DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – The University of Dayton Arena is the long-time home of the First Four tournament, and this year, people are noticing the millions of dollars-worth of renovations.
“I was here in 2014 and 2016. It was totally new when I looked inside,” said one visitor.
Fans from Dayton are proud to see the First Four in town again.
“We come here every year to watch the NCAA tournament start off. It’s just tradition here. It’s great,” says resident Stuart Bidinger.
For many, this is also a time to reunite with old friends.
“Re-establishing our connection, seeing former players, enjoying the comradery, enjoying life,” says Lisa Bond, who is visiting from Missouri.
For others like these Indiana natives, it’s not always about who’s playing.
“It’s exciting, it’s major college basketball, so it doesn’t matter who the team is,” says Ian Gibson.
“I’ve never been to a NCAA tournament before, so it’s exciting,” say another fan.
In the end, people are here to see one thing.
“I just want to see some good basketball,” Gibson tells 2 NEWS.
And they will return to do this all again on Wednesday when four more teams-worth of fans pack into the UD Arena.
