March Madness Arrives in Buffalo, Expected to Generate $7.6 Million Economic Boost

Buffalo, Novel York, is gearing up to host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s College Basketball Tournament, too known as March Madness, beginning Thursday, March 19th. Tens of thousands of fans are anticipated to descend upon the city, with Visit Buffalo estimating an economic impact of at least $7.6 million.

Economic Impact and Visitor Experience

According to Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo, the goal is to create a positive experience for visitors. “At the end of the day, our overall goal is that visitors exit Buffalo saying something simple… ‘I didn’t expect Buffalo to be this much fun, welcoming and easy to explore,’ and hopefully they’ll add one more thing — ‘and we’ll be back,’” Kaler stated. Spectrum News reported.

Tournament Schedule and Matchups

The NCAA Division I Men’s College Basketball Tournament tips off at KeyBank Center on Thursday afternoon. The following matchups are scheduled for the first and second rounds in Buffalo:

West Regional

• No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 16 Long Island
• No. 8 Villanova vs. No. 9 Utah State
• No. 5 Wisconsin vs. No. 12 High Point
• No. 4 Arkansas vs. No. 13 Hawaii
• No. 6 BYU vs. No. 11 Texas/NC State
• No. 3 Gonzaga vs. No. 14 Kennesaw State
• No. 7 Miami vs. No. 10 Missouri
• No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 15 Queens

East Regional

• No. 1 Duke vs. No. 16 Siena
• No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 TCU
• No. 5 St. John’s vs. No. 12 Northern Iowa
• No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 13 Cal Baptist
• No. 6 Louisville vs. No. 11 South Florida
• No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 14 North Dakota State
• No. 7 UCLA vs. No. 10 UCF
• No. 2 UConn vs. No. 15 Furman

Tournament Timeline

The First Four games were played in Dayton, Ohio, on March 17-18. Following the Buffalo rounds (March 19-22), the tournament continues in Greenville, South Carolina; Oklahoma City; Portland, Oregon; Philadelphia; San Diego; St. Louis; and Tampa, Florida. The regional semifinals (Sweet 16) and finals (Elite Eight) will be held from March 26-29 in Houston (South), Washington (East), Chicago (Midwest), and San Jose, California (West). The Final Four and championship game will take place on April 4 and April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Spectrum News

Local and Regional Connections

This year’s tournament features several players and coaches with ties to the region. Roddy Gayle of Michigan is a Niagara Falls, New York native, and Bryan Hodgson coaches South Florida, hailing from Olean, New York. Buffalo Toronto Public Media reported that organizers believe these connections will enhance the excitement and draw for the event.

City Preparations

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan highlighted the city’s preparations, noting concerns about parking and potential price gouging by private lots. He encouraged fans to utilize city-owned parking and the city’s rail system for transportation to KeyBank Center. Yahoo Sports