March Madness Takes Over Children’s Medical Center in Dallas

Before the tip off of the Final Four NCAA Basketball games, March Madness took over the Seacrest Studios at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. Broadcasters, cheerleaders, mascots and special guests who were in town for the Final Four stopped by to visit with the children and have some fun.

Before reporting courtside at the games, Tracy Wolfson of CBS Sports stopped by to talk with the kids about preparing for the biggest stage in college basketball. Her colleague Bill Macatee joined her at the Seacrest Studios. He is preparing to do play-by-play at the Masters Golf Tournament.

Both Wolfson and Macatee talked about how March Madness is one of the most exciting sporting events of the year.

Later in the week, a giant alligator, striped badger and even a husky could be seen roaming the halls when the mascots from the Final Four teams stopped by Children’s Medical Center. The teams’ cheerleaders and dance teams entertained patients with a special cheer for their team.

But the entertainment didn’t stop after the mascots left. Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale brought energy and personality to the Seacrest Studios as he shared encouragement and advice to the children. Vitale also talked about the value of participating in team sports. “You learn discipline. You learn all the values of getting along with people,” Vitale said. “You play together on a team. You learn to build relationships for later in life.”

Vitale even did some colorful play-by-play during a special basketball game between the Funnyatrics Clowns at Children’s Medical Center. Players Nothin’ But Net and Phi Slamma Ding Dong pulled out some fancy moves and tricks as they played one-on-one for the kids and Vitale. The children even chimed in to help Vitale call the shots.

It was a week of special events that truly brought the March Madness excitement to the patients and their families at Children’s Medical Center. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to share a smile!