Written by Ashly Winchester

 

The college basketball national championship is upon us, and with it comes the excitement of competition. Fans across the country will be gathering in March to watch their favorite teams compete in the tournament, and the energy and enthusiasm will be palpable. It's a time when 68 teams from across the country compete in a single-elimination tournament to determine the national champion.

As a non-alcoholic craft beer company, Athletic Brewing is here to remind you that you can still enjoy all the fun of basketball season without compromising on taste or quality. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, we've got you covered with our lineup of delicious non-alcoholic beers that are perfect for cheering on your squad.

 

Get in on the Action

As you gear up for this year’s tournament, consider making Athletic Brewing part of your starting five. With our non-alcoholic craft beers, you can watch the games, without sacrificing any of the social aspects and watching the game with friends. And, we're proud to offer an assortment of award-winning brews and sparkling hop water that can keep up with the cheering fans and game-day snacks, and keep the fun going through March. 

 

 

 

Even if you're not a die-hard fan of the sport, there are still plenty of ways to join in on the fun. Here are four ways to get involved in the tournament and experience the excitement for yourself.

 

Fill Out a Bracket

 

One of the most popular ways to get involved in the madness is to fill out a bracket. This is where you predict which teams will win each game and advance to the next round of the tournament. You can do this with friends, family, or coworkers and create a friendly competition to see who can predict the most games correctly. It's a fun way to follow the tournament and see how your predictions stack up against others.

 

Attend a Watch Party

 

Another great way to get in on the action is to attend a watch party. Many bars, restaurants, and even college campuses host watch parties during the tournament, where you can watch the games with other fans and enjoy food and drinks. It's a great way to meet other basketball fans and experience the excitement of the tournament in a lively atmosphere. If you forgot to order your variety pack in time for the watch party, never fear! Our brews are available in stores in all 50 states. Not sure if you can find it locally? Download our iOS app to quickly find Athletic Brewing at a store near you!

 

Play a Game of Your Own

 

If you're feeling inspired by the tournament, why not organize a game of your own? You can set up a friendly game of pickup basketball with friends or coworkers and create your own mini-tournament. It's a fun way to get active and get in on the excitement of the March tournament, even if you're not on the court with the actual teams.

 

Host a Viewing Party

 

Finally, if you're more interested in hosting a gathering, why not throw a viewing party? You can invite friends and family over to watch the games together, serve up some snacks and drinks, and create a fun and festive atmosphere. You can even decorate your home with basketball-themed decorations to really get into the spirit of the tournament. Don‘t forget to stock up on your favorite beverages for the party. Check out how you can build your own variety pack!

 

Bracketology

 

Of course, no tournament experience would be complete without a bit of bracketology. Whether you're an expert at predicting upsets or just enjoy filling out your bracket for fun, there's something about the thrill and anticipation of the tournament that draws us all in. While there's no surefire way to predict the outcomes, one thing we do know is that it’s always fun to join in on the excitement.

Filling out a bracket can be a fun way to participate in the tournament by bringing together friends, family, and coworkers in friendly competition. Here are some steps to follow:

 

Download or Create a Bracket

You can download a printable bracket from many websites, including the official website, ESPN, CBS Sports, and others. You can also use an online bracket tool to fill out your picks. Or have fun with it and create your own bracket with white boards or poster board. 

 

Make Your Picks

 

You will need to select a winner for each game in the bracket, starting with the first four games and continuing through the last four. You can make your picks based on a variety of factors, such as team records, player performance, and expert analysis. You can also use various strategies such as picking all the higher seeds or choosing upsets. Or pick randomly and see what happens!

 

Fill Out the Bracket

Once you have made your picks, you can fill out the bracket either by printing it and writing in your picks or using an online bracket tool. Make sure you fill in each game with your chosen winner.

 

Submit Your Bracket

If you are participating in a bracket challenge with friends or coworkers, make sure to submit your bracket by the agreed-upon deadline. You can also enter your bracket in online contests.

Remember, filling out a bracket is all in good fun, and the chances of picking a perfect bracket are extremely low. So, enjoy the tournament and don't take it too seriously!

 

More Than Just a Game

Rori Harmon is a talented basketball player who has shown great passion and skill on the court. She’s a trailblazer in the sport, having already set records as a Freshman. Her love for the competition, the importance of teamwork, and the valuable life lessons that the sport has taught her continue to inspire her to play the game with such enthusiasm.

