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When the season runs
The college basketball season usually starts in November with non-conference games, when teams play opponents from outside their own conference, often including early-season tournaments and neutral-site games.
Conference play runs through the winter, then the season builds to the conference tournaments and finally the NCAA tournament in March. Exact dates change each season, so check the listing for each game before you plan travel.
Men's and women's games
We list both men's and women's college basketball games, so you can browse games for your school or a nearby campus in one place. Many schools play their men's and women's games in the same arena.
Women's games are often easier to get and lower priced than men's games at the same school, which makes them a good way to see top college basketball live without paying for the biggest nights.
Rivalry and ranked games
Rivalry games, matchups between ranked teams and big conference games are usually in much higher demand than other games on the schedule. They tend to cost more and can sell out well before tip-off.
If there is one game you really want to see, buy earlier rather than waiting. For less-known opponents or early-season games, you usually have more time and more seats to choose from.
Student sections and public seats
Most college arenas set aside a student section, and those seats are usually for enrolled students only, often checked with a student ID at the gate. A ticket in a student section may not get a non-student in.
If you are not a student at the school, choose a public section. Read the section and any notes on the listing before you buy, and our Sports Seating Guide explains how to pick a good view in an arena.
Tournament tickets
Conference tournament and March tournament tickets are often sold by session or by round rather than by single game. One session ticket can cover more than one game, and some packages cover several rounds at the same venue.
Teams for later rounds are not known until the bracket is set and earlier games are played, so you may be buying a seat before you know who will play. Check exactly what the ticket covers, which session, round and date, before you pay.
Where checkout happens
TicketsGarage is a discovery site. When we list an event, checkout happens on the partner's own site — Ticketmaster or HelloTickets, depending on the listing. The seller on that page handles your order, delivery and any refund if plans change.
Always finish the purchase on the verified checkout shown for the event, and check the all-in total there before you pay.
Browse live events with trusted partner checkout.
Frequently asked questions
When does college basketball season start?
The season usually starts in November with non-conference games, moves into conference play over the winter, and ends with the conference tournaments and the NCAA tournament in March. Exact dates change each season, so check each game's listing.
Are women's college basketball tickets cheaper?
Often, yes. Women's games are frequently easier to get and lower priced than men's games at the same school, though big rivalry and ranked games can still be in high demand. Compare the all-in price on the listing.
Can I sit in the student section?
Usually not unless you are an enrolled student. Student sections are normally reserved for students and may be checked with a student ID, so public buyers should choose a public section.
How do March Madness tickets work?
March tournament tickets are often sold by session or round, and one session can include more than one game. Teams are not known until the bracket is set, so check which session, round and date your ticket covers before you buy.