March Madness is the annual NCAA basketball tournament that happens in the United States. It features 68 college teams competing to be crowned national champions. The tournament takes place every spring, usually beginning in mid-March and lasting for about three weeks, with the championship game taking place in early April. March Madness is important because it brings together college basketball teams from across the country to compete at the highest level, and it is watched by millions of fans on TV. The excitement and unpredictability of the games make it a huge cultural event, not only for sports fans but also for anyone looking for excitement during March. It involves 68 teams that make it, and it’s a basketball tournament happening all over the USA from mid-March to April to see who will win the National championship. It is important because it lets the college kids play in the biggest games of their life and give them a chance to prove themselves to professionals and boost their draft stock. It also is impactful to the people who watch because they get to fill out a bracket that has never been filled perfect and only has a 1 in 9.2 quintillion chance of happening.
Close games
One of the most exciting parts of March Madness is how close and intense the games are. Every game feels like it could go either way, and there are often surprises. For example, in 2019, the 2nd-seeded Michigan State Spartans defeated the 1st-seeded Duke Blue Devils, advancing themselves into the Final Four. According to the NCAA, “This was a historic moment in college basketball history.” Personally, this was amazing to watch because it shows how anything can happen in March Madness, making it exciting for fans.
Bracket challenge
Another fun part of March Madness is the bracket challenge. Fans fill out a bracket, predicting who will win each game, leading to the championship. Some people take this very seriously, even entering national competitions. According to ESPN, “Over 60 million people participate in the bracket challenge each year.” In my opinion, this adds an extra layer of excitement because it gives fans a chance to predict the outcome and compete with friends, family, and co-workers.
Cinderella stories
March Madness is famous for the “Cinderella story” teams, which are lower-seeded teams that surprise everyone by making it deep into the tournament. In 2011, the 11th-seeded VCU Rams made it all the way to the Final Four. Sports Illustrated reported, “VCU was one of the most unexpected Final Four teams ever.” I think this is one of the best parts of March Madness because it shows how anything can happen, and it makes the tournament feel more inclusive, not just for the top teams but for underdogs as well. With this year having no Cinderella stories, it is less entertaining, and there is no team that every single fan seems to be rooting for.
National attention
March Madness gets a lot of national attention, especially with all the games happening during the tournament. The tournament is broadcast on TV, radio, and online, and millions of fans tune in. According to CBS Sports, “The final game of March Madness is watched by over 20 million people.” I think this is important because it shows how big March Madness has become, drawing people from all backgrounds together to enjoy the competition, the stories, and the excitement of college basketball.