Harmon, the standout guard in Texas for the women's basketball team and one of our college sponsored athletes, is known for her precision and focus on the court, and she's also a big fan of Athletic Brewing's non-alcoholic beers. In a recent interview, Harmon shared that she enjoys the flavor and quality of Athletic Brewing's brews, and appreciates the option to enjoy a great-tasting non-alcoholic beer without compromising her training and performance. “I drink Athletic before practice, after practice, and even celebrating wins,” says Harmon.

Harmon has always had a love for the sport. She enjoys the competition and the feeling of being part of a team. Harmon believes that the best thing about playing basketball is the relationships that you build with your teammates. She also recognizes that the sport has taught her valuable life lessons such as the value of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork.

 

Playing basketball at the highest level is always a challenge, but for Harmon, that's what makes it so rewarding. She understands that to be the best, you have to be willing to put in the work and push yourself. Harmon also acknowledges the feeling of excitement and adrenaline that comes with hitting a big shot in a basketball game, which she considers incomparable to anything else.

Similarly, Point Guard for USC and sponsored athlete, Boogie Ellis, wants to be his best on the court and he doesn’t see alcohol fitting into that game plan. So he turned to Athletic’s non-alcoholic beers. He loves that he can go out and socialize with his friends without worrying about what he’s putting in his body.

 

 

What Kind of Basketball Fan Are You?

Basketball season brings a whole range of different types of fans. Whether you're a die-hard fanatic or a casual observer, there's a basketball fan out there for everyone. So, what kind of basketball fan are you? Let's take a look at some of the most common types and find out!

 

Superfan Stan

This is the fan who paints their entire body in team colors, wears a giant foam finger, and screams at the top of their lungs throughout the entire game. They know every player's stats, the team's win-loss record, and have a customized jersey with their favorite player's name on it. They're the loudest fan in the arena, and they're not afraid to show it.

 

Fair Weather Phil

 

This fan only shows up to games when the team is doing well. They're quick to jump on the bandwagon and declare themselves a fan, but as soon as the team starts losing, they're nowhere to be found. They're more concerned with looking cool than actually supporting the team, and they're not afraid to switch allegiances at the drop of a hat.

 

The Stats Guru

 

This fan is all about the numbers. They can recite every player's shooting percentage, turnover rate, and assist-to-turnover ratio off the top of their head. They spend hours pouring over stats and analyzing game footage, trying to find any edge they can to help their team win. They're not the most exciting fan to be around, but they know their stuff.

 

The Social Butterfly

 

This fan is more interested in the social aspect of the game than the game itself. They're constantly checking their phone, taking selfies, and posting on social media throughout the game. They're not really sure who's playing or what the score is, but they're having a great time anyway.

 

The Fashionista

 

This fan is all about looking good at the game. They spend hours picking out the perfect outfit, making sure that every piece of clothing is perfectly coordinated with the team colors. They're more concerned with being seen than actually watching the game, and they're always ready for a photo op.

 

The Snack Attack

 

This fan is all about the food. They're constantly making trips to the concession stand, loading up on hot dogs, nachos, and giant pretzels. They're more interested in the food than the game itself, and they're not afraid to share their snacks with anyone who asks. We know some pairings to go with our brews.

 

The Armchair Coach

 

This fan thinks they know more than the actual coach. They're constantly shouting out advice and critiques from the stands, convinced that they could do a better job than the actual professionals on the court. They're not afraid to second-guess every decision made by the coach, and they're always ready to offer their two cents.

No matter what kind of basketball fan you are, there's a place for you in the stands. Whether you're a "Superfan Stan" or a "Snack Attack," the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the game. So grab your foam finger, put on your lucky jersey, and get ready to cheer your team to victory!

 

Heading

 

March is an exhilarating time for college basketball fans and non-fans all over the country. The tournament brings together the best teams in the nation, pitting them against each other in a high-stakes battle for supremacy. From buzzer-beating shots to Cinderella stories, the tournament has it all. Beyond the excitement and drama of the games, this time is also a celebration of the passion and dedication that college athletes bring to the sport. As we watch the games unfold, we're reminded of the power of teamwork, perseverance, and the human spirit. The college basketball tournament is more than just a tournament – it's a reflection of the best qualities of the game and the people who play it.

Whether you fill out a bracket, attend a watch party, play a game of your own, or host a viewing party, there are plenty of ways to get involved in the frenzy. 

So grab your favorite Athletic brewing brew and get ready to experience the mania of March. Cheers to a great tournament!