NCAA tournament tips off in Raleigh
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Basketball fans from around the country will visit the capital city for the first two rounds of the NCAA basketball tournament on Thursday and Saturday.
UNC is among the teams playing in Raleigh and organizers are hoping for a slam dunk for the local economy.
The Tar Heels are playing number 16 seed Florida Gulf Coast at 7:20 p.m. at the PNC Arena.
In 2014 when the City of Oaks last hosted the tournament, about 17,000 people visited greater Raleigh area.
The executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance says the tourney generated more than $4 million in direct visitor spending.
The alliance is asking restaurants to hang up posters, offer food and drink specials and have TV's tuned to the tournament games.
At last check, tickets are still available to watch the games live at the PNC Arena.
You can also join in on the fun by creating a tournament bracket on ESPN
