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CareFirst Arena hosts both the men’s tournament (March 6-10) and the women’s tournament (March 11-15), making for 10 straight days of high-stakes college basketball.
While the CAA is considered a “mid-major” college basketball conference, its teams consistently punch above their weight. Both tournaments promise to be ultra-competitive, and every favorite should be on upset alert. Just last year, the women’s side saw Monmouth University, which went .500 in the conference during the regular season, defeat the top three seeds on their way to the conference title. Each CAA champion will also be an underdog in the NCAA Tournament, so hop on the bandwagon for the underdog of your choice now.
Events DC
The CAA women’s basketball championship returns just in time for Women’s History Month. Reigning champion William & Mary is back to defend their title after a storybook 2025 championship as the lowest-seeded team in conference history to win the title. Action takes place inside CareFirst Arena, which is the home of DC’s WNBA team and 2019 champions, the Washington Mystics (their season starts on May 8). Make sure to check out additional ways to celebrate Women’s History Month in DC.
Opportunities to catch win-or-go-home college basketball in-person come few and far between. The CAA tournaments are even upping the ante with great discounts that allow for an exciting, fun-filled family outing in the nation’s capital. Tickets for men’s second-round games start as low as $15, and seats for Sunday’s quarterfinal games, featuring the top four seeds, are available for just $32. Tickets to the women’s tournament begin at under $15 for a full day of play. (Prices do not include taxes)
Before, after or in-between games at the Arena, make a visit to Sycamore & Oak in Congress Heights. The Retail Village, which stretches more than 20,000 square feet, showcases Black entrepreneurs and local small businesses such as The Museum, Soufside Creative and The Fresh Food Factory. Read up on future plans for the space so you can check back in on your next visit to DC.
Coming off a record-breaking neutral site attendance Duke vs. Michigan men’s basketball game in February, Capital One Arena is preparing to host the NCAA Men’s East Regional on March 27 and 29, 2026. The Big Dance returns to downtown DC for the first time since 2019.
You’ve picked a wonderful time to be in Washington, DC. The calendar is incredibly packed for March, so you will have plenty of options for filling any free time you may have (Awesome Con takes place over at the Convention Center from March 13-15). We also highly recommend extending your stay, as the National Cherry Blossom Festival officially starts on March 20.
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