How to Track Your Bracket

A chalkboard wall bracket is simple to update. You can add or eliminate teams simply by drawing a line or erasing a name. It’s also an option that looks good in kitchens or family rooms. To make a board like the image shown above:

• Gather the following materials and tools: chalkboard paint, various colors of chalk, painter’s tape, paint roller set, drop cloth, decorative wood trim, adhesive, ruler or straight edge and a chalkboard eraser.
• Select a wall for your chalkboard bracket. Wipe or wash off the wall to remove any grease or grime.
• Determine the size of your chalkboard. Make sure it’s large enough for the number of brackets you want.
• Using a ruler, measure and mark a rectangle on the wall. Use a level to make sure your lines are straight. Outline the rectangle with blue painter’s tape. Protect the area with a drop cloth.
• Paint one coat of chalkboard paint within the rectangle. Make sure not to paint outside the blue tape.
• Let the paint fully dry before applying a second coat. Follow the instructions on the paint can for specifics.
• Once the second coat is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape.
• Use a ruler and chalk to divide the chalkboard into four equal sections for each tournament division.
• Divide each section vertically based on how many rounds the teams will play.
• Draw diagonal lines for all the tournament team names on the right and left side of the board.
• Keep drawing blank single winner lines horizontally for each row. The final single winner line should end up in the middle of the board.
• Write in tournament team names.
• Name your new board and draw in some fun visuals.
• Glue or nail wood trim around the board to give it a finished look.

Tip: Consider choosing chalk or chalkboard paint colors that match those of your favorite sports team.

A tournament board made from cork tiles provides a blank canvas for a creative, fun design. Making this bracket can be something the whole family can do together. For this DIY bracket you’ll need to:

• Gather the following materials and tools: cork tiles, double-sided wall tape, electrical tape, push pins, pencil, ruler or measuring tape, scissors, colored paper, stickers, scissors, knife and printed bracket template.
• Select a wall for your cork wall bracket. Wipe or wash off the wall to remove any grease or grime.
• Cover the wall with cork using the double-sided tape.
• Using a ruler and pencil, measure and mark the lines and boxes of your bracket on the cork wall. Use a printed bracket template as a guide to make this easier.
• Once you’ve drawn out the basic design, create your own design.
• Use electrical tape to make the bracket lines.
• Cut out freeform shapes for team names. Use push pins to place and move the team names.
• Add sports-themed stickers and paper flags.

A tournament bracket made from paper is both budget-friendly and easy to make. Plus, when the season wraps up, you can simply recycle it. You can use craft paper, poster board or even cut up an old cardboard box. Here’s how to make the one in the image above:

• Gather the following materials and tools: builder’s paper, ruler, pencil, fine or wide markers, vinyl letters and blue double-sided wall tape.
• Using a ruler, measure and cut a large piece of paper. Make sure it’s large enough for the number of brackets you want.
• Next, divide the paper into four equal sections for each tournament division.
• Divide each section vertically based on how many rounds the teams will play.
• Draw diagonal lines for all the tournament team names on the right and left side of the board.
• Keep drawing blank single winner lines horizontally for each row. The final single winner line should end up in the middle of the board.
• When you’re satisfied with your pencil lines, go over the lines with a fine or wide marker.
• Write in round one tournament team names.
• Use vinyl letters to add a title to the board.
• Hang the board with removable double-sided wall tape.

Tip: Apply stickers with sports logos to fill your board with team spirit.

For a DIY tournament bracket option that works long after the last whistle, use a whiteboard. These boards work great for everything from schedules to grocery lists. To make a tournament bracket with a whiteboard:

• Gather the following materials and tools: a magnetic whiteboard, ruler, dry erase markers, 6-10 wood paint sticks and magnetic tape.
• Using a ruler and pencil, divide and lightly mark the whiteboard into four equal sections for each tournament division. Divide each section vertically based on how many rounds the teams will play.
• Draw diagonal lines for all the tournament team names in erasable marker on the right and left side of the board.
• Using the erasable marker, keep drawing blank single winner lines horizontally for each row. The final single winner line should end up in the middle of the board.
• Cut the wood paint sticks in half until you have enough for each team in the tournament.
• Write the team names on each stick. Apply magnetic tape to the back of each stick.
• Place the team names on the whiteboard and get ready for fun!

Tip: Print out the team logos and glue them on the sticks for a more fun design.

Brackets can be both an exciting and tense activity for sports fans. Keep it fun and the competition friendly with these tips:

• Kick off the tournament season with a party. This would be a fun time to get everyone to add team names to the bracket you've made.
• Update the brackets as winners advance to the next round.
• Use different colors for each round or mark winners with special stickers like stars.
• Choose your favorite team, pick the team that’s already won their regular season or go with the underdog to make things interesting.
• If your pick gets eliminated, jump on the bandwagon and cheer on someone else’s team.