What to do now?

March Madness is over, the start of the baseball season has begun, and two sports that have endless regular seasons, now have endless playoff races. What's a sports fan to do? That's a tough question for many people, especially for ones who either don't live in an MLB market, or have an MLB team that can't compete. Thankfully this season, the KC area is saved with the Royals putting a good product on the field, but if things tank over the next few weeks, it'll be boredom for most sports fans. Here are a few suggestions for those who are chomping at the bit to get out and enjoy sports.

First what to watch on TV, check out the Master's this weekend. Golf at it's finest, and a chance to watch the best in his sport play. Twenty years from now, we're going to look back at this time and realize the greatness of Tiger Woods. Don't miss out on it, and have to settle for watching him play on ESPN Classic. Even if you aren't a fan of golf, you have to appreciate the level of play Tiger Woods brings to his sport, and that alone should be enough to tune in at least on Sunday, perhaps the best single day in golf. Also for the sports starved on TV, playoff hockey. Before you start thinking I'm crazy for thinking hockey is worthwhile, take an evening or an afternoon and watch a game either on VS HD or NBC HD. IMO NHL hockey in HD is second in terms of sports to watch in TV, behind football in HD. The rink is shiner, the puck is more visible, the pace picks up in the playoffs, and the play-by-play guys and commentators are the absolute best in the biz. They know their hockey inside and out, and are more passionate about their sport than anyone else. I've turned into a playoff hockey fan, and I guarentee you'll enjoy it also if you give it a chance.

Now for those who want to experience action in person. Obviously if you live in an MLB market, get to your team's game, if you don't there are still plenty of opportunities. Get to a minor league game, no matter what class or affiliation they may have. If you're over 21 and they serve beer, you and your friends are sure to have a good time. Tailgate before, have some beers at the game, and enjoy the evening. Also, if you can, get to an indoor football game. Doesn't have to be the AFL, but any indoor football game will do. Same concept as the minor league games if your 21 or older, but there's plenty more action, your inside from the weather, and the fans are much more into the game. Another perk to these ideas, is the cheapness of tickets. KC Brigade tickets cost 10 bucks or less for some of their seats, and you can imagine a lower division arena team will have cheaper tickets than that. KC T-Bones have free parking and 10 dollar or less seats, not a bad deal at all. All of these are great opportunities, but to often they get overlooked.

Another good idea for those who bleed their favorite college's colors, is to check out college baseball. This is becoming one of the fastest growing sports, in terms of fan popularity, and usually allows people to see tomorrow's stars today. Over the past decade college baseball has grown by leaps and bounds, in terms of facilities, managing, player development, and fan interest. It wouldn't be that big of a stretch to say some of the mid-level D1 teams are just as talented as Double A baseball teams around the country, or even Triple A depending on the circumstances. For those in the KC area, KU and MU play at Kauffman Stadium later this month. I'm not a fan of either team, but MU stands to make the NCAA tourney, while KU always has a decent team. There are countless other opportunities for people out there as well, but you just have to make the effort to get out and see them.

So there you have it, and I was just scratching the surface. yeah going to a minor league game or a lower division arena game may not have the pizzazz of attending an NFL or major college game, but in the end, they can be just as entertaining.