After securing the SEC Tournament championship on Sunday, Florida’s men’s basketball team has been awarded a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Gators will open play against Norfolk State on Friday in Raleigh, N.C. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. at the Lenovo Center, with coverage on TNT.

This marks Florida’s 23rd NCAA Tournament appearance and the second under head coach Todd Golden, now in his third season. With 30 victories this year, UF has earned a top seed for the third time in program history, previously reaching that milestone in 2007 (national champions) and 2014 (Final Four).

Sunday’s win over eighth-ranked Tennessee in the SEC Tournament final gave Florida its eighth victory over a top-25 opponent this season, including five against teams ranked in the top 10.

Florida and Norfolk State have met once before, in the second round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament in Omaha, where the Gators claimed an 84–50 win. The winner of Friday’s contest will advance to face either UConn or Oklahoma on Sunday.

Ticket Information

Season ticket holders for Florida Gators men’s basketball have priority access to request NCAA Tournament tickets within the Florida seating block. Requests can be submitted using the link below, with a deadline of Monday, March 17 at 1 PM. General ticket details are available at NCAATickets.com.

Season ticket holders ticket info here: NCAA Tournament Ticket Info for Season Ticket Holders