The 2026 Solar Belt Event schedule delivers dependable mid-major pleasure each March, with a match that’s grow to be recognized for infrequent upsets, Cinderella runs, and robust regional fan assist. Groups like Appalachian State (App State) and James Madison have made nationwide headlines with memorable NCAA upsets lately, whereas constant bracket previews spotlight the league’s potential for bubble drama and worth picks. For followers within the Southeast and past, the 2026 Solar Belt Event is a spotlight of Champ Week.
Hosted for the sixth straight 12 months (and locked in by 2030) on the Pensacola Bay Heart in sunny Pensacola, Florida, this 14-team single-elimination occasion crowns the automated NCAA bid for the convention. Whether or not you’re monitoring a possible sleeper or constructing your March Insanity bracket, right here’s your full information.
Key 2026 Solar Belt Males’s Basketball Event Particulars
Kere are key particulars for the 2026 Solar Belt Males’s basketball match for you. It takes place a tad earlier than the opposite convention tournaments we’ll all be watching in March.
- Dates: March 3–9, 2026 (full 14-team bracket: early rounds March 3–6, quarterfinals March 7, semifinals March 8, championship March 9)
- Location: Pensacola Bay Heart, Pensacola, Florida
- Format: 14 groups qualify (seeded by convention file with tiebreakers); decrease seeds play early rounds, with byes for increased seeds; single-elimination all through
- Why Pensacola?: The coastal venue (just lately upgraded) presents a enjoyable, accessible ambiance with seaside vibes. It’s confirmed a dependable host with robust attendance.
- TV Broadcast: All video games on ESPN+, with choose matchups (together with the championship) on ESPN/ESPN2 linear networks; test sunbeltsports.org for remaining TV/streaming particulars.
- Tickets: Accessible now through Ticketmaster or the convention website (all-session packages, together with courtside/flooring seats, supply nice worth for multi-game viewing).
2026 Solar Belt Event Schedule & Bracket
Right here’s the 2026 Solar Belt Event Schedule and bracket for you. The Seeding is predicated on regular-season convention play (ends early March). The bracket contains a full 14-team setup with early-round video games giving underdogs a shot.
(Occasions CT/ET, topic to vary):
- First Spherical (Tuesday, March 3): 2 video games (~5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.)
- Second Spherical (Wednesday, March 4): 2 video games (~5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.)
- Third Spherical (Thursday, March 5): 2 video games (~5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.)
- Quarterfinals (Friday, March 6): 2 video games (~5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.)
- Semifinals (Saturday, March 7): 2 video games (~5:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.)
- Championship (Monday, March 9): Title recreation ~6:00 p.m. (on ESPN/ESPN2)
Full bracket, dwell scores, and updates can be posted on sunbeltsports.org because the season concludes. The winner earns the automated NCAA bid.
Printable 2026 Solar Belt Event Bracket
[Printable 2026 Sun Belt Tournament Bracket PDF]
Obtain our free, printable bracket template to fill in as video games unfold! (Hyperlink to your PDF right here Nice for predictions, swimming pools, or monitoring regional rivalries. You may also save or print the bracket in picture format beneath to PDF format.
Tie-In to March Insanity & Regional Buzz
The Solar Belt usually produces bracket-busting moments and stable NCAA performers. App State’s power and James Madison’s latest success present the league’s upside. As we head into the complete 2026 March Insanity schedule (Choice Sunday: March 15; First 4: March 17-18 in Dayton; Last 4: April 4-6 in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium), Solar Belt groups continuously seem as intriguing 12- or 13-seeds with upset potential.
For extra NCAA Event sources:
Early 2026 March Insanity Odds & Predictions
Solar Belt standouts like James Madison or App State can supply sleeper worth in futures and parlays. Use our instruments to investigate strains:
Keep tuned to SportsBrackets.web for dwell updates, bracket challenges, and extra because the match approaches.
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