Economic downturn and March Madness

With only a few days to go, many are preparing their annual March Madness brackets pools. But will the current economic environment take a toll on the betting? Will the pools be cheaper to enter, or will people who used to play a few brackets limit their spending to only one? I know in past years I have played the conventional choices and then filled out a sentimental bracket. You know, like picking Cornell to take the first round game because a daughter went to school there. Go Big Red! Or choosing Iona from New Rochelle or the Bradley Braves from Peoria. Or any SUNY school.

Will bars see less spending as the NCAA tourney progresses? Just a few less chicken wings or more pitchers rather than imported beer?

The ACC has sold fewer tickets to their championship in Atlanta than in past years.

And speaking of the ACC, a few of the projected brackets have the Clemson Tigers heading to either Boise or Portland. Yeah, right, I don't think too many fans will shell out bucks to schlep out West from South Carolina.

Wonder if this year's tournament will be a money maker for the NCAA?