BootsnAll's Travel Typepad

Going to Chicago for March Madness

As soon as the calendar ticks over to March every year, countless college basketball fans start salivating. It's hard to tell whether the term "March Madness" fuels or simply describes the insanity, but either way it's an apt name for the few weeks of NCAA Championship basketball that takes over the sports-crazy among us.

Here's the thing, though - yes, watching the tournament on TV (like most of us do) is fine, but for anyone whose team is one of the many names on an NCAA bracket or, heck, who just really likes to travel, March Madness can be an excuse to get out of town for a couple days to see some exciting games of college hoops. Sometimes the cities hosting games are even tourist destinations all their own.

For instance, in 2011, one of the cities hosting games for the second round of March Madness is Chicago. There's obviously no shortage of things to see and do in the Windy City even when the NCAA tournament isn't in town, but what basketball fan can resist the lure of a trip to Chicago and a few games thrown in for good measure? Yes, there are warmer places to be than Chicago in March, but you're more apt to find cheap flights to Chicago this time of year than you are (say) Tampa or Tucson (other cities hosting second round games this year).

The Chicago games are on March 18th and 20th, giving you a full Saturday in between game days to play tourist in Chicago. Since you can't be guaranteed warm weather in late March, however, you might want to make sure you've got some indoor sight-seeing that can be done in case it's unpleasant to be outside for too long. Oh, and you might also want to consider travel insurance before you go, especially if you're cheering for one team surrounded by the other team's fans.

Gearing Up for the 2010 World Cup

The World Cup is less than three months away now, which means that if you haven't already made plans to be in South Africa for the tournament you probably aren't going to. And that means you'll be watching the games on TV like the rest of us. But just because you're not actually in South Africa - surrounded by thousands upon thousands of screaming (and probably drunk) fans - doesn't mean you have to miss out on all of the accoutrements that go along with the tournament.

To begin with, you're not really a fanatic if you aren't sporting one of the World Cup jerseys as you watch the games - yes, it makes more sense if you're wearing the kit of the country you support, but in the end it's all about looking the part. (And just in case your team is likely to get knocked out early on, you might consider having a back-up country to cheer on - and a back-up jersey to change into when the time comes.)

Next, although the competition gets a little easier to keep track of as it gets closer to the end, those first few games in the group stage can be a little tougher to keep track of. Not only that, knowing what games are being played on what days is imperative if you don't want to miss anything. So here's a handy World Cup Wall Chart 2010 that you can print out and hang in a handy place (near your television, on your fridge) to fill in all the scores of each game of the group stage and then write in who's advancing in the knock-out stages.

Can't quite wait the remaining weeks until the first kick-off? Get into the tournament spirit by reminiscing about some of the greatest World Cup moments of years past - including Beckham's red card in 1998, Pele becoming the youngest goalscorer, and the infamous Zidane head-butt of 2006.

And if all of this World Cup talk has whetted your appetite so much that you've decided you just can't miss out on the in-person fun, then here are some tips to help you travel to the World Cup.

New Soccer Blog

We launched a new soccer blog since our World Cup Blog did so well.  Bob has been cracking away since August 1st on this site.  Here are the main categories of posts:

Categories

       

• Africa
• Europe
  • Champions League
• Leagues
  • Bundesliga
  • English Premier League
  • French Ligue 1
  • Mexico
  • MLS
  • Romania
  • Scottish Premier League
  • Serie A
  • Spain La Liga
• South America
• World Football

Rapid vs Steaua UEFA Cup 1/4 Final

World Cup Blog

Our World Cup Blog is back underway and I am excited about it.  I also want to welcome the my newest colleague, Bob Kellett.  He'll be the managing editor and project manager for WCB and I super stoked to  be able to work with him.  If you are a friend of mine in Portland, I can't wait to introduce him to you.

Fog at Autzen Stadium from our Seats

Keep the Pink Locker Rooms and

I say keep it. What's wrong with a little tradition and calming of your opponents.  I love how folks get all hot and bothered about it.

Miguel Cabrera is being disrespectful. What do you expect - he became a star at like 18 or 19 and everyone in the world told him how great he is...now is is a few years older and is trying to set his own rules.

Excuses, Excuses - Be a Man

At very least, star is a hypocrite; at worst, living a lie
via migs.

Why can't these pricks just admit it. Such weasels. "I did not knowingly take steriods" is a load of crap. I hope as I continue to fuck-up at times in life, I admit it and not be a wimp like these blokes.

Who is Ricky Henderson older than?

Rickey's just an old man.

U of Illinois

Chrisso and I just watched both Final 4 games.  Good to see the Illini win convincingly.  It's beautiful to watch them play...patient, team oriented basketball.

Last time they were in the final 4 - I watched them lose to Michigan at Moreth's house with Scotty and Mr. Moreth.  Rumeal Robinson shot, weakside over the back rebound by Sean Higgins put back beat them at the end.  Brian and I were gutted...this was 16 years ago.  Wow.