How long has march madness been around?

March Madness is one of the most exciting and popular sporting events in the United States, attracting millions of viewers each year. The tournament has a rich history, dating back nearly a century.

The first official NCAA men's basketball tournament was held in 1939. The tournament featured just eight teams, and it was won by the University of Oregon. The tournament was not yet known as "March Madness," and it was not the spectacle that it is today. However, it was the beginning of what would become one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

Over the years, the tournament grew in size and popularity. More teams were added to the field, and the tournament became a major event in the world of college basketball. The tournament was eventually nicknamed "March Madness," in reference to the excitement and unpredictability of the games.

The tournament continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1980s and 1990s, thanks in part to the rise of cable television and the expansion of the tournament field. The tournament became a cultural phenomenon, with fans across the country tuning in to watch their favorite teams compete.

Today, March Madness is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, attracting millions of viewers each year. The tournament features 68 teams from across the country, and it is played over the course of several weeks in March and April.

The tournament is known for its excitement and unpredictability, as lower-seeded teams often pull off upsets against higher-seeded opponents. The tournament has produced many memorable moments over the years, including buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and legendary performances by some of the game's greatest players.

In addition to the men's tournament, there is also a women's tournament that has been held since 1982. The women's tournament has grown in popularity over the years, and it features many of the top teams in women's college basketball.

Overall, March Madness has a rich history that spans nearly a century. The tournament has grown from a small eight-team event to a massive spectacle that attracts millions of fans each year. It is a testament to the power of college basketball, and it remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable sporting events in the world.

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