With less than two months to go, downtown leaders are tweaking final plans to make sure the central business district - including its bars and restaurants - are ready for the influx of NCAA men's basketball fans that are coming to Buffalo.
For the seventh time since 2000, KeyBank Center is hosting the early rounds of the annual NCAA men's basketball tournament, with the last time coming just four years ago in 2022.
What's at stake?:
* A positive impression by fans and the visiting teams could lead to Buffalo securing a host city designation for a future NCAA basketball, or other high profile tournament (think: Frozen Four).
* Basketball fans could return to Buffalo as visitors, not just for sporting or special event, but just to take in attractions.
That's why Visit Buffalo has been planning for the tournament for more than one year, said Patrick Kaler, agency president and CEO.
Visit Buffalo is working in collaboration with other downtown-centric organizations such as Buffalo Place Inc. and the Chippewa Alliance.
"A great weekend benefits all of us," Kaler said.
New wrinkles being considered include creating a shuttle service to transport fans to restaurants and districts outside the central business district and encouraging restaurants to open outdoor patios (with heaters) much like what is done in other cold-weather cities like Ottawa and Boston.
Buffalo Place is extending its free, outdoor skating at Fountain Plaza through the NCAA weekend.
Other special events are in the works for downtown.
"We always want to improve upon what we did last time," Kaler said.
Reservations for the more than 1,100 downtown hotel rooms is picking up, but will kick into high gear once the teams are announced four days before the tournament starts.
Kaler expects all downtown hotel rooms to be booked as well as most of the 10,000-plus hotel rooms across Erie County.
Downtown, especially on the March 19 and 21 game days, will be the fans' focus, Kaler said.
"All we are doing right now is to make sure everyone is prepared," Kaler said.