San José will host the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s West Region Basketball Tournament “Sweet Sixteen” and “Elite Eight” rounds at the SAP Center on March 26 and March 28, according to a March 25 announcement from city officials. The city will also offer a series of free public events in downtown San José as part of its SJ26 celebration.
The tournament is expected to draw visitors and boost economic activity for local businesses. City Manager Jennifer Maguire said, “I am excited to have the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight basketball games played in San José. This is our second big sporting event of 2026, and our ability to provide sports and entertainment to visitors and residents is helping to rejuvenate our downtown vibrancy. We are laying the foundation for a downtown sports and entertainment district and reaping economic benefits for our City and community.”
A range of activities will be available from March 26 through March 28, including Superfest at San Pedro Square, art installations like Free Throw by artist G. Craig Hobbs, live music performances with DJs Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) and Whethan, The Hoop Bus activation on San Pedro Street, as well as a drone light show at Discovery Meadow. Mayor Matt Mahan said, “We’re ready to welcome basketball fans for March Madness with a lineup of free, high-energy events—from raves with Shaquille O’Neal to drone shows over Discovery Meadow. We’re turning San José into a go-to destination for sports, live music, and big moments—and March Madness will be the latest proof point.”
Superfest aims to involve both residents and visitors in the festivities surrounding one of college basketball’s most prominent tournaments. Features such as The Hoop Bus—a custom bus outfitted with basketball hoops—and interactive projection mapping experiences highlight how art, technology, sports, and community engagement intersect during these celebrations.
San José has promoted cultural diversity through projects like the Japanese Friendship Garden and Mexican Heritage Plaza according to its historical context page. The city also maintains sites such as the San Jose Historical Museum in Kelley Park as described on its historical context page, reflecting an ongoing commitment to heritage preservation.
With almost one million residents across various neighborhoods in Santa Clara Valley according to official sources, San José delivers public services aiming for safety and vibrancy according to its mission statement. Governed by an elected mayor at large alongside an eleven-member council representing districts as outlined in its charter, it features unique landmarks such as replicas of statehouses built in past centuries as documented historically.
Looking ahead, officials hope that hosting major sporting events like NCAA’s tournament rounds—paired with inclusive public programming—will further establish downtown San José as an important hub for culture, entertainment, business activity, history preservation efforts.