BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) One week before March Madness hits Buffalo and it's full steam ahead for planners. "We're so excited to have the NCAA back for the 7th time in Buffalo," said Patrick Kaler, President of Visit Buffalo Niagara.
The first and second round action March 17 and 19 at KeyBank Center is
expected to have a big economic impact on Buffalo. "$7.5 million dollars at a minimum," said Kaler. The low ball number is due to the fact that it's St. Patrick's Day weekend (first one in two years due to the pandemic) and there are three other hockey tournaments in Buffalo next weekend.
The tournament is expected to draw capacity crowds of nearly 19,000 for six games. Two sessions on Thursday and one on Saturday.
"Over the last seven times that we have hosted the NCAA tournament, this community has continued to evolve and change," said Kaler. "We have so many new restaurants and bars and hotels. New places for fans to experience from Hofbräuhaus, Labatt Brew House, Southern Tier Brewery in the old 716 location." All are within a short walk of KeyBank Center.
Nearby at Canalside there are other attractions. The Buffalo Heritage Carousel Explore and More Children's Museum and The Ice at Canalside. All three venues plan to be open the weekend of the tournament.
The tournament comes at a time when Buffalo can host an event and welcome crowds without restriction.
The pandemic forced cancellation of the event in 2020. In 2021, the games returned, but were held in largely empty arenas due to capacity restrictions.
All of the games were held in Indiana last year, rather than cities that had bid on hosting. Buffalo was not scheduled to be a host city in 2020 or 2021.
For more information on ticketing and hospitality for the tournament click here.
