March Madness

March Madness is an annual NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament featuring 68 college basketball teams from the United States. The event, which occurs in March of each year during a three-week period known as “The Big Dance”, has become one of the most popular sports events in the country and generates billions of dollars for both television networks and participating universities.

History

The first edition of March Madness took place in 1939 when eight teams participated; it was named after Illinois State Normal University’s coach, Henry V. Porter’s comment that “a little madness at this time (of year) is wholesome even for the best regulated minds.” The tournament grew over subsequent years to include 32 teams by 1975 before expanding again to its current size since 2011 with 68 participants playing through 64 games until only four remain standing.

Format

March Madness consists of six rounds: First Four, Round 1 (First & Second Rounds), Sweet Sixteen/Regional Semifinals, Elite Eight/ Regional Finals followed by Final Four and Championship Game usually held on Monday night two weeks after Selection Sunday – where all competing schools are announced following selections made by an 11-member selection committee appointed annually who determine seeding based on wins/losses record combined with strength or schedule quality among other criteria. An additional slot is reserved for any mid major conference champion not already selected while automatic bids go to regular season champions from conferences such as Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Ten etcetera plus winners from respective tournaments who then compete against 36 At Large entries determined solely at discretion of selection Committee members – one representative per individual school may be present but must abide within certain parameters set forth beforehand i.e., no contact allowed between team personnel prior final announcement date due diligence efforts including evaluating records history head coaching performance key players etcetera taken into account determining worthy recipients thus ensuring competitive balance amongst contenders once tournament officially begins!

Popularity & Cultural Significance

Today March Madness remains a beloved cultural phenomenon celebrated across America annually garnering massive attention especially towards end competition when ‘Final Four’ round takes center stage generating staggering amounts money via advertisement revenue shared colleges involved thanks largely robust broadcasting deals TV networks ESPN Turner Sports CBS having secured rights broadcast majority games occurring throughout duration entire tournament beginning initial round onward up until championship game itself bringing millions viewers tune every spring expectantly awaiting results fate their favorite alma mater(s). Additionally many workplaces employers allow employees take off work around times coincide particular matchups allowing them follow proceedings more closely though some have gone far introducing betting pools office whereby those enter attempt predict outcomes win prizes accordingly further fueling excitement surrounding event making arguably largest sporting spectacle United States behind Super Bowl football NFL respectively speaking course!