The calendar has flipped to March, and for college basketball fans, that means one thing: the road to the Final Four is officially underway. The electric atmosphere of Selection Sunday has arrived, setting the stage for the three-week sprint of chaos and Cinderella stories known as March Madness. As the final conference champions are crowned and the Field of 68 gets locked in, the NCAA has unveiled a perfect play for fans looking to experience the tournament live without breaking the bank.
Katz Delivers a Slam Dunk Deal for Fans
In a move that's sure to get fans off the couch, longtime college basketball analyst Andy Katz has partnered with the NCAA to offer a special ticket promotion. The deal is simple but sweet: use the promo code "KATZ" when purchasing tickets through NCAA.com to receive $20 off your order.
"Alright March Madness fans, I've got a great deal for you," Katz announced. "You want $20 off March Madness tickets? Here's what you got to do: use the code KATZ, K-A-T-Z, that's my name. And you know what? You get $20 off March Madness tickets." He specifically highlighted the upcoming Midwest Regional at Chicago's United Center as a prime opportunity to use the savings.
The Madness Timeline is Set
The tournament machine is already in motion. The men's selection show aired on CBS, revealing the bracket that will captivate the nation. The key dates for the 2026 tournament are now official, mapping out the path to Indianapolis:
- First Four: March 17-18
- First Round: March 19-20
- Second Round: March 21-22
- Sweet 16: March 26-27
- Elite Eight: March 28-29
- Final Four: April 4 (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)
- NCAA Championship Game: April 6 (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)
This year's field promises high drama, featuring a blend of elite NBA prospects and seasoned, veteran-led teams all battling for one shining moment. The buzz is already building, as evidenced by ESPN's college basketball ratings soaring to an 11-year high in the lead-up to the tournament.
Bracket Finale and Fan Frenzy
As of Selection Sunday, a handful of automatic bids were still up for grabs in conferences including the American, Atlantic 10, Big Ten, Ivy League, and SEC. These final pieces of the puzzle add one last layer of suspense before the full bracket is revealed and the madness truly begins.
For fans, the announcement of the Katz discount code is a timely tip-off. Securing tickets to the NCAA Tournament is always a competitive scramble, and any opportunity to save is a major assist. This promotion serves as a perfect bridge between the anticipation of Selection Sunday and the tip-off of the First Four.
The energy surrounding the tournament is palpable, with networks finalizing their talent lineups for the marathon coverage ahead. This includes moves like TNT Sports locking down sideline reporter Allie LaForce with a new multi-year deal just in time for the action.
So, as the brackets are printed and office pools are finalized, fans now have a game plan for the ultimate experience. By using the code "KATZ," they can secure a seat at the biggest show in college sports and witness the unforgettable upsets and buzzer-beaters that define March Madness. The road to Indianapolis starts now—and it just got a little more affordable.
