Origins of March Madness

• Expansion:
• 1951: The field expanded to 16 teams.
• 1975: It grew to 32 teams.
• 1985: The tournament expanded dramatically to 64 teams, which included the introduction of the "play-in" game.
• 2001: The field increased to 65 teams with the addition of another play-in game.
• 2011: The tournament expanded to 68 teams with the "First Four" games to determine the final eight seeds.
• Women's NCAA Tournament:
• 1982: The women's tournament began, mirroring the men's in structure and excitement, though it's often referred to as "March Madness" in a broader context of the NCAA basketball season.

Key Moments and Cultural Impact

• 1979: Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird in the championship game significantly boosted the tournament's popularity, drawing national attention to college basketball.
• 1983: NC State's last-second win over Houston, dubbed the "Cardiac Pack," epitomized the unpredictability of March Madness.
• 1985: Villanova, as an 8th seed, upset Georgetown to win the championship, one of the greatest Cinderella stories in tournament history.
• 1990: Loyola Marymount, playing in memory of their teammate Hank Gathers, who had died earlier that season, made an emotional run to the Elite Eight.
• 2018: UMBC became the first No. 16 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed (Virginia), marking perhaps the biggest upset in tournament history.

Expansion of Cultural Phenomenon

• Brackets: The practice of filling out brackets became a cultural phenomenon, with millions participating in office pools, online contests, and for charity.
• Media and Commercial Growth: CBS and later Turner Sports (TBS, TNT, truTV) gained exclusive rights to broadcast the tournament, leading to a surge in viewership and advertising revenue.
• Selection Sunday: The day when teams learn their fate, has become nearly as celebrated as the games themselves, with watch parties and special broadcasts.
• Social Media: The rise of social media has amplified the excitement, allowing fans to share their brackets, discuss games in real-time, and follow the madness minute by minute.

Impact on College Basketball

• Recruitment and Exposure: March Madness provides immense exposure for players and schools, influencing recruitment and sometimes leading to significant boosts in program reputation and funding.
• Parity and Upsets: The tournament has showcased the parity in college basketball, where any team, regardless of seeding, can have their moment in the spotlight, embodying the spirit of "madness."
• Economic Impact: Host cities see significant economic benefits from fans traveling for the games, while universities gain from increased merchandise sales and donations.
• Legislation and Reform: The high profile of March Madness has often led to discussions and changes in NCAA policies, from player compensation to tournament format adjustments.