This year, St. Patrick’s Day and the first round of March Madness 2011, a bracket-busting basketball action, both occur on March 17, and Guinness, the boldest of beers, is calling on consumers to be bold by taking the day off from work to catch every minute of basketball while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a pint of Guinness.

Knowing that, on average, Americans end each year with three unused vacation days, Guinness has teamed up with one of the boldest basketball players of all time—Bill Walton— to declare that now, more than ever, is the year to step up and take the day off from work. It’s time to submit that vacation request to enjoy the day, and not worry about clicking ‘refresh’ on the online score tracker, taking an extra long lunch break, or living vicariously through your friends and their bar visits via social media posts and updates.

No longer should working professionals slip out of the office to catch a glimpse of the second half of their team’s opening round game. Now, by using a vacation day, consumers can head to their favorite sports bar to boldly raise a pint of Guinness, support their team and track their bracket. Consumers who think they are bold can also test their boldness in beer and basketball by visiting Facebook.com/GuinnessUS to determine if they have what it takes to be part of Team Guinness.

Recently, the brand also launched a series of videos teaching men how to hug, have a nice conversation and smile to each other at a pub.