March Madness Takes Center Stage in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. — As large oak trees part and the Lenovo Center comes into view, the NCAA-themed graphics proclaiming “Welcome to Raleigh” signal the start of March Madness. The arena, situated just a short commute from North Carolina’s state capital, pulsates with excitement as it prepares to host the first two rounds of the tournament.

The Triangle area, home to the North Carolina Tar Heels, Duke Blue Devils, and North Carolina State Wolfpack, has always been a hotbed for basketball, known for its passionate fans and historic rivalries along Tobacco Road. This season, however, the fervor has reached unprecedented levels as teams prepare for a thrilling tournament.

“My personal favorite time of the year, and it’s always a blessing to be a part of March Madness,” said Baylor Bears men’s coach Scott Drew. “It’s kind of like kids opening up Christmas gifts, birthday gifts.”

This week, the anticipation is palpable as the defending national champion UConn Huskies aim for a third consecutive title—an achievement not seen since the UCLA Bruins’ dynasty decades ago. Alongside them, the presumptive No. 1 NBA draft pick Cooper Flagg returns from injury, carrying high expectations for his Blue Devils.

Coach Porter Moser of the Oklahoma Sooners reflected on the stakes, saying, “This tournament, there’s nothing like it. What we’re looking forward to is competing, to get a win one game at a time.”

In addition to the men’s tournament, the NCAA women’s basketball tournament has also set the stage for thrilling competition, as all three local ACC schools received top seeds and will host games within a convenient half-hour drive.

Thursday night marked an exciting first game of the women’s tournament at UNC’s Carmichael Arena, where the No. 11 seed Columbia Lions faced off against the Washington Huskies. After trailing at halftime, Columbia surged back to secure a 63–60 victory—its first NCAA tournament win. Coach Megan Griffith celebrated the milestone, saying, “They heard what they needed to hear.”

Columbia will advance to face the West Virginia Mountaineers, part of a doubleheader in Chapel Hill. Several other teams will compete simultaneously at NC State’s Reynolds Coliseum, including a Wolfpack eager for a chance at back-to-back Final Four appearances.

Rival Duke has its own pair of tournament games scheduled for Friday, further contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. “It’s just nice not to have to get on a plane,” said Duke freshman Kon Knueppel, emphasizing the convenience of local play. “Not too much travel, soreness, and stuff like that.”

Even as the excitement builds, caution remains key in March Madness. “If you don’t come ready to play, you’ll lose,” noted Duke women’s coach Kara Lawson. “You have to play well to win.”

Coaches emphasize that, regardless of the unique circumstances, the focus remains the same: survive and advance. UConn’s Dan Hurley expressed optimism, stating, “If we can find a way to advance, UConn becomes very dangerous.”

As fans flock to the Lenovo Center and arenas across the Triangle, the energy typical of March Madness is unmistakable. Outside Carmichael Arena, a group of Tar Heel supporters made their way to the ticket office, ready to secure their seats for the action. Their eagerness highlights the community’s deep connection to collegiate basketball, which is at its peak during this time.

March Madness is not merely welcomed; it is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm throughout the Triangle region.