The road to the Final Four will run through Houston this week as the city hosts the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional, bringing the high-stakes Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds to the Toyota Center.

Game times are set for Thursday, March 26, and Saturday, March 28, with two Sweet 16 matchups followed by the Elite 8 matchups that will decide which team advances to the Final Four in Indianapolis. 

This year’s tournament has already delivered in dramatic fashion, with Houston now a go-to destination for the college basketball world as four teams in the South Region battle for a spot in April’s coveted national semifinals.

A Home-Court Advantage

The University of Houston is entering the Sweet 16 as a No. 2 seed after an energetic opening weekend.

The Cougars, led by head coach Kelvin Sampson, advanced with a dominant win over Texas A&M in Round 32 and are moving on to play the Illinois Fighting Illini tonight at 9 p.m. central in a primetime matchup at the Toyota Center. 

Across the Tournament

The South Regional in Houston features a mix of power programs along with a heated rivalry that is sure to bring fireworks to the floor. 

• Houston (No. 2 seed) vs. Illinois (No. 3 seed)

• Nebraska (No. 4 seed) vs. Iowa (No. 9 seed) Iowa’s upset win of the defending national champion Florida has been one of the tournament’s biggest upsets so far. 

From Sweet 16 to Elite Eight

The winners of tonight’s games will meet Saturday night in the Elite Eight.

Across the other regions, the Sweet 16 tips off March 26–27, with the Elite Eight matchups following on March 28–29. 

What The City Of Houston Can Expect

Beyond the court, the tournament is expected to bring a surge of visitors, bringing a boost to local hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Fans from across the country have already been arriving, representing their school colors and creating the kind of electric anticipation that only comes with March Madness.

By Saturday night, one team will leave Houston with a ticket punched to the Final Four, leaving them just one game away from the National Championship.