Staten Island bar claims to be birthplace of March Madness brackets

In Staten Island, New York, Jody Haggerty opened Jody's Club Forest in 1976, where the concept of a March Madness bracket pool reportedly originated. Haggerty, described as a creative businessman, initiated a simple system where patrons paid ten dollars to pick their Final Four teams and the overall champion, turning the bar into a popular destination during the NCAA Tournament. The March Madness pool gained significant traction through word of mouth and has evolved into a billion-dollar industry. While Jody's Club Forest claims to be the pioneer of bracket pools, debate continues over this assertion, as there are other contenders seeking recognition. One such contender is Bob Stinson from Kentucky, who is said to have created an electronic bracket pool in the 1990s using Excel, sending it to friends via email. Stinson's son recounts how his father's idea of simply filling out brackets for fun spread as he traveled nationally. Both Jody's Club Forest and Stinson's electronic initiative highlight the grassroots nature of what became a major part of American sports culture. However, Jody's Club Forest faced challenges, including an IRS investigation for underreported income and the unfortunate passing of family members, affecting its operation. As of now, the establishment remains popular among basketball enthusiasts each March, but Jody Haggerty's vision for the original pool has not been revived despite its potential lucrative return. The story of March Madness and its bracket pools serves as a reminder of how simple ideas can transform into widespread phenomena. While the true origins may be disputed, the passion for the tournament and its associated betting practices continues to grow, firmly entrenching bracketology into annual American tradition.