March is notoriously a long and boring month; however, millions of college basketball fans across the country would disagree. The highly anticipated NCAA Division I basketball tournament, popularly referred to as “March Madness”, saves many of us from spring fever. Featuring sixty-eight teams from all corners of the country, March Madness is one of the greatest spectacles in sports, capable of inspiring and encouraging competition among millions of fans.

Throughout the month, people of all ages become obsessed with this thrilling event. Staying up late to watch games and keeping track of your favorite team is exhausting, but worth it in the pursuit of a perfect bracket. Most importantly, it has the ability to unite sports fans nationwide and even if you are not a basketball fan, it is likely you will find yourself watching a few games. Walk into any restaurant and you will be surrounded by televisions streaming multiple games. No matter how hard you try, it is impossible to escape the thrill of March Madness, not that you would even want to.

Sixty-eight teams begin to compete in early March, all vying for the biggest prize in college basketball. Fielding only the finest talent in collegiate basketball, the tournament pits powerhouses like Duke and UNC against Cinderella teams that make deep runs year in and year out. As former Celtic player, Kevin Garnett, once said “anything is possible.” Those who want to make predictions about the winner of each game can create a bracket. Bracket creation is an art form. The odds of creating a perfect bracket are about 1 in 9.2 quintillion. As the bracket progresses, 68 teams turn to 32. From 32, the field shifts to 16, then to 8, 4, and 2, culminating with the crowning of a new national champion. In each round, upsets occur and brackets inevitably go up in flames. Despite this, there are still millions of fans who take risks and try to defy the odds. Some do extensive research and weigh statistics of each team; points scored per game, points allowed per game, history of a team, and more. Others have a less serious approach to their selections and have unique ways to make decisions. Which mascot would win in a fight? Who has the cooler jersey? What is the best vacation destination? While these methods may not be as analytical, you would be surprised as to how successful some of these brackets turn out.

This year’s tournament was full of excitement, inevitable disappointment, and impressive performances. Between Gonzaga’s run to the title game and South Carolina’s appearance in the Final Four, March Madness 2017 was noteworthy in college hoops history. Brackets were crushed early when Villanova, the number one seed, was defeated by Wisconsin and South Carolina upset Duke, the number two seed. Earning the school’s sixth national title, UNC came out on top, defeating the Zags 71-65 in the championship game. After an upsetting loss to Villanova in last years championship game, redemption was sweet for the Tar Heels.

March Madness is more than just a basketball tournament. Behind the talented athletes and prospective NBA players, the tournament is also about dedication and emotion from the enormous fan base that it attracts. It inspires competition among friends and family, and unites the entire nation around a singular event. Though college basketball might not appeal to everyone, the monumental event that is March Madness transcends sports and entertainment, as it has truly become a cultural experience.