It is officially the month of March, which means goodbye to snowy winter days as we move forward to warmer weather, spring break and, of course, the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament. That’s right. It is March Madness time.
As many of you all know, every year millions tune in to see their favorite college basketball teams fight to claim the national championship title. However, some of you may be wondering what all of this fuss is about. What’s the big deal you ask? March Madness brings out the competitive nature in all those who watch. Even if you are not the biggest basketball fan, there is something to be said about rooting for your home state, school or alma mater’s team. The tournament features rivalries, Cinderella stories and heartbreaks. It is hard not to be intrigued by it.
If you are new to this phenomenon for whatever reason, but want to find yourself engaged in what all anyone is ever talking about throughout the month of March, here are some steps to get you started.
First, pick a team.
Perhaps you want to get involved this year because you or your friend’s school is in the tournament, or maybe you decided you want to root for the team that everyone in your state roots for. There are also the bandwagon teams. People cheer for them because they know they are going to go far in the tournament. Regardless, the team you choose does not have to be the team you think is going to make it to the finals. It is simply the team that you identify yourself as a fan of and gives you a purpose to watch the games in the first place.
The real fun begins when you print out a bracket.
After Selection Sunday on March 15, you will be able to print out a bracket online which lists all of the teams playing in the tournament. The bracket will allow you to make predictions on what teams are going to advance to the next round, and eventually to the Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final Four and Championship game teams. If you are unfamiliar with the teams and are unsure of what teams to place in the rounds, Google is your best friend. Go online and research what place each of the teams are currently in. However, do not be fooled. Just because a team has a good record now does not necessarily mean that they will advance far in the tournament. If you should know anything about March Madness it is that anything can happen. Do not be afraid to take risks on your bracket.
Next, find contests to place your bracket in.
Many viewers will place their brackets in contests in hopes of winning money or simply just for bragging rights. Many offices and other work places will host competitions between coworkers. You can also find many contests online hosted by fantasy sports websites or from big companies such as Capital One, Yahoo, and Quicken Loans.
Last year, Warren Buffet was even offering a million dollars to whoever filled out a perfect bracket. Getting together a group of friends to compete is also another way to go. By participating in bracket tournaments, you will find yourself more engaged and interested in what is going on all throughout the tournament even if your team gets out within the first few rounds. It also gives you an excuse to have some friendly competition with friends, coworkers, and family members.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, have viewing parties.
Go to sports bars or friends’ houses to catch the games. Grab a drink and some snacks and surround yourself with people who are interested in the action. Be ready to cheer and yell. Maybe you will be pleasantly surprised how into the tournament you are, or maybe you will find out basketball is not your favorite thing in the world. Either way the tournament gives you yet another excuse to get together with your friends throughout the week. You will be sure to make a few good memories out of it!
Catch the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament March 17 through April 6.
