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Selection Sunday to the 'Ship: Host the ultimate March Madness watch party at home

Trisha Easto
Paste BN
March 10, 2025, 7:02 a.m. ET

— Recommendations are independently chosen by our editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

There's a science to selecting your bracket - there's genuine college basketball knowledge, mascots, underdogs, uniform colors and so much more. But, this year when the NCAA College Basketball tournament rolls around, you'll want to be ready to host the best watch parties. And if you ask me, there's a science to that too. You could start with upgrading your visual and audio experience during Samsung's Spring Sale.

Let's break down what can help you throw the best watch parties for your entire bracket pool...or just for you if you don't want anyone to see you weep over a group of teenagers playing basketball.

TV Deals ahead of March Madness

Sitting on your tax refund and don't know how to spend it? Spring is a great time to upgrade the dusty TV in your living room, and it's just in time to watch basketball in the latest picture and quality.

Samsung - 65” Class Crystal UHD TV
You can get this 65" Samsung Crystal UHD TV for less than $400 when you shop the Samsung Spring Sale. Shop Samsung's Spring Sale today

Complete the home-viewing experience with a soundbar

Give yourself a theater-viewing experience by adding a soundbar to your living room.

B-series 5.1ch. DTS Virtual:X Soundbar w/Bass Boost / HW-B750D
Get an enhanced audio experience with a Samsung soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. Save $170 with Samsung's Spring Sale

Bracketology: Bring the March Madness bracket home

It wouldn't be March Madness without a bracket to shatter your heart. Whether you're in one pool or running several, bring the bracket to life with this wall-size reusable bracket and white board markers.

Reusable March Madness Bracket Poster
Bring the bracket to life in your living room with two dry erase 64-team brackets for less than $30. Get your real life bracket on Amazon today

Rep your team on game day, even if you're watching at home

Merch is a must-have. If your team is dancing, you'll want to grab the latest gear from Fanatics. Now that we're in the NIL-era, that could be player-specific jersey, or just a team shirt. My personal favorite is the apparel line WEAR by longtime sports reporter Erin Andrews. It combines fashion and sports in the best way, but you can never go wrong with a jersey.

NFL team gear
Don't forget the team swag! Get your gear at Fanatics today Shop at Fanatics

Get all the party hosting essentials

Whether you're watching the tournament with friends, or relaxing at home by yourself, game-day snacks are a must. Here are a few things that make game day food a breeze.

1. Seven-quart, stainless steel slow cooker Crock-pot

2. Countertop silicone heating mat for buffet-style warming

Countertop silicone heating mat for buffet-style warming
Keep all the gameday snacks, like queso and buffalo dip, warm with this countertop heating mat for under $40. Get 43% off on Amazon today

3. Jumbo Divided Serving Tray for Fruits, Veggies, and Chips with Lid

Jumbo Divided Serving Tray for Fruits, Veggies, and Chips with Lid
Prep the best snack trays with two-pack divided serving trays, with lids for easy refrigeration. Get free delivery when you order on Amazon

4. Gallon Glass Drink Dispensers with Stand and Stainless Steel Spigot for Parties

Gallon Glass Drink Dispensers with Stand and Stainless Steel Spigot for Parties
Provide drink options with these gallon-sized drink dispensers for under $40 on Amazon. Get 40% off on Amazon today

When does March Madness start?

March Madness officially kicks off with Selection Sunday, which takes place on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Here's a look at the rest of schedule for both the men's and women's March Madness tournaments:

2025 Men's March Madness schedule

  • March 16: Selection Sunday
  • March 18-19: First Four
  • March 20-21: First Round
  • March 22-23: Second Round
  • March 27-28: Sweet Sixteen
  • March 29-30: Elite Eight
  • April 5: Final Four
  • April 7: National Championship

MEN'S TOURNAMENT: Men's 2025 NCAA March Madness basketball tournament venues, schedule, dates

Women's 2025 NCAA Tournament schedule

  • March 16: Selection Sunday
  • March 19-20: First Four
  • March 21-22: First Round
  • March 23-24: Second Round
  • March 28-29: Sweet Sixteen
  • March 30-31: Elite Eight
  • April 4: Final Four
  • April 6: National Championship

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the Paste BN Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.