Vacations Blog

NCAA March Madness Logo (photo courtesy NCAA.com and CBSSports.com)

Zero.  That is the collective number of college basketball games I have watched this season.  Yet, come next week, I’m sure that I will be counted among the millions of Americans contributing to the estimated $1.7 billion dollar productivity drain (thanks NCAA.com and CBSSports.com) during this springtime basketball tournament frenzy known everywhere as March Madness.

Selection Sunday is March 15 and opening round games are scheduled around the country beginning in Dayton, OH with the “play-in” game March 17.  The play-in game pits the 64th and 65th ranked teams against each other.  The winner of that game goes on to the regular tournament where in all likelihood they shall be soundly beaten by a far superior team.  That’s just how it works.

Here’s the tournament schedule at a glance.  Although tickets may be scarce, your best bet for seeing any of the games live would be the first and second rounds or the regionals.  Follow the city links below for lodging options in each of the host cities as well as interesting game alternatives while you’re there.

Selection Sunday March 15, 2009  6pm ET (CBS)

Play-In Game  March 17, 2009  7:30pm

Dayton, OH

Games will be played at the University of Dayton Arena.  As time allows, make sure to check out the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Stearman PT-13D Kaydet at the National Museum of the USAF (photo courtesy of Bud Hensley)

Rounds 1 and 2 Thursday and Saturday March 19 and 21, 2009

Greensboro, NC

Games will be played at the Greensboro Coliseum.  If you’re traveling with the kids, make sure to give them a break and head over to the Greensboro Children’s Museum for a fun filled, hands-on and interactive learning experience.

Kansas City, MO

Games are scheduled at the Sprint Center.  Allow some extra time to visit the Kansas City Zoo while you’re there.  It was voted one of America’s 60 Best in 2008.

Philadelphia, PA

Games will be played at the Wachovia Center of St. Joseph’s University.  No trip to Philly would be complete without a trip to Independence National Historical Park to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where our Constitution was drafted.

The Liberty Bell in Independence National Historic Park (photo ushistory.org)

Portland, OR

Games to be held at the Rose Garden of the University of Oregon.  Again, I’m gonna send you to the zoo, the Oregon Zoo.

Rounds 1 and 2 Friday and Sunday March 20 and 22, 2009

Boise, ID

Games will be held at the Taco Bell Arena of Boise State University.  There’s plenty of family fun things to do in downtown Boise.

Dayton, OH

See above.

Miami, FL

Games will be at the American Airlines Arena of Florida International University.    Of course, Miami is a top Spring Break Destination so bring your trunks and floaties.  Hit the beach with your downtime.  That should go without saying.

Miami Coastline (photo courtesy visitusa.com)

Minneapolis, MN

Games to be held at the HHH Metrodome of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.  Two words:  Mall of America.  (Of doesn’t count.)  While there, make sure to see the world’s largest underground aquarium Underwater Adventures.

Regionals:  Thursday and Saturday March 26 and 28, 2009

East Regional–Boston, MA

Games will be held at the TD Banknorth Garden, home of the Bruins and Celtics.  While in Boston be sure to check out the Freedom Trail a three mile walk through downtown Boston that links 16 historical sites.

The Old North Church Steeple Boston, MA (photo courtesy oldnorth.com)

West Regional–Phoenix, AZ

Games will be at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Az.    I hear the South Mountain Park Scenic Drive is a great way to experience some of Arizona’s beautiful scenery and to boot–it’s free.

Regionals:  Friday and Sunday March 27 and 29, 2009

Midwest Regional–Indianapolis, IN

Games are scheduled at the new (in 2008) Lucas Oil Stadium.  The Children’s Museum of  Indianapolis ranks as one of the best in the country.  It’s a definite if you go to Indy with the kids.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (photo via web public domain)

South Regional–Memphis, TN

Games will be held at the FedEx Forum.  No trip to Memphis would be complete without a visit to Graceland, even if you’re not an Elvis fan.

Final Four:  April 4 and 6, 2009

Detroit, MI–Ford Field

If your team has made it this far, congratulations.  If you’ve made it this far, congratulations again.  There’s much to see and do in the Motor City and while the games from here on out promise to be nothing short of spectacular make sure to take a break see some of what Detroit has to offer.

The Road Ends Here Detroit, MI 2009 NCAA Final Four

Oh, and coming off a perfect season (perfect 0 and 16, that is) I’m fairly certain you can get a pretty good deal on Lions Season Tickets while you’re there.

Let the games begin!