MARCH MADNESS

NCAA tourney games at Rupp Arena in 2025 will change KHSAA Sweet 16 schedule

LEXINGTON — High school basketball fans in Kentucky will have to adjust their routines next March because of a scheduling conflict at Rupp Arena.

With the University of Kentucky scheduled to host first-round men’s NCAA Tournament games on Thursday, March 20, and Saturday, March 22, the Boys Sweet 16 will be played the following week.

That means there will be a week off between the boys and girls Sweet 16s.

“We historically don’t like to play the same week as the men’s (NCAA) regional because if Kentucky or Louisville is in it it’s a pretty good conflict,” KHSAA commissioner Julian Tackett said. “It impacts our fans who have to make choices. But we’ll make it work.”

Here are the 2025 dates:

* Monday, Feb. 24 – Boys and girls district tournaments begin.

* Monday, March 3 – Boys and girls regional tournaments begin.

* Wednesday, March 12-Saturday, March 15 – Girls Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena.

* Thursday, March 20 and Saturday, March 22 – NCAA men’s tournament at Rupp Arena.

* Wednesday, March 26-Saturday, March 29 – Boys Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena.

Tackett said the biggest impact will come with boys regional tournaments. Those events won’t be allowed to overlap with the Girls Sweet 16, but otherwise, “They have total flexibility,” Tackett said.

Tackett said he’s heard several regions may play quarterfinals March 10-11 before the Girls Sweet 16 and come back the following week for semifinals and finals. Sixth and Seventh Region officials have not yet announced dates for their tournaments.

“What may happen is there will be a race of people to get to holding them the first couple of days so their people can get out and scout the ones that don’t play the first couple of days,” Tackett said. “That’s always a chess game among coaches.”

The Boys Sweet 16 wrapped up Saturday with Lyon County beating Harlan County 67-58 in front of 13,568 fans at Rupp Arena.

Total attendance for the week was 99,915, the most since 101,683 attended in 2014.

“The draw was very favorable for attendance,” Tackett said.

“Teams can’t help how many they bring. Some have big followings, and some don’t. We’re certainly very pleased with this year.”

MATT STONE/THE COURIER JOURNAL The Lyon County fan section cheers the Lyons’ boys basketball team during the Sweet 16 championship game on Saturday against Harlan County at Rupp Arena in Lexington.