Welcome, Madness
The bright lights go on in Minneapolis in April, but March comes first. Dates to know:
Friday: Gophers' final regular-season game, at Maryland
March 13: Big Ten tournament starts in Chicago
March 17: Selection Sunday
March 19: NCAA tourney begins with the First Four games
March 30-31: Regional finals, where four teams punch tickets to Minneapolis
April 6: Final Four semifinals, U.S. Bank Stadium
April 8: Championship Monday, U.S. Bank Stadium