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Halftime for college basketball is usually 15 minutes long. In some instances, if there is a special event or ceremony, they can be increased by a few minutes. During halftime of games during the NCAA Tournament, halftime increases to 20 minutes.
Halftime is a period of adjustment for fans, players, coaches, and even broadcasters. In stadiums, fans may be treated to a special performance by the school‘s dance team or cheerleaders, recognition of alumni or special guests, promotions and giveaways, and recognition of community members or sponsors. Some schools even invite fans or students to the court to participate in contests, including half-court shots for tuition or money.
For broadcasters, halftime is a point to get in commercials and sponsorships while revisiting the first half’s highlights with a studio crew and breaking down scores from other teams and conferences.
Coaches and players spend halftime in the locker room diagramming plays, revisiting the first half, and making key adjustments. Some players hydrate, eat a snack and take treatment. They typically return to the court for a shootaround with five minutes remaining in halftime.
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