National March Madness Day

A group of energetic basketball players in brightly colored jerseys competing in an intense game, surrounded by cheering fans and a scoreboard in the background.. — National march madness day illustration

Welcome to National March Madness Day, where the slam dunks are spectacular and the brackets are busting! Get ready to witness a day filled with game-winning shots, buzzer beaters, and a whole lot of madness. Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or just enjoy the thrill of the game, this is your chance to join the frenzy and celebrate all things March Madness.

When is March Madness Day?

It's national march madness day on the 2nd March.

The Origins of National March Madness Day

March Madness has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating millions of fans across the country. But where did it all begin? The term "March Madness" was actually coined in the 1980s by H.V. Porter, an executive director of the Illinois High School Association, to describe the intense basketball tournaments that took place in March. The popularity of college basketball in March grew rapidly, and in 1939, the first NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament was held. From then on, March became synonymous with March Madness.

In recent years, social media has played a significant role in the hype surrounding March Madness. Fans take to Twitter to share their excitement, create brackets, and engage in friendly banter with rival teams’ supporters. #MarchMadness trends on social media platforms as the whole nation comes together to cheer for their favorite teams.

How to Celebrate National March Madness Day

1. Host a March Madness Viewing Party: Gather your friends and loved ones, grab some snacks, and get ready to watch the games together. You can even set up a friendly bracket competition to spice things up.

2. Wear Your Team Colors: Show your support for your favorite team by proudly donning their colors. Whether it's a jersey, a shirt, or even face paint, let everyone know which team has your heart.

3. Play Basketball Trivia: Test your basketball knowledge with a fun trivia game. Create questions related to famous players, iconic moments, and tournament history. May the best basketball aficionado win!

Did You Know?

The most-watched game in NCAA Tournament history occurred on April 4, 1977, during the championship game between Marquette and North Carolina. Over 18 million viewers tuned in to watch Marquette win the title!

History behind the term 'March Madness'

1908

The birth of the term

In 1908, the term 'March Madness' was first coined in relation to basketball. Henry V. Porter, a high school basketball coach from Illinois, used the term in an article he wrote for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) magazine, referring to the excitement and frenzy that surrounded the state basketball tournament.

1939

NCAA Tournament gets on the scene

In 1939, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) organized the first ever intercollegiate basketball tournament. As the tournament gained popularity, the term 'March Madness' started to become associated with the intense and unpredictable nature of the event, where underdogs could rise to victory and favorites could be upset.

1982

The term goes mainstream

In 1982, the term 'March Madness' entered the national consciousness thanks to the efforts of sportscaster Brent Musburger. Musburger used the term during his coverage of the NCAA Tournament on CBS, bringing it to a wider audience and solidifying its connection with the annual college basketball extravaganza.

1996

Trademark controversy

In 1996, the IHSA and the NCAA engaged in a legal battle over the rights to the term 'March Madness.' The IHSA claimed they had been using the term since 1939, while the NCAA argued they popularized it through national broadcasts. Eventually, a settlement was reached, and both organizations agreed to share the trademark.

2005

March Madness becomes a tradition

By the early 2000s, 'March Madness' had firmly established itself as a cultural phenomenon and synonymous with the NCAA Tournament. It became a celebrated tradition, prompting office brackets, watch parties, and even inspiring its own theme song. The term had successfully captured the excitement and intensity of the tournament, making it one of the most popular annual sporting events in the United States.