March Madness History

March Madness is an annual event that has become one of the most popular and anticipated sporting events in the United States. This month-long college basketball tournament features the top 68 teams from across the country, all competing for a chance to be crowned the national champion. The history of March Madness is long and storied, dating back to the early days of college basketball.

The first NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament was held in 1939, with only eight teams participating. The University of Oregon won the inaugural tournament, defeating Ohio State University in the championship game. The tournament remained relatively small for several years, with only a handful of teams invited to participate each year. However, by the mid-1950s, the tournament had expanded to include 16 teams.

In 1963, the NCAA signed a 14-year television contract with CBS, which greatly increased the visibility of the tournament. By the end of the 1970s, the tournament had expanded to include 32 teams, and in 1985, the field was expanded once again to 64 teams. This expansion allowed more teams to participate in the tournament, and also increased the excitement and drama of the event.

One of the defining moments in March Madness history occurred in 1983, when the North Carolina State Wolfpack upset the heavily favored Houston Cougars in the championship game. This game, which is often referred to as "The Cardiac Pack," is considered one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history.

In 2011, the tournament was expanded again, this time to include 68 teams. The "First Four" round was added, which features the four lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers and the four lowest-seeded at-large teams competing for a chance to advance to the main bracket.

Throughout its history, March Madness has been filled with unforgettable moments, upsets, and Cinderella stories. One of the most memorable upsets occurred in 2018, when the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) became the first No. 16 seed in the history of the tournament to defeat a No. 1 seed, the University of Virginia. The game was a stunning upset and sent shockwaves through the basketball world.

Today, March Madness is one of the most widely watched sporting events in the world, with millions of fans tuning in to watch the games each year. The tournament has become a cultural phenomenon, with brackets, office pools, and viewing parties taking place across the country. From its humble beginnings in the 1930s to its current status as a national obsession, the history of March Madness is a testament to the power and excitement of college basketball.