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Your guide to the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo

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March Madness is here! The NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament returns to Buffalo and here's your ultimate guide to keep you busy between all the action at the KeyBank Center.
Your guide to the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — March Madness is here! The NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament returns to KeyBank Center in Buffalo with First and Second Round games scheduled for Thursday, March 19, and Saturday, March 21.

This will be the eighth time since 2000, and first since 2022, that the KeyBank Center has hosted the tournament.

The teams competing in Buffalo are:

  • No. 6 Louisville vs. No. 11 South Florida — Louisville defeated South Florida 83-79
  • No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 14 North Dakota State — Michigan State defeated North Dakota State 92-67
  • No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 16 seed Howard — Michigan defeated Howard 101-80
  • No. 8 Georgia vs. No. 9 Saint Louis — Saint Louis defeated Georgia 102-77

The two Second Round games on Saturday are:

  • No. 9 Saint Louis vs. No. 1 Michigan at 12:10 p.m.
  • No 6. Louisville vs. No. 3 Michigan State at 2:45 p.m. (Tip time is approximate)

We headed downtown early on Thursday and caught up with fans who are here to experience all the action, as well as what the city has to offer. You can watch our report from 6 p.m. on Thursday below.

March Madness takes over Downtown Buffalo

Later Thursday, we stopped by Buffalo Iron Works, which is just across the street from the KeyBank Center, where they were holding a watch party and caught up with fans who traveled to Buffalo to cheer on their favorite teams. You can watch our report from 11 p.m. on Thursday below.

March Madness fans bring major energy and boost the Buffalo economy

As fans travel to Buffalo for the NCAA tournament, restaurants and hotels in Niagara Falls are seeing a ripple effect during a typically slow time of year. You can watch our report from Friday morning below.

March Madness brings an economic boost to Niagara Falls businesses

If you're visiting the Buffalo region, here's your ultimate guide to keep you busy between all the action.

WATCH: Your guide to the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo

Your guide to the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo

Parking and Transportation

If you're driving in for the games, there are several parking options.

First, parking is available in the KeyBank Center parking ramp, KeyBank Center surface lot and LECOM Harborcenter. Those lots are all cashless and accept all major credit cards in addition to Apple Pay and Google Pay.

There are several additional parking lots not affiliated with KeyBank Center that are also within walking distance, located on Scott Street, Exchange Street, Pearl Street, Washington Street, Seneca Street, Swan Street and more.

You can also utilize the NFTA's Metro Rail Service. You can park and ride the NFTA's Metro Rail at the following stations:

  • LaSalle Station, 3030 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214
  • University Station, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214

You can find fare information on the NFTA website here.

In addition to the park and ride options that you have to pay for, the NFTA Metro Rail is free to ride at all above-ground stations from the Theatre District down to Canalside/KeyBank Center. You can find additional information here.

Food & Drinks

Here in the 716, we're known for Beef on Weck, pizza, and of course, wings. So, to get a taste of our best bites, we recommend hitting up these spots:

Within walking distance of the KeyBank Center

A short drive from the KeyBank Center

Within a 30-minute drive from the KeyBank Center

Places to Visit 

From city life to charming villages, Western New York's neighborhoods are perfect to explore between games at the KeyBank Center.

  • Allentown and the Elmwood Village are packed with trendy shops and colorful street art.
  • Lewiston offers a variety of mouthwatering restaurants, with options for gluten and dairy-free eaters.
  • The Village of East Aurora is a finalist for America’s Favorite Small Town.
  • Check this off your bucket list, Niagara Falls, a wonder of the world, is right in our backyard.

Things to Do

Buffalo's also filled with must-see attractions for every interest.