Have you ever seen Blue Devils on Burnside? What about Longhorns on Lovejoy? Perhaps Huskies on Harvey Milk Street? Yeah, you're right, that's not something you see every day — but the chances are certainly higher this weekend, when Portland hosts the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament.

Fans from schools across the country will descend on the Moda Center to root their teams on toward eternal glory. The regional (Friday, March 29-Monday, April 1), will bring a sporting and economic boost to the city, which was originally set to host the event in 2020 until the pandemic canceled all collegiate athletics.

Even if you don't have a ticket for the games, there will be a Fan Fest held 12-5 p.m., Saturday, March 30, at the Rose Quarter outside the stadium. This free, family-friendly occasion will feature local vendors, basketball hoops, vintage arcade games, a DJ, and more. Dr. Jack’s will also be serving food and beverages and streaming live games.

Let the madness begin.

Sweet 16

Friday, March 29

1-seed Texas vs. 4-seed Gonzaga (4:30 p.m.)
3-seed NC State vs. 2-seed Stanford (7 p.m.)

Saturday, March 30

1-seed Southern California vs. 5-seed Baylor (2:30 p.m.)
3-seed UCONN vs. 7-seed Duke (5 p.m.)

Elite 8

Sunday, March 31

The winners of Friday's games will face off in this Elite 8 matchup. Game time TBA.

Monday, April 1

The winners of Saturday's games will face off in this Elite 8 matchup. Game time TBA.

Down the road

Portland will also host games in the first and second rounds of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.