BRACKET AND FAN EVENTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 BIG TEN MEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
The Big Ten Conference released the bracket for the 27th annual Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, which will be hosted by the city of Minneapolis and Target Center from Wednesday, March 13, to Sunday, March 17. The full bracket and 13-game schedule can be viewed here. This is the first time the tournament has been played in Minnesota.
All seating for Session 1 on Wednesday, March 13, will be general admission. All other sessions will have reserved seating. All-session tickets are on sale now, and single-session tickets go on sale Monday at 12 p.m. online (available via this link) and via the Target Center box office (call 612-673-1300). Students of Big Ten universities may purchase Level 200 tickets on-site for sessions featuring their schools for $25. Students must have a valid student ID upon entry and are limited to one ticket per student.
All 14 Big Ten member institutions will compete in the tournament, with the champion receiving the conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. The championship game will take place Sunday, March 17, at 2:30 p.m. In the tournament’s history, seven different teams have claimed the conference championship including Purdue, which won its second title in 2023.
During the tournament, fans can enjoy and participate in numerous events and community initiatives in downtown Minneapolis. The schedule of events includes:
- Big Ten Makers Market – Located on Level 1 of City Center in Minneapolis, the Big Ten Makers Market is a one-stop shop for handmade goods, artistic creations, and unique finds, featuring 50 local creators, Big Ten Conference alumni, live music and entertainment, free fan face painting, photo opportunities and more. The market will be open to the public starting Wednesday, March 13, through Saturday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
- Minnesota Champions Fan Zone – Each day of the Makers Market, Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE) will host a fan zone in the atrium outside of the market, providing fans with an opportunity to shoot hoops and meet some of the MN Champions (a.k.a. some of Minnesota’s greatest Olympians).
- Critical Conversations – On Wednesday, March 13, from 3:30-6 p.m., a speaker series called “Critical Conversations” will be held at Tom’s Watch Bar, showcasing a diverse collection of local and national community leaders, influencers, and changemakers. The session will feature a conversation on mental health, breaking stigmas and building resilience. Register via this link.
- Big Ten Gives Back – On Thursday, March 14, from 3:30-5 pm, on the first floor of Minneapolis City Center, fans are invited to participate in the Big Ten Gives Back service project by bundling snack packs for local food shelves and youth recreation centers in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. MNSE partnered with HandsOn Twin Cities to organize this service project supporting Twin Cities youth facing food insecurity. Register via this link.
- Practice With a Purpose – On Friday, March 15, from 3-5 p.m. at Life Time Fitness in Target Center, there will be a free “Practice With a Purpose” youth skills clinic open to kids in Grades 3 – 6. The clinic includes skills training and basketball drills, as well as a “chalk talk” about the value of teams both on and off the court. Register via this link.
- Blue Carpet Arrivals – On Sunday, March 17, at 12:00 p.m., there will be a rally in the Target Center lobby, where fans can welcome the finalist teams as they walk the blue carpet upon arrival at Target Center. Spirit squads and pep bands from the competing teams will be on site to pump up the crowd.
Fans can learn more about featured events, premium seating and more by visiting the Minnesota Sports and Events website.
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About Minnesota Sports and Events
Minnesota Sports and Events is an independent 501c6 organization designed to bring significant economic, reputational, and social impact to the region through the attraction, promotion, and execution of world-class events. MNSE also advances community initiatives associated with each event with a focus on underserved communities and statewide engagement.
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