The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament bracket was revealed Sunday evening, and for East County basketball fans, this year's tournament is practically in the backyard. Viejas Arena at San Diego State University will host first and second round games from March 19 through March 22, giving local residents easy access to some of the most exciting early-round action in college sports.

San Diego State University is serving as the official host for the tournament's San Diego regional site. The arena — named for the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians after a naming rights deal — sits just off Interstate 8 in the College Area neighborhood, about 10 miles west of Santee. For East County residents, it's a quick drive with no San Diego traffic maze to navigate.

Selection Sunday revealed the full 68-team bracket, with Duke expected to claim the top overall seed in the men's tournament. The First Four play-in games are scheduled for March 17-18, followed by the main bracket games beginning March 19. The championship is set for April 6 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tickets for San Diego regional games are available through official NCAA channels. Parking and shuttle options from the SDSU trolley station make Viejas Arena accessible without driving into campus. For East County fans, this is a rare opportunity to catch live NCAA tournament basketball without a flight or long road trip.