Another wild week awaits area hoops fans. The madcap, non-stop college hoops action of Thursday and Friday represents the pinnacle of sports viewing for many fans. Sneaking out of work, bracket in hand, for an extra hour of lunch is an annual ritual for many a weary office drone. At this point next week, our brackets will be hopelessly crumbled, highlighted and marked with cryptic marginalia. Right now, however, hope springs eternal. Don’t forget to join the DCist Reader-Staff Pool to take part in all the madness. Our suggestions for this week’s sports viewing are below. As always, feel free to add your own in the comments.

TUESDAY
The big story leading up to D.C. United’s home opener? For once, the pitch at RFK Stadium seems like a welcome reprieve after the shoddy conditions United has endured during their preseason trevails. With former stadium-mates the Nationals out of the picture, RFK’s field is now free of its unkempt and sometimes dangerous infield seams. United will need to utilize these conditions to open up their attack against Jamaican side Harbour View F.C. After last week’s draw, United will need a win to advance to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. Captain Jaime Moreno’s injured hamstring will open up a spot in the starting 11 for 5’4″ Argentinean Franco Niell. Buy your tickets here or, if necessary, watch at home. 7:30 p.m., FSC.

Does the NIT count as March Madness? Maryland fans will try and convince themselves it does when they watch the Terps take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers. 9:30 p.m., ESPN.

The Washington Nationals! The Detroit Tigers! It’s the Grapefruit League on ESPN! The Entertaining and Sports Programming Network will take a break from its college hoops coverage to give Washington’s baseball-starved fans a glimpse Da Meathook, the Boone Bros., et al. 1:05 p.m., ESPN.

WEDNESDAY
The Verizon Center retains its status as one of the better hoops venues in the nation, as it will once again host NCAA tournament games on Thursday and Saturday. Although tickets are sold out for all the days’ games, fans can catch a preview of the action at Wednesday’s open practice. Georgia, Baylor, Xavier, Purdue, Duke, West Virginia, Belmont, and Arizona will take turns running drills throughout the day. Admission as free, and the floor time schedule is here.

Photo by michael starghill