Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The NCAA men's basketball tournament got underway on Thursday, with Buffalo being one of the host cities for Round of 64 action.
With four games in action on Thursday, college basketball fans near-and-far flocked to Downtown Buffalo to cheer on their favorite teams with the hopes of starting a run to a national championship. And from what visitors saw, many were pleased to take in the action downtown.
"First time here. The first impression was how friendly the people were, how helpful and how genuinely kind everybody was here," said Richard from Ann Arbor, Mich., supporting the University of Michigan. "They've been great hosts, and it's been a terrific trip so far."
"I think it's great," added Connor from Grand Rapids, Mich., also cheering on 1-seed Michigan. "We were talking to a volunteer, he recommended four different places we could go hang out, if we wanted to. I think it's great. The social life here, it's a really great area."
For many fans making their way to Downtown Buffalo, it reminds them of their hometown, or another city they may have lived in prior.
"This place is great. We actually talked about it earlier, the town kind of seems a little bit like St. Louis, just kind of a little sports town. It's a lot of fun," said Allen from Red Bud, Ill., supporting Saint Louis University. "Just the little bars and restaurants, kind of around the arenas and stuff, it's a lot like Downtown St Louis. It's a neat area."
"I've lived in Detroit, I've lived in Pittsburgh, and being here reminds me a lot of those cities," added Noah from Pittsburgh, cheering on Michigan State University. "Cities with grit, cities who have a big sports culture, and really ride-or-die by their teams and where they're from. There's an identity here, and I think people really believe in the identity and where they come from. I just love that."
Even for some of the locals or others who have been to Buffalo in the past, they can appreciate the vibrancy of downtown.
"I feel like it's got a vibrant atmosphere, it's definitely hopping," said Shawn from New York City, supporting Michigan. "I think there's a lot going on, they're building it up, great restaurants. I like beers, so you've got some nice breweries in town. It's good. Can't beat the wings too."
"A different vibe. If they're not from New York, you think of New York City, so everyone's always like, 'Buffalo is not the New York City that you expect.' But especially now, with everything they've done downtown, I think it's given a more positive light to Buffalo than probably would have had 10 years ago or more before Canalside became what it did," added John from Buffalo, supporting Michigan State for the tournament.
While many fans are pleased with what Buffalo was able to offer for the tournament, more could the city offer for fans and others to enhance downtown even further?
"Some more public transit. They're doing a lot of work with the train here, making that more accessible and more train routes would be ideal for any city in America. But it'd be nice to have more of a train line down here in Downtown Buffalo," said Ronald from Rochester, supporting the University of South Florida for the tournament.
"The Big 10 tournament was in Chicago this past week, and there was a big point about there not been a lot of restaurants around the arena. So I think having more things to do, more bars/restaurants would be a big help," added Sam from Rochester, repping his alma matter of Michigan State. "The surface lots really could be parking garages and that'd probably be better for everything."
While some feel there could be improvements and enhancements made to downtown, other fans can already feel the aura of the region, and are optimistic of the future for that part of the city.
"I lived in Detroit, and I think they did a great job with their downtown area. But I can kind of see the bones of what's going on down here, for sure. A lot of local breweries, lot of local businesses, which are great," Noah said. "Driving around, I tried to get wings earlier and it was really bumping. I tried to go to Adolph's wings - I heard that was the place to go, Irish pub, had a good Guinness point. It was packed there, but it seemed like a good time. It's that identity, and it seems like a great place. I don't think you need to add much. It's got the bones, and I think people can kind of build off that, whatever they're in the mood for at the moment."
Day 2 of college basketball action in Buffalo begins on Saturday at 12:10 p.m.
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