Where is the NCAA Tournament game for Tennessee basketball? The most recent estimates

The NCAA Tournament is one of the most exciting events in college basketball, with teams from across the nation fighting for a chance to make their mark on March Madness. For the Tennessee Volunteers, this year’s tournament holds special significance, and as the Vols prepare for postseason play, there is much anticipation surrounding their potential locations and matchups. Rick Barnes and his team have had a solid season, and now it’s all about making a deep run in the tournament. But as we look ahead, many Tennessee fans are wondering where their team might be playing and what potential outcomes await them in March. In this article, we’ll explore the possible sites for Tennessee basketball in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, look at their chances for success, and dive into the significance of the tournament for the Volunteers.

The Road to the NCAA Tournament

Before diving into potential NCAA Tournament locations for Tennessee basketball, it’s important to acknowledge how the Vols have gotten here. As the 2025 NCAA Tournament draws closer, the Vols have had a strong season under head coach Rick Barnes. With the team having secured a solid ranking throughout the season, they’ve made themselves a contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and nationally. Tennessee has consistently been ranked within the top 10 of college basketball and has earned a place as a probable No. 2 seed heading into March Madness.

Tennessee’s regular season has been marked by impressive wins and tough losses, but the Vols have proven to be resilient, able to bounce back from adversity and keep pushing forward. Players like Josiah-Jordan James, Santiago Vescovi, and Zakai Zeigler have played pivotal roles in leading Tennessee to this point. The team’s ability to play strong defense, maintain efficient ball movement, and execute under pressure has allowed them to remain competitive throughout the season. As they now turn their focus to the SEC Tournament, their potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament seems very real.

NCAA Tournament Locations for Tennessee Basketball

When it comes to the NCAA Tournament, one of the first things fans want to know is where their team will be playing. The tournament is structured in such a way that games are played at various regional sites during the first and second rounds. These locations are determined by the NCAA and usually offer a combination of neutral-site games, as well as regional matchups that provide an advantage for geographically closer teams. This is where things get interesting for Tennessee basketball, as the Volunteers’ fanbase and geographic location make certain venues more likely.

Proximity and Travel Considerations

As a team based in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Volunteers have a sizable and dedicated fanbase that spans the state and beyond. The team’s proximity to several major basketball hubs means that they could potentially play at multiple venues within driving distance, which could give them an edge in terms of fan support. As a high seed in the tournament, Tennessee is expected to play in one of several regional sites that could range from cities in the Southeast to those farther afield. While the NCAA Tournament committee considers competitive balance when assigning teams to specific regions, Tennessee’s location within the SEC also makes certain sites more likely.

Potential Early-Round Locations

The first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament will feature a series of games played at various regional locations. While it’s impossible to predict with absolute certainty where Tennessee will play, we can examine some of the most likely sites based on previous tournament history and geographic proximity. These sites have hosted NCAA games in recent years and may be among the first choices for Tennessee’s matchups.

1. Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee

Bridgestone Arena in Nashville is one of the most plausible locations for Tennessee’s first- or second-round games. As one of the premier arenas in the Southeast, Bridgestone Arena has a rich history of hosting major NCAA events, including the SEC Tournament. Nashville is a central hub for the Vols’ fanbase, and the city’s proximity to Knoxville (approximately 180 miles) makes it an ideal location for Tennessee to play in the early rounds. Not only is Nashville a large city with ample amenities and accommodations, but the Vols’ presence in the city could provide a significant home-court advantage in terms of fan support.

Historically, Bridgestone Arena has hosted several rounds of the NCAA Tournament, and it is frequently selected as one of the tournament’s venues due to its central location within the Southeastern Conference’s footprint. With Tennessee’s success and reputation within the SEC, it’s highly likely the Vols will be one of the teams placed in Nashville.

2. Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky

Another potential location for Tennessee’s early games could be Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Rupp Arena is located in one of the most basketball-crazed regions of the country, home to the University of Kentucky Wildcats, one of Tennessee’s biggest rivals in the SEC. While Tennessee would face a neutral-site game, the proximity of Lexington to Knoxville (around 180 miles) makes it a logical option for the Vols.

Rupp Arena is a historic venue that has been the site of countless NCAA Tournament games over the years. Given Kentucky’s longstanding success in college basketball and the arena’s central role in the Southeastern Conference, Rupp Arena is a prime candidate to host Tennessee’s early tournament games, particularly as the Vols are likely to be one of the higher seeds in the bracket.

3. State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, is another plausible venue for Tennessee basketball in the NCAA Tournament. Atlanta is located approximately 220 miles south of Knoxville, which would allow a relatively short trip for Vols fans to support their team. As a major metropolitan area, Atlanta has the infrastructure to accommodate large events like the NCAA Tournament, and State Farm Arena has proven to be an excellent venue for March Madness games in recent years.

Atlanta is also home to several SEC schools, and it has frequently been selected as a regional site for the tournament. As the NCAA Tournament continues to rotate venues, Atlanta remains one of the key destinations for postseason basketball in the Southeastern region.

4. Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama

Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, could also be a site where Tennessee plays its first- or second-round games. Birmingham is located just a few hours south of Knoxville, and the arena has previously hosted NCAA Tournament games. Legacy Arena is part of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, which is capable of hosting large crowds and providing modern amenities. Although it may not be as high-profile as some of the other venues mentioned, it remains a feasible option for early-round games.

Regional Semifinals and Finals

As Tennessee advances past the first and second rounds, they would play in one of the four regional semifinals and finals, also known as the Sweet 16 and Elite 8. These games will take place at four regional sites, and the location of these games will depend on the Vols’ placement within the bracket.

1. United Center, Chicago, Illinois

One potential location for Tennessee’s regional semifinal and final games is the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago has hosted many NCAA Tournament games over the years, and the United Center is one of the top venues in the country. As one of the largest cities in the U.S., Chicago is a central hub for basketball fans and has a deep basketball culture. Its location in the Midwest makes it an ideal site for teams from various regions to compete.

2. Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York

Madison Square Garden, located in New York City, is perhaps the most iconic basketball arena in the country. It has hosted NCAA Tournament games and regional finals for decades and remains a top-tier venue for March Madness. While it may be a longer trip for Tennessee fans, the prestige of playing in Madison Square Garden is hard to overstate. If the Vols are fortunate enough to advance to the regional final in this venue, it would be a major milestone for the program.

3. Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, is another possible destination for the Vols in the later rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Located on the West Coast, Staples Center is a state-of-the-art arena that regularly hosts NCAA Tournament games. As one of the most recognizable arenas in the world, it would offer a high-profile setting for Tennessee to compete in the Sweet 16 or Elite 8. While this would be a more challenging travel situation for Vols fans, the opportunity to play in a venue like Staples Center would be an unforgettable experience.

4. AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas

Finally, AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, is another venue that has hosted NCAA Tournament games. San Antonio has been a consistent host of March Madness events and has a deep history with the tournament. Located in the heart of Texas, AT&T Center is known for its excellent facilities and fan-friendly atmosphere. Should Tennessee reach the regional final in San Antonio, it would be a fitting and exciting venue for their continued tournament run.

Final Four and Championship Game

The Final Four and Championship Game for the 2025 NCAA Tournament will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lucas Oil Stadium is a premier football stadium with the capacity to host large crowds, and it has previously served as the site for the Final Four. The city of Indianapolis has a deep connection to college basketball and is a fitting location for the culmination of March Madness. If Tennessee makes it to the Final Four, they will be playing in one of the most prestigious venues in the country.