Where passion meets play
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the First Four of March Madness, sent by UD Magazine. It was one of the most electrifying experiences of my life.
Back in 2018, when I was an undergraduate student, I attended a basketball match at my college. It was an open-court game with a modest crowd of about 100. Coming from India, where cricket reigns supreme and kabaddi follows closely behind, I never had much basketball in my life. Yet, watching that match that day, I was thrilled. The intensity, the pace, and the excitement all captivated me. From that day on, I started following basketball leagues on TV and my phone.
Fast forward to my first First Four with the nation's NCAA men’s tournament attention focused on Dayton. From practice sessions to press conferences and media interactions, every part of my experience was incredible. While covering my first game, Alabama State vs. Saint Francis, I had goosebumps. The University of Dayton Arena was buzzing, pulling in a crowd of more than 12,000 passionate fans. Day two, game two — Xavier v. Texas — was unforgettable. I heard the loudest cheers I’ve ever experienced. That game stole my heart.
When I turned to take in the crowd at the end, I was in awe. The energy, the roar, the crowd pop — it was absolutely insane. I witnessed it all: victory dances, high-fives, chest bumps, people punching the air in adrenaline-fueled joy.
March Madness at the University of Dayton Arena just lived through two of its finest days. And I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of it.
Sai Sandeep Vunnam is a student in the computer science master's program. He uses his passion for photography to help illuminate stories for UD Magazine.