It’s officially March, and you know what that means — time to tune into the annual basketball frenzy that sweeps across America.
With the nation glued to their screens watching the Big Dance, we can’t help but wonder — where is tournament fever running hottest, and which fans are the most die-hard during this game-filled season? A new Solitaire Bliss survey gives insight into America’s passion for college hoops during this mad month of March.
Most die-hard fan bases during March Madness
As tournaments tip off, it’s not just the seeds that matter — it’s the intensity of fandom that fuels the March Madness excitement. The survey points to the Iowa State Cyclones, a team with a number 2 seed, as having the most obsessed fanbase this season. Their fanatic followers continue to amp up the adrenaline, pushing the frenzy of the March tournament to new heights as they continue on in the Sweet 16.
Cyclone fans aren’t alone in their devotion. The North Carolina Tar Heels and UConn Huskies, both number 1 seeds, sport fanbases that rival any on-court action with their fervor. Both teams have also made it to the Sweet 16 thus far. The BYU Cougars, a number 6 seed this year, lost to Duquesne in the first round but that doesn’t change the fandom around the team as they ranked the 4th most die-hard fanbase.The Kansas Jayhawks, sitting at number 5, also earn the intense passion of their followers, even after the tough loss to Gonzaga.
Areas in the U.S. most obsessed with March Madness
We all go wild for March Madness, but some places really put the “Madness” in the name. Let’s take a tour of the top five states where tournament fever burns hottest.
Holding the crown as the most March Madness–obsessed state is Arizona. Huddles of fans in Phoenix, the second most obsessed city, avidly track every rebound and three-pointer. With 47% of residents crafting brackets and a confident 10% boasting past perfect brackets, the excitement is palpable. The Wildcats round off this basketball mania, considered the 11th most obsessed fanbase, and being declared National Championship winners by three states.
Traveling northeast, Utah secures the second spot. The fervor for March Madness runs deep with their home team, BYU, ranking as the third most die-hard college fanbase. Statistically similar to Arizona, 47% of Utah’s locals planned to create a bracket this year, and unfortunately saw them lose to Duquesne.
Taking a detour to America’s heartland, we find Nebraska. Omaha stands as the fourth most obsessed city, and the state is third in overall March Madness fever. Resilient fans, despite a challenging 36% bracket-making prediction this year, are placing their bets on a Creighton victory for the National Championship.
Meanwhile, basketball-crazy North Carolina secures the fourth spot for the most obsessed state. With March Madness traditions steeped deep in their culture, their loyalty splits between two home teams: UNC, ranking as the second most die-hard fanbase, and Duke, who made their mark as the tenth. State favorites for the Championship title lean towards UNC, but with 73% of locals tuning in to watch, there are plenty of cheers to go around.
And in fifth place, we have Kentucky, a state synonymous with college hoops. The high-intensity thrill in Louisville, the fifth most obsessed city, could rival any courtside excitement. Both Kentucky and distant New Mexico are rooting for the Wildcats to dominate this year’s championship, proving that March Madness can inspire passionate fans all across the nation.
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The bracket-busting fun of March Madness started on March 21, and fans will be engrossed every step of the way. Whether it’s the thrill of the opening rounds or the electrifying energy of the final face-offs, the true joy comes from being part of the national camaraderie that showcases our love for the game.
This shared passion reaches its boiling point on April 8, as the country tunes in to witness the season’s crown jewel, the National Championship game. So, let the games begin, and may the best fanbase win!