The two biggest college sports – in terms of attention from fans and the media – are college football and college basketball. College football season runs from late August through early January, but the conversations, debates, and news surrounding NCAA football runs year round.

On Saturdays in the fall, NCAA football becomes the focal point of the sports entertainment weekend for millions of people. Fans plan vacations, work schedules, and even events such as weddings and the births of their children, based on their favorite school’s schedule. Attending an NCAA football game is a unique experience, allowing one to soak in the pageantry and history of one of America’s deepest and most passionate sporting pursuits. Can’t get to a game? No problem. Many games are televised across the nation each Saturday; it’s possible to watch live college football on television for 12 hours straight, and the TV schedule is used by millions to shape their Saturday plans.

Colllege sports are far more than just football. NCAA basketball dominates the winter months, as teams compete for one of 65 elusive spots in the NCAA tournament. Held in March and early April, the three-week long college basketball championship tournament rivals the Super Bowl and the World Series in American sports. Fans – and people who know nothing about college sports – fill out their predictions for the NCAA basketball tournament, and millions upon millions of dollars are wagered in office pools nationwide.