March Madness in Minneapolis! Yes, it’s that time again. Time for the final four teams to play in the Men’s College basketball tournament league to determine who will win it all. Commonly known as: March Madness. As this tournament of 64 teams always begins in March, and I think they call it Madness because there are always so many upsets.

Why is this March Madness significant? Well, for one thing: I love Basketball! And just in case you thought this was all about me, many others love it too! And guess what? THIS year, the final four is coming to Minneapolis.. THIS weekend! Which means, 78,000 people will be watching…and coming to town. Plus many others, I would imagine. That’s just a guestimate number.

To celebrate this fact, there has been a planning committee hard at work in Minneapolis to welcome our visitors. Because, well, Minnesotans are nothing but nice. Luckily, finally, the ice has disappeared on one of the worst winters in Minnesota history, having even experienced a cold spell that came with a name this time: “Polar Vortex.” So, as I was saying, the ice is gone and Minnesota nice has brought out all the stops.. including placing an outdoor ferris wheel on Nicollet Ave. in downtown Mpls. There will be other events as well, all beginning this weekend.

The games begin this Sat. evening at 5pm. I plan to stay tuned to my local CBS channel, and watch in the comfort of my own home. But many will be AT The game, with all it’s excitement and March Madness. Who will win the Big Dance? Will it be top ranked Virginia? The only #1 seed left in the tournament. Or one of the newcomers to the Final Four: Auburn or Texas Tech? And then, there’s Michigan State! They beat our Golden Gophers here in Minnesota, so I am routing for them to go all the way, since we can’t.

And yes, that’s me, standing next to a live 3D bracket – displayed proudly, also on Nicollet Ave. in downtown Mpls.

And now, let the March Madness come to it’s rightful conclusion, right here in our proud city of Minneapolis. Thank you to all that are welcoming thousands of visitors this weekend to our beloved state of Minnesota. And the weather forecast looks good! Imagine that.