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Seriously, is there anything better than the NCAA Tournament?  Throughout the world there are sporting events that capture excitement and majesty in the performance of excellence.  Some say the Super Bowl is the greatest event.  Others might contend that the Olympics or the World Cup represents the best that organized sport has to offer.  A fan representative from every major sport could file an argument for their sport's top event.

Most times we are consumed with professional athletes and for good reason.  Pro athletes are at the top of their game and talent levels across the board are much higher than that of any amateur league.  However, there is just something special about college basketball.

Sure some of the pageantry has been lost over the years from players leaving college early.  And yes there are a litany of dirty coaches in college but at the end of the day these players should be allowed to receive compensation.  Tax friendly of course.  The only obvious problem is the disparity between schools and the pocket books of their boosters.  But until the NCAA cleans up their act that is a conversation for another day.  For now we just get to enjoy the amazingly competitive basketball we have had the pleasure of watching all season.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Jim vs. John
Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh
Brother vs. Brother
Brah vs. Brah

Unless you have been living under a rock, you should be quite aware that this year's Super Bowl will feature a showdown between brothers Jim and John Harbaugh.  Twitter peeps have been going hastag crazy with orginials such as #superbaugh, #harbowl, and#superbraugh.  One fan even tried to go as far as trademarking "Harbowl" but the NFL has discouraged him from continuing his efforts.  I think for the first time in Super Bowl history the coaches might be more of a story than the 2 teams.   The circumstances are incredibly unique and I think this is great for the league.  I hoped for this last year and we all got lucky to have the opportunity again this year.  Amazingly I got my wish and we have an all-Harbaugh Super Bowl.  So in spirits of the Harbowl I would like to offer a tale of the tape for these two brothers as they head into the game of their life.  Think of all the times these two have competed.  Whether its a card game, board game, a romantic interest, or even the love of their parents.... I wonder if there is a favorite in this long history of competition?  The brothers seem so similar but is there a historical advantage in this match-up?  Either way I think the loser of this game will face an uphill battle in trying to deal with defeat.

What is now known as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome was opened on August 3, 1975.  Since that time it has been the host of 6 Super Bowls and this season's finale will bring the total to 7.  The home of the New Orleans Saints already owned the distinction of hosting the most Super Bowls so the super-structure only adds to its lead.   A lead that it holds over the Orange Bowl and Sun Life Stadium.  Both of which are located in Miami, FL and have hosted 5 each.  In honor of the seventh time hosting the event, I have sent the Sports Traveler Blog through a time machine as we take a trip back through the last 6 Super Bowls in New Orleans.

*The Superdome has also hosted the BCS National Championship on 2 occasions. (2008, 2012)

Well every year I get sad when the Final Four arrives.  I know that sounds crazy but when the Final Four is decided it means that the madness is coming to a close.  And usually by this time my bracket has been torn up and tossed across the room about 4 times before taking its final resting place inside of a pizza box.

Sure there are still 3 games left to be played to decide the National Championship, but every year the 2 weekends leading up to the Final Four provide more meaningful action than any other 2 week span in sports.

The college bowl season has come to a close and in just a few weeks the Super Bowl will mark the end of the NFL season.  This is the part of the year when the sports world turns its attention to basketball.  The NBA usually hits full stride this time of year and college hoops are in the midst of the conference schedule.  It will be half a year before we crown an NBA champion but a new college national champion will be cutting down the nets in just a short few months.  As we move closer to March you can already start to see teams really go at it.  With great in-conference match-ups, the remainder of the season should be an absolute treat to watch.

Today was awesome here in New Orleans as we get ready for the BCS National Championship Game tomorrow. It appears that most of Columbus has now arrived in New Orleans. The weather was mild and muggy with a nice breeze. Bourbon Street has been packed since morning. The city of New Orleans post Katrina is ready and has never looked better downtown.

Getting your tickets:
It's getting down to the wire with not many tickets left. Don't buy on the street. I can't stress that enough. If you still need seats, Sports Traveler has last minute options available online. Check our BCS Inventory. All tickets online can be picked up here in New Orleans.

Find the teams:
The Ohio State Buckeyes are staying at the Hilton Riverside, the LSU Tigers are just down the street at the Sheraton. Security is tight but fans can still grab autographs from very friendly players roaming about the hotels.

Find fellow Sports Travelers:
Our clients are staying at the Hilton Riverside, Sheraton, Marriott, Royal Sonesta,