Oh, it’s the most wonderful time of the year…sharpen your pencils and finalize your bracket, because the 2010 NCAA Tournament is here!

This year, the field is strong and, as ESPN puts it, the bracket is a “work of art.”  Fans and sports-lovers alike will pilgrimage to the sites of the games for first round upsets all the way to the final championship game.  With so many host cities across the country, there really is no excuse not to take a roadtrip and get in on the action.  If you are planning to make a trip, here are a few tips:

• If cheering on your own team, avoid seats in the opposition’s section.  Nothing looks more lame on TV than a lone fan in a sea of contrasting color.  If you’re unlucky and end up here, don’t pick a fight, stupid.  You’re completely outnumbered.
• The classic path to the 3-second fame of catching the camera eye includes, signage, body paint or being a blonde cheerleader.
• Signs should be homemade and clever.  Consider the classic acrostic poem, which tends to be a camera favorite.
• Tie Dye looks awesome on TV (Especially Black and Yellow – Go Deacs!)
• If seated behind the basket, appropriate distraction props could include giant bricks, foam fingers, sweat towels, or kazoos, but get creative.  Otherwise, a generous arm wave at least shows some effort.
• Need Tickets and can’t get them through your school or alumni group? Check out StubHub.com (but prepare to splurge for the good seats…or any seats at all, if you’re purchasing for the final rounds)

Here is a breakdown of the host cities for this year’s tournament, with links to travel information:

Rounds 1 & 2
Buffalo
Jacksonville
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
Providence
San Jose
Spokane

Sweet 16 & Elite 8
Salt Lake City
St. Louis
Syracuse
Houston

Final Four and National Championship Game
Indianapolis

Image courtesy of Zimbio.com