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March Madness

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

Monday

1–31

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of March

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSports

SUBCATEGORYTeam Sports

ORIGIN

Event Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY

National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)

FIRST OBSERVED

1939

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The National Association of Basketball Coaches organized the first NCAA basketball tournament in 1939 to determine a national men’s college basketball champion.

View Official Announcementvia ncaa.com

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

March Madness Timeline

Inception of NCAA Tournament

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

Expansion to 16 Teams

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate March Madness

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.

CREATE

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.

ATTEND

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.

DECORATE

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.

HOST

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 THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love 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.

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!

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