March 1-31

March Madness

A sporting event in March featuring the NCAA Division I men’s basketball national championship tournament with single-elimination bracket play.

Yearly Date

All of March

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready for all the excitement and madness that comes with March Madness on March 1! This annual college basketball tournament has been a staple in American sports culture since its inception in 1939. Every year, teams from all over the country compete for the coveted championship title, creating thrilling games and unforgettable moments. It's a time when fans come together to cheer on their favorite teams, make predictions, and maybe even win some bragging rights (and office pool money). So grab your brackets and get ready for an unforgettable month of basketball frenzy!

March Madness Timeline

1939

Inception of NCAA Tournament

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) hosts its first men's basketball tournament with eight teams participating.

1951

Expansion to 16 Teams

The tournament increases its field to 16 teams, creating more opportunities for colleges across the nation to participate.

1975

Field Expanded to 32 Teams

To accommodate the growing popularity of college basketball, the NCAA doubles the size of the tournament field from 16 to 32 teams.

1985

Field Expands to 64 Teams

Another pivotal moment in March Madness history occurs when the tournament field expands to include 64 teams, creating a more detailed bracket system and increasing competitiveness.

2001

Introduction of Play-In Games

The NCAA introduces "play-in" games, allowing for a total of 65 teams to compete with a single game determining the final 64-team field.

2011

Field Expanded to 68 Teams

Bracket format is revised again as the tournament field expands from 65 to 68 teams, with four "play-in" games determining the final 64-team field.

How to Celebrate March Madness

1 Host a March Madness viewing party

Invite your friends over and watch the games together! Make some game day snacks and enjoy the excitement of the tournament.

2 Create a bracket competition

Gather your friends or coworkers and create a bracket competition. See who can correctly predict the most winners and award a prize to the winner.

3 Attend a live game

If you live near one of the tournament locations, why not attend a game in person? The atmosphere is electric and it’s an unforgettable experience.

4 Decorate with team colors

Show your team spirit by decorating your home or office with the colors of your favorite team. This is a fun way to get in the March Madness spirit.

5 Host a basketball-themed game night

In between games, take a break and have some fun with your friends by hosting a game night with basketball themed games like basketball pong or a shoot-out contest.

Why We Love March Madness

It brings people together

March Madness is a time for friends, family, and even strangers to come together over the shared love of college basketball. It's a chance to bond, make memories, and root for your favorite team alongside others who share the same passion.

The unpredictability of the games

No one knows what will happen in March Madness - there are always upsets, underdogs rising to the top, and unexpected victories. This makes every game exciting and keeps fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. Anything can happen during March Madness!

It's more than just sports

March Madness isn't just about basketball - it's also about entertainment, camaraderie, and tradition. From filling out brackets to watching buzzer-beaters and making game day snacks, there are so many aspects of March Madness that are fun and enjoyable for everyone.

Holiday Dates

Year	Dates	Days
2023	Mar 1 to 31	Wednesday to Friday
2024	Mar 1 to 31	Friday to Sunday
2025	Mar 1 to 31	Saturday to Monday
2026	Mar 1 to 31	Sunday to Tuesday
2027	Mar 1 to 31	Monday to Wednesday