart from the rest of the tournament. For starters, it’s where the underdogs get their chance to shine. You’ll often see smaller schools or lower-seeded teams pulling off incredible upsets against more established programs. It’s a true test of grit, determination, and heart.

Another exciting aspect of the First Four is the unpredictability. Unlike the later rounds of the tournament, where higher-seeded teams tend to dominate, anything can happen in these early games. A team that’s barely made the cut could end up knocking off a more favored opponent, creating one of those unforgettable March Madness moments that fans love so much.

Unforgettable First Four Moments

Over the years, the First Four has produced some incredible moments that have become part of March Madness lore. Here are a few examples:

2011: Virginia Commonwealth vs. USC – VCU made headlines by defeating USC in the First Four and eventually advancing to the Final Four.
2016: Wichita State vs. Vanderbilt – Wichita State pulled off a stunning upset over Vanderbilt, setting the tone for their impressive tournament run.
2018: UMBC vs. Virginia – While not part of the First Four, UMBC’s historic upset of No. 1 seed Virginia was made possible by their win in the play-in game against Texas Southern.

Who Participates in the First Four?

So, who gets to play in the First Four? The selection committee determines the participants based on a combination of factors, including a team’s overall record, strength of schedule, and performance in their conference tournament. Here’s a closer look at the types of teams you’ll typically see in the First Four:

Lower-Seeded Teams: These are usually the No. 11 and No. 12 seeds, but occasionally, you’ll see higher seeds competing here as well. These teams may have had a solid regular season but didn’t quite make the cut for a higher seed.

Small-Conference Teams: These are teams from smaller conferences that earned an automatic bid to the tournament. While they may not have the same level of resources or talent as teams from bigger conferences, they often bring a lot of heart and determination to the court.

Selection Criteria for the First Four

The selection committee uses a variety of criteria to determine which teams will participate in the First Four. Here are some of the key factors:

Overall record and performance during the regular season.
Strength of schedule and quality of opponents faced.
Performance in conference tournaments.
Head-to-head results against other tournament teams.

How Important is the First Four?

Some people might dismiss the First Four as just a bunch of play-in games, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The First Four is a crucial part of the NCAA Tournament, and the winners of these games have a real shot at making noise in the main event. In fact, several teams that have won in the First Four have gone on to make deep runs in the tournament.

For smaller schools and lower-seeded teams, the First Four is their chance to prove they belong on the big stage. It’s an opportunity to showcase their talent, build momentum, and gain national exposure. And for fans, it’s a chance to witness some incredible basketball and root for the underdogs.

Examples of First Four Success Stories

Here are a few examples of teams that have turned their First Four victories into memorable tournament runs:

VCU (2011): After winning in the First Four, VCU went on to reach the Final Four, becoming one of the biggest Cinderella stories in NCAA history.
Wichita State (2016): Wichita State’s First Four win over Vanderbilt set the stage for their impressive run to the Sweet 16.
UMBC (2018): UMBC’s victory in the First Four paved the way for their historic upset of No. 1 seed Virginia, making them the first No. 16 seed to ever defeat a No. 1 seed in the tournament.

How to Watch the First Four

Watching the First Four is easy! All the games are broadcast nationally on CBS or TBS, depending on the year. You can also stream the games online through the NCAA March Madness Live app or website. Whether you prefer watching on TV or streaming on your phone or computer, you won’t miss a single moment of the action.

One of the great things about the First Four is that it’s a great way to kick off your March Madness experience. It’s the perfect time to fill out your bracket, gather your friends, and get ready for the madness that’s about to unfold. So grab some snacks, turn on the TV, and enjoy the show!

Tips for Watching the First Four

Pay attention to the underdogs—they often pull off surprising upsets.
Keep an eye on the small-conference teams—they may not be household names, but they can pack a punch.
Don’t forget to update your bracket after the First Four games—you’ll want to make sure your picks are accurate for the Round of 64.

Conclusion: Why the First Four Matters

So there you have it—a comprehensive look at what the First Four in March Madness is all about. From its origins to its importance in the tournament, the First Four is a vital part of the March Madness experience. It’s where the underdogs get their chance to shine, where unexpected upsets happen, and where the madness truly begins.

As you prepare to dive into this year’s tournament, don’t overlook the First Four. These games are a fantastic way to kick off the action and set the tone for the rest of the tournament. So grab your bracket, gather your friends, and get ready to witness some incredible basketball. Who knows? You might just see the next big Cinderella story unfold right before your eyes!

Now, it’s your turn! Leave a comment below and let us know who you’re rooting for in the First Four. Share this article with your friends and family, and don’t forget to check out our other March Madness content. Until next time, keep the madness alive!

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