
Welcome to Maguire University
You don’t need to pass the bar exam to join this school. In fact, we prefer applicants who can’t pass by any bar!
WHY CHOOSE MAGUIRE UNIVERSITY?
The motto of Maguire University is “We Play Hurt,” a simple saying that has a lot of colorful history behind it. Our devoted student body of jollymen and jollywomen have been representing Maguire at NCAA Final Four basketball games since 1963! Our unique take on March Madness got its start that year at a bar in Forest Park frequented by high school and college basketball coaches from the area.
As an impromptu prank one night, a band of tavern regulars decided to fill out an application form to the NCAA’s basketball tournament under the made up school name of “Maguire University.” Against all expectations, their submission was accepted and the group received a block of very hard to get tickets to tournament – which back then wasn’t even known yet as the Final Four.
The hoax – complete with a fictional roster of players and a coaching staff consisting of bar owner John Maguire and a few regulars -continued for a while until sports media eventually revealed the true status of our “college.” Even though the NCAA revoked their tickets and hotel rooms for a time, the Maguire team continued to go to the games and remains committed to fun and to the enjoyment of great college basketball.

Today’s University News
Covering topics from Maguire University and around.
“Road to the Final Four”
Maguire University was featured on ABC and ESPN discussing the [...]
Final Five Trip – New Orleans 2022
The 2022 Final Five will be Maguire U’s 59th appearance [...]
2020 Final Five Atlanta – Refunds
Dear Students, Alumni & HOFers: I have spoken with [...]
2020 Final Five Atlanta – Canceled
Dear Participants for the 2020 Final Five, We are in [...]
Atlanta 2020
The 2020 Final Five will be Maguire U’s 58th appearance [...]
Final Five Trip – Atlanta 2020
The 2020 Final Five will be Maguire U’s 58th appearance [...]
WORLD CLASS FACILITIES
The 2018 NCAA tournament will be a celebration of Maguire University’s 56th appearance at the Final Four!
International focus – our Jollymen come from across the globe
Residential courses – we encourage learning and growth
People not profits – being a Jollyman is a privilege
Ready to join us?
SPEAK TO US
Join Us At Maguire University
Do you have what it takes to be a Jollyman?