March Madness Portland tickets 2026: Gonzaga, Wisconsin, BYU and more headed to Moda Center

Portland is getting a loaded dose of March Madness this year.

With Wisconsin, High Point, Arkansas, Hawaii, BYU, Gonzaga, Kennesaw State and the Texas/NC State winner all feeding into the Portland pod, the Moda Center is set up for a first weekend that should bring plenty of travel juice, upset potential and fan bases ready to pack the building. The arena will host first- and second-round games on March 19 and March 21.

BUY NOW: Get tickets to March Madness Portland games on StubHub

That’s what makes Portland such an appealing NCAA Tournament stop in 2026. You’ve got power-conference names, dangerous mid-majors and a bracket mix that should create real buzz from the opening tip. Only two teams will make it out of Moda Center and into the next round, which makes every session feel worth the trip.

Whether you’re coming from across town or crossing the country, here’s what to know before buying tickets for NCAA Tournament games in Portland.

How to buy NCAA Tournament tickets in Portland

• Tickets: StubHub

Tickets to NCAA Tournament games in Portland are available now on StubHub!

Three total sessions will be played at the Moda Center on March 19 and 21. Passes are available as all-sessions or single sessions. Currently, an all-sessions pass costs $500. Session 1 and 2 cost $100 each, while Session 3 is priced at $200.

Click the link below to view the latest costs and availability.

BUY NOW: Prices for first and second round NCAA basketball games at Moda Center

Which teams are playing in Portland?

• First-round game 1: No. 12 High Point 83, No. 5 Wisconsin 82
• First-round game 2: No. 4 Arkansas 97, No. 13 Hawai'i 78
• First-round game 3: No. 11 Texas 79, No. 6 BYU 71
• First-round game 4: No. 3 Gonzaga 73, No. 14 Kennesaw State 64
• Second-round game 1: No. 4 Arkansas vs. No. 12 High Point
• Second-round game 2: No. 3 Gonzaga vs. No. 11 Texas

Why Moda Center is a strong March Madness stop

Portland loves basketball. It may not have the same historical ties as the Midwest, but that's why the Moda Center is such a crucial stop during the NCAA Tournament.

The Moda Center was known as the Rose Garden from 1995 to 2013, paying homage to Boston Garden and Madison Square Garden. While the venue has since been renamed, the grounds' nickname of "Rose Quarter" stuck. 

Previously hosting Mach Madness in 2009, 2012, 2015 and 2022, Portland is always a success. With such a unique culture, landscapes and sights of the PNW, it's a no-brainer stop.

The Moda Center is easy to get to, too, easily accessible by light rail and bus services and just a few blocks away from countless hotels in the heart of Portland. Plus, it allows for views over the Willamette River to the west.

What to know before you go

Those headed to Portland for the NCAA Tournament should know a few things before tipoff.

The Moda Center is easily accessible by public transit services, but those wanting to drive to the venue should purchase parking passes in advance. You can do so on StubHub by clicking the "parking" tab at the top of the page.

Gates will open about 60 minutes prior to game start time. The Moda Center uses mobile ticketing, so patrons should have passes ready and loaded on devices at the doors. Screenshots are not acceptable.

The arena is mobile payment only, as well, and cash is not accepted at most vendors. Those who bring cash can exchange it for pre-loaded cards at Reverse ATMs around the grounds.

Bags smaller than 10"x6"x2" are allowed into the Moda Center through the expedited entry process. Anything larger must be scanned by X-Ray machines. Backpacks larger than 14"x14"x6" are not permitted and may be checked free of charge.