For basketball lovers, March Madness has always been one of the most exciting times of the year. It's a ton of fun to make a bracket, and see how well your predictions do throughout the tournament. Who knows, maybe you'll even make some money along the way. But prior to attending a Big 10 school, March Madness was never something I truly invested in.
This year, that has completely changed, and I there are so many aspects of going to a basketball school that make it so much more exciting than before.
First, is that you see all of the players around campus, and it feels like you're in the presence of celebrities. Last night you were just on my TV, and now you're walking next to me in the Diag! The stardom of the starting players adds to the excitement and school spirit.
Another exciting part is being able to enter the lottery for a ticket to the big games. A few of my friends got tickets to the Final Four for only forty bucks, and that is like owning Willy Wonka's golden ticket in the eyes of Michigan fans. Selling that thing is a great way to gain a lot of extra spending money, and you don't even feel bad because watching the game in your college town is MUCH more exciting anyway.
That leads me to the best part of all. The game days. The nervousness and excitement on campus is unreal. Sometimes I feel the same way I felt in high school before my own big sporting games, and I'm not even the one playing!
It's the best feeling to see everyone on campus repping your school colors and apparel. After class, you head to the bars excessively early to get a good table with the perfect view of the TVs. Not only are you there with your best friends, but the entire place is full of fans rooting for the same team. The whole crowd cheers loudly after a steal or a layup, and they'll practically erupt after a deep three.
There is no better feeling than when the clock runs out and you get to watch your team celebrate their glorious win. You leave the bar cheering and screaming, and everyone on the streets high five you and cheer the whole walk home.
The best part is that with every win, it means you get to do it all over again. I've always loved the game of basketball, but college has given me a whole new love and appreciation for March Madness. I cannot wait to cheer on my boys for the rest of the tournament and to watch them give it their all.
Let's go Blue!
