The NCAA Tournament Is A Sign Of American Exceptionalism, Never Apologize For Loving It

Ladies and gentlemen, the NCAA Tournament is officially upon us, and that's a reason to celebrate if there ever was one.

The conference tournaments and four play-in games were the perfect way to wet the whistle, but this is the day that fans waited all year for.

The first full day of the NCAA Tournament is as close to a euphoric experience as you can get in this lifetime. Nothing is better. Not a promotion at work, not buying a new car, not a nice vacation, not a fun concert and not even sex. Nothing else matches it.

It's the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The greatest of dreams and worst of nightmares. There are 16 games today featuring 32 teams all with one goal:

Win a national championship.

The NCAA Tournament is officially underway. (Credit: Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

The NCAA Tournament is awesome.

Sixteen will survive when the sun goes down. Sixteen will be going home heartbroken and crushed. If those stakes don't make you a bit misty in the eyes, then I seriously have to question whether or not you're a serious sports fan.

Today is about cold beers with the boys, grilling up some wings and great food, not moving from wherever you are once Michigan State/Mississippi State tips and finding every excuse to not work. If your boss doesn't like him, send my email (David.Hookstead@outkick.com) to him and I'll deal with it from there. Seriously, I'd love to argue with any communist who wants to stop you from watching March Madness.

March is where memories are made, glory is found, legends are made and dreams go to die. Damn, just thinking about what lies ahead makes me want to run through a brick wall.

You think they're celebrating March Madness in Europe? No, they're busy eating terrible food, drinking bad alcohol and watching whatever that communist sport soccer is.

Not in this country. Not today. Today, we celebrate American exceptionalism, and if that means my girlfriend can't get in touch with me until Monday morning when the first two rounds are over, then so be it. That's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

I've also picked out five games I'm super excited about today. Check them out below:

• Michigan State/Mississippi State at 12:15 EST on CBS
• BYU/Duquesne at 12:40 EST on TruTV.
• South Carolina/Oregon at 4:00 EST on TNT.
• Dayton/Nevada at 4:30 EST on TBS.
• Gonzaga/McNeese at 7:25 EST on TBS.

I'm excited for all 16 games, but those five have an extra bit of interest. Let me know what games you're specifically locked in on at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

We've earned this, ladies and gentlemen, and we won't apologize for enjoying it. This is the country that went to the moon, won back-to-back World Wars and it's the country that crowns a basketball champion with the best tournament in sports.

The NCAA Tournament is an incredible sports experience. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

This is our day. This is our moment, and I plan on cracking ‘em open at the first chance and not slowing down until the weekend is over. It’s been an honor and a privilege to go this far with you all, and it's now to take one more journey together. Who is riding by my side and the rest of OutKick? Let's do this!