Hey, hoops fans!

We're springing into March Madness in Raleigh next month—Lenovo Center will host the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament First and Second Rounds on Fri., March 21 and Sun., March 23.

It's no surprise that the road to the Final Four runs through Raleigh—this is Tobacco Road, after all. But this will be the fifth time since 2004 that Lenovo Center has been an opening weekend host for the men's tournament (2004, 2008, 2014, 2016 and 2025; Lenovo Center will also be a regional host in 2028, meaning third and fourth round games will be played in Raleigh). 

Tickets are starting to run low so it's time to make plans now for a winning weekend—here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of tournament time in the City of Oaks!

When are the games?

First-round games will be played on Fri., March 21. There will be two sessions—an early and a late—both with two games played for a total of four games on Friday. Game times will be announced a few days prior. 

Second-round games will be played Sun., March 23. There will be one session with two games played. Game times will be announced later. 

What teams are playing in Raleigh? 

The tournament bracket will be unveiled on Selection Sunday—March 16 at 6pm this year. So we'll know the evening of March 16 which eight teams will spend the weekend in Raleigh. 

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available to be purchased online (and they're selling quickly!).

Tickets can be purchased in two ways—a pass for the entire weekend (all six games), or by individual session (two games per session). 

At the time of publishing, tickets for a single session start around $89. All-session tickets are available on Ticketmaster's resale market, so prices may fluctuate, but currently start around $500. 

Where is Lenovo Center? What does parking cost?

Lenovo Center—home to the Carolina Hurricanes, N.C. State University men's basketball team and dozens of other major entertainment events each year—is located at 1400 Edwards Mill Rd. in Raleigh, approximately 6.5 miles from downtown Raleigh (15-20 minutes by car with normal traffic). 

Most fans arrive at Lenovo Center by car. The cost to park at Lenovo Center for this event is $45 per session if you purchase your parking in advance (add parking when completing your ticket purchase, or purchase separately later through ParkWhiz).

Rideshare services are available, with a dedicated drop-off and pick-up zone located at Gate C off Trinity Rd. (Carter-Finley Stadium Gate C is the named entrance location on Google Maps).

Where should I eat?

If you're in town for just a few days and looking for at least one meal at the best of the best, here's a few recommendations: 

• Poole's Diner, for Southern comfort food at one of Raleigh's most iconic restaurants
• Angus Barn, for a legendary meal at a larger-than-life steakhouse
• Figulina, for handmade pasta at one of America's best new restaurants 
• Brodeto, for seafood-centric dishes in a cozy setting from acclaimed chef Scott Crawford
• East End Bistrot, for modern fine dining with excellent French cuisine
• Tamasha Modern Indian, for "wow"-worthy eats in Raleigh's North Hills entertainment district
• Ajja, for immaculate retro vibes and Middle Eastern flavors
• La Terrazza, for Mediterranean cuisine and the best skyline views
• G.58 Cuisine, for high-end Chinese in an artful dining room
• Di Fara Pizza, for hall-of-fame pizza in downtown Cary
• Irregardless, for dinner or brunch paired with live music at a 50-year-old favorite

 

 

 

 

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How about...barbecue?

Of course!

• Prime Barbecue, located in Knightdale, has racked up all the accolades of late. Pitmaster Christopher Prieto's blend of Texas and Carolina-style 'cue landed him as a nominee for Best Chef: Southeast for the 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards (tip: open 11am until sold out; closed Sundays and Mondays)
• Clyde Cooper's BBQ is an institution, serving old-school Carolina barbecue since 1938 in downtown Raleigh
• Longleaf Swine is a more new-school grade of Eastern-style, whole-hog goodness (open since 2022 with expansive outdoor seating)
• Sam Jones BBQ is named for (and run by) a Tar Heel State legend, serving classic 'cue slow-smoked over Carolina oak

 

 

 

 

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Where can I find a good sports bar?

Some favorites in the Raleigh area:

• Carolina Ale House (various locations including downtown Raleigh)
• Woody's at City Market (downtown Raleigh)
• My Way Tavern (downtown Raleigh)
• Spots & Social (Cary's Fenton district)
• Players Retreat (Hillsborough St., near downtown Raleigh)
• Tobacco Road Sports Cafe and Brewery (downtown Raleigh)

A new elevated sports bar, The Local, is the closest restaurant to Lenovo Center and a good bet to be a busy place for the weekend.

 

 

 

 

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What are some other must-dos or fun attractions? 

Raleigh is known for its abundance of free attractions. You can tour the North Carolina State Capitol, discover dinosaurs at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, spot spring blooms at the wonderful JC Raulston Arboretum, visit the campus at North Carolina State University (where you can find statues of college basketball legends Jim Valvano and David Thompson, among others) and find fun for all ages at the incredible Downtown Cary Park—all for free. 

In downtown Raleigh, you can check out what's new at two great food halls (Morgan Street Food Hall and Transfer Co. Food Hall), or play games and cheers to good beer at Boxcar Bar + Arcade (with Crank Arm Brewing across the street). 

If you're in your golf era, you'll want to try to snag a tee time at Lonnie Poole Golf Course (one of the state's best public courses), or at least gather your group at a place like Drive Shack. Since mini golf is so hot right now, you may want to check out Hop Shots Mini Golf—an alcohol-friendly course behind Raleigh Beer Garden that stays open late every night. 

And if you've got a need for speed, the new RushHour Karting in Morrisville features a two-story race track and electric karts that can hit nearly 40 mph. The venue also has an on-site restaurant, axe throwing, golf sims and even a 50-foot video wall to keep up with all the other tournament games. 

 

 

 

 

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What other events are happening over the weekend?

A few highlights from the rest of the weekend calendar in the Raleigh area:

• Art in Bloom, March 19-23 (limited tickets remaining)
• Raleigh Comedy Festival, March 20-22
• North Carolina Symphony: Mozart & Mahler, March 21-22
• Apex Racing Lab Bull Bash at Wake County Speedway, March 22
• Kruger Brothers, March 22
• Nuv Yug India Fest, March 22
• Los Tigres Del Norte, March 22
• Courage vs. Seattle Reign (NWSL soccer), March 22
• Carolina Ballet: Alice in Wonderland, March 22-23
• Exhibit: Your Brain on Art at Gregg Museum of Art & Design, opens March 20

 

 

 

 

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