My first lucid memory of an NCAA Tournament game was March 30, 1981.
No, I didn't know the date off the top of my head. Looked it up based on unforgettable details which have stayed with me ever since that day. Indiana was going to play North Carolina for the national title that evening, and my parents were going to let me stay up late enough to watch the whole game.
I certainly watched a lot of basketball prior to that night, but I haven't retained any of those memories. My history with what wouldn't be referred to as March Madness for another year began 3/30/81, for a reason that has nothing to do with sports.