March Madness

March 13 - April 4

Attending one of these games is a long shot for less-than-wealthy students, but watching them at a local bar or hosting a party is a viable option. Save the money you would spend on a ticket to pool on a bracket with friends.

Splurge:

Attend a game, $$$$

Final Four Tickets: $160 and up, depending on the round and teams competing (stubhub.com)

Hotel: $80-300/night, based on the city and date of game (hotels.com)

Food at game: $25

Your best bet: $265 total

Save:

Save / Watch at a bar like The

Wild Hare or The End Zone Grill, $

Drinks: $15

Game Snacks: $10

Carolina Cup

April 2

If you’ve ever traveled to Camden in early spring, you know there is nothing quite like the Cup experience, but attending Cup can get pricey, so what’s the next best thing? Stay in Cola, and get your equestrian fix by watching the Kentucky Derby (May 7) instead. Throw your own Cup with friends. Make it bourgeois-themed. Play croquet, sip fancy drinks and wear ridiculous hats.

Splurge:

Splurge / Attend Cup, $$$

Tickets: $30 each (carolina-cup.org)

Transportation: $15-20

Drinks for the day: $25-50

Cup-appropriate outfit: $50-300

Your best bet: $105 total

Save:

Save / Watch the Kentucky Derby at a bar like Village Idiot, $$

Drinks: $20-25 (You’ll be drinking more as it´s closer to exams)

Food: $10

The Masters

April 4 -10

Held each year in Augusta, Ga., the Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in America, and it can be just as rewarding to watch the match on TV (almost).

Splurge:

Splurge / Attend The Masters, $$$$

Badges: $220-5,000 depending on practice/competition days (stubhub.com)

(Note: Tickets are seriously hard to come by,

so act fast!)

Souvenirs: $40

Gas: $10-15

Hotel: $150-400/night

Your best bet: $420 total, if you're lucky

Save:  

Save / Play a round at a

local course, $$

Enjoy the last threesomes that come in while grilling out. Or head to Wild Wings to catch a tournament, $$

18-hole round at Rawls Creek: $22

Drinks: $25-30

Food: $10