Every year March Madness is an exciting thrill, especially for newcomers. The tournament, held every spring, places 68 college teams against each other in a single-elimination tournament for a chance to win a national title. As a beginner, you should know these things to truly enjoy the excitement of March Madness.
Brackets create an additional level of suspense for tournaments, so watching the games is an interactive experience. If you fill out a bracket, you’re not just watching; you’re making predictions for a winner for each game, so you have investment in the results. The tension as your picks play themselves out can be thrilling.
Talking about your bracket and mulling over the choices you’ve made can lead to some fun conversations. It makes your connection to the sport and the people you are watching with stronger.
Competition starts with Selection Sunday on March 16, when teams and seeds are determined based on the teams’ regular-season and conference tournament performances. Learn the layout: games are divided into four regions, which all collide in the “Final Four”. It adds to the excitement of a bracket—watching your team win in it’s selected conference adds to the experience.
The mood for the games is electric. No matter if you’re in a full restaurant, at a friends house or watching from home, the atmosphere is fun and exciting. Get ready for fans cheering on their teams, fueling the action.
It helps to put some time into researching the best players and best teams. Although legendary teams like Duke, Kentucky and North Carolina are always in the spotlight, the tournament is known for upsets, so don’t miss following the underdogs.
Certain years, teams defy probability and the system—those are the “Cinderella teams”- teams that are ranked low, surprise everyone by making it to the sweet 16. They typically win over fans and create suspenseful drama. Rooting for the underdog adds an interesting spin to the game.
Creating brackets with friends and relatives is the icing on the cake. Every individual has their selections, so this introduces some healthy competition and banter along the way during the tournament. You can catch yourself cheering for the teams in your bracket, underdogs or favorite mascots.
Half the excitement lies in the unpredictability of tournaments. Upsets happen, underdogs win and occasionally choices, are based on a gut feeling. Those surprise moments create great memories and tales to be told forever.
Overall, brackets are a great way to enjoy sports and bring people together for a little competition and a whole lot of fun. Don’t miss the spirit and heart of March Madness: love of the game, friendship and competitive fun. Don’t worry about memorizing all the rules, all the players or even dominating everything. Savor the excitement of every game, delight in the nail-biting seconds, and get caught up in the captivating atmosphere of the tournament.
As a newcomer, jump headfirst into the chaos and unpredictability of March Madness. Eat some great food, sit back, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride until the “Final Four” meet up at the Alamodome in San Antonio on April 5 and 7.