Between the buzzer-beaters, high-level basketball and the overall spirit of the tournament, March Madness is a special time of year. The atmosphere it provides is one of the best across all sporting events. From the chants of the crowd to the energy in the air, it is a can't-miss event for basketball fans everywhere.
One factor that often goes overlooked in the event is the music played alongside it. Between the chants and anthems that are sung throughout the arena and songs to help set the tone and escort you to and from commercial breaks, music plays a major role in the viewing experience.
Is there a theme song for March Madness 2023?
While there may not be an official theme song, there are plenty of sounds that have become synonymous with the event.
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The CBS theme song coming in and out of breaks is a surefire way to increase emotions and fire up fans. It provides the perfect runway for the climax of a game and has you stirring on the edge of your seat during the break. It is a sound that can be difficult to place out of context but is unforgettable when in the moment.
There have also been a number of songs released for the tournament itself. Future dropped "March Madness" ahead of the tournament in 2015, and it is still a lock to be played at the event.
"One Shining Moment" has also become a staple of the tournament, with a tribute to March Madness being dropped for this song in the background following each tournament since 1987.
The dramatic musical medley provides the perfect ambiance to replicate the on-court events. The song was written as a love letter to the sport of basketball by David Barrett and it has stuck exactly as intended.
Walking the balance between leaning on tradition while mixing in new hits has been an effective route for the NCAA Tournament in years past. This should not be expected to change this year and for good reason.
While new hits like "Just Wanna Rock" by Lil Uzi Vert and "Rich Flex" by Drake and 21 Savage are sure to pump up the crowd at times, expect the classics to make their mark felt on viewers as well.