How Much Does the Big Dance Cost?

As most of you know, today is the start of the NCAA tournament (I refuse to believe that the tourney started Tuesday with the play-in games). Here are some interesting estimates and tidbits for you to think about while you're at work today:

• Total amount of lost productivity in the US because of the NCAA tourney- $2 to 4 Billion
• Hours of lost productivity- 8.4 Million
• Number of Americans who consider themselves college basketball fans- 58 Million, 41% of the population
• Number of visitors to CBS's NCAA website: 8.3 Million
• Amount gambled on the NCAA tournament: $2.5 Billion

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http://www.cnycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=591153
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11809691/ns/business-forbescom/