March Madness superstitions: The wildest fan rituals that keep the magic alive

March Madness is a time of pure adrenaline, where every shot, every pass and every second counts. But what happens off the court can be just as important as what happens on it.

Fans across the country believe that their actions, no matter how bizarre, can influence the outcome of the games. From wearing lucky socks to performing intricate pre-game dances, the superstitions are as varied as they are entertaining.

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Here are some ways fans "help" their teams win:

The lucky undergarments ritual

Many sports fans believe in lucky charms, but some March Madness enthusiasts take it to a whole new level with their "lucky undergarments." These fans wear the same pair of underwear throughout the tournament without washing them, believing that their unwashed attire brings good luck to their team. While this might sound a bit unhygienic, the die-hard supporters swear by the effectiveness of this ritual.

The bracket binge-watching marathon

Filling out brackets is a March Madness tradition, but some fans take it a step further by hosting marathon viewing sessions. These fans watch every single game of the tournament, often staying up all night and forgoing sleep. These marathon sessions can become quite elaborate, with special snacks, themed decorations and even customized seating arrangements.

The superstitious snack ritual

Certain fans believe that the snacks they consume during the games can influence their team’s performance. For example, if a fan eats a particular brand of chips and their team wins, they will continue to eat that same brand for the rest of the tournament. Some take it further by arranging their snacks in specific patterns or eating them at precise moments during the game.

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The face-paint pledge

Face painting is a common way for fans to show their team spirit, but some March Madness devotees take it to the extreme. These fans pledge to paint their faces in increasingly intricate designs for each game their team wins. By the time the tournament reaches the final stages, their faces resemble elaborate works of art, complete with team logos, mascots and other symbols.

Superstitious pets

Some fans believe their pets bring luck — resulting in actions like making their dog wear a team jersey or only petting their cat during halftime. Others claim that their pet's positioning (e.g., lying on a specific couch) impacts the game's outcome.

Destroying cursed items

If a team loses, some fans go to extreme lengths to "get rid of the bad luck," including burning a jersey or hat, throwing away the TV remote used during the loss, or switching out their lucky chair.

While these rituals and superstitions may seem a bit over-the-top to the casual observer, they are a testament to the passion and dedication of college basketball fans. They remind us that, in the world of sports, there are no guarantees.

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As we gear up for another thrilling March Madness Final Four, let's celebrate the wild and wonderful world of fan superstitions. They may not always make sense, but they sure do keep the magic alive. And remember, whether you're watching the games from home or on the go, AT&T is here to ensure you stay connected every step of the way.

So here's to the fans, the rituals and the unforgettable moments of March Madness. May your lucky socks bring you joy, your pre-game meals be delicious, and your connectivity be flawless. Keep the magic alive and enjoy the madness!

The information included within this article was produced in part with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The statements in this article do not necessarily reflect the positions, strategies or opinions of AT&T.