The Gators play an NCAA Tournament game in the state of Florida for the first time since 2017.
What You Need to Know: NCAA Tournament in Tampa
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | Men's Basketball
No. 1-seed Florida men's basketball matches up against the winner of the First Four game between Prairie View A&M and Lehigh on Friday in Tampa at Benchmark International Arena, with tip set for 9:25 p.m. on TNT. Here's everything you need to know.
(1) Florida vs. (16) Prairie View A&M/(16) Lehigh
Know Before You Go
2025 Men's NCAA Tournament Events this week:
Team Send-off
Wednesday, Mar. 18 | 7:15 PM
Come send off the Gators as they depart for Tampa at the James W. Bill Heavener Center.
Tampa Welcome Event
Wednesday, Mar. 18 | 9:30 PM
Celebrate the start of the NCAA Tournament and welcome the team to Tampa.
JW Marriott; 510 Water St Tampa, FL 33602
Florida Open Practice
Thursday, Mar. 19 | 4:15-4:45 PM | Benchmark International Arena
Open practice for the Gators is free and open to the public.
Gator Walk
Friday, Mar. 20 | 7:30 PM
Come send off the Gators as they depart for their NCAA Tournament First Round game.
JW Marriott; 510 Water St., Tampa, FL 33602
Final Four Merchandise
Click Here for Official 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament gear.
(1) Florida vs. (16) Prairie View A&M/(16) Lehigh
- What: 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball First Round
- When: Friday, April 20 at 9:25 p.m. (ET)
- Where: Benchmark International Arena (Venue Info) / Tampa (City Info)
- Records: Florida (26-7) vs. Prairie View A&M (18-17)/Lehigh (18-16)
- TV: TNT (Tom McCarthy, Candace Parker, Dan Bonner and AJ Ross)
- Radio: Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD / Stations list
(with Sean Kelley, Lee Humphrey and Steve Egan) / Listen Live on the Varsity Network app
Know Before You Go
- Visit 2026 Men's Basketball Tournament Central for up-to-date NCAA Tournament Info
- Ticket info
- Benchmark International Arena Directions & Transportation
- Parking Information
- Benchmark International Arena: Know Before You Go | FAQ
- Session Game 1 – 6:50 p.m. / (8) Clemson vs. (9) Iowa
2025 Men's NCAA Tournament Events this week:
Team Send-off
Wednesday, Mar. 18 | 7:15 PM
Come send off the Gators as they depart for Tampa at the James W. Bill Heavener Center.
Tampa Welcome Event
Wednesday, Mar. 18 | 9:30 PM
Celebrate the start of the NCAA Tournament and welcome the team to Tampa.
JW Marriott; 510 Water St Tampa, FL 33602
Florida Open Practice
Thursday, Mar. 19 | 4:15-4:45 PM | Benchmark International Arena
Open practice for the Gators is free and open to the public.
Gator Walk
Friday, Mar. 20 | 7:30 PM
Come send off the Gators as they depart for their NCAA Tournament First Round game.
JW Marriott; 510 Water St., Tampa, FL 33602
Final Four Merchandise
Click Here for Official 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament gear.
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