Excitement Builds as NCAA Tournament Kicks Off in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) — The NCAA Tournament is set to commence in Lexington this week, attracting basketball fans eager to cheer for their teams. Games kick off on Thursday, but the bustling atmosphere started well before the tip-off, with visitors flocking to enjoy the city’s offerings.

Mary Quinn Ramer, president of VisitLEX, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming sports events, noting that Louisville fans will bring considerable energy to the venue as Creighton faces the Cardinals on Thursday morning. Ramer said, “We have been really fortunate between NCAA, KHAA, and then rolling right into spring meet at Keeneland, we’ve just got several weeks of back-to-back sports fans and enthusiasts.”

Among the dedicated sports fanatics present was Don Jones, who travels annually to various cities for the NCAA Tournament. Speaking of favorites, Jones mentioned, “Not really having a favorite, but I think Auburn, you know, they’re the number one seed.”

Adding to the Auburn fanfare, pep band member Thomas Coats shared his commitment to rallying the crowd, stating, “To some degree, the team too when they choose to look at us, but we’re always there for them no matter what, even when we’re down, even when we’re up, we’re always there for them.”

First-time band member Lindsey Allen expressed hope for the Tigers, humorously asserting, “I have never hit a strike in my life like the most I’ve ever hit at a time is like seven; maybe it’s got to be it’s got to be luck.”

Meanwhile, Louisville fans had the chance to catch their team during a shoot-around at Rupp Arena, with player Jason Wess commenting on the challenges ahead: “It’s a little shade thrown to us, but, you know, I feel like we’ve got to work from the bottom and work our way up and everything, so I think we’ll be just fine.”

As teams prepare and fans gather, the excitement for the NCAA Tournament is palpable in Lexington. The matchups promise to deliver thrill and competitive basketball from Thursday through Sunday, marking a major highlight in the sporting calendar.