Jason Kinney is a Central New York native and SU fan who moved to Omaha 15 years ago. He said would have liked to attend practice Thursday for an up close look at the team. But that practice was closed to the public. 

“I can understand but they probably expected a lot of people being the teams we’re hosting in Omaha this year," said Kinney.

Shirt Vendor Leon Jandrasko set up outside the arena and says the move significantly hurt his business. 

“It’s going to hurt business because a lot of people were going to show up," said Jandrasko. "I guess they were expecting 15,000 people for today’s event. 

NCAA officials said they changed the policy for the Sweet 16 after repeated concerns from coaches that teams only had one practice and with that practice being open to the public and media, it wasn’t a real practice. 

Thursday the Orange practiced for 15 minutes in front of the media while the rest of practice was closed off. 

Out of town fans said they can understand the policy. 

"I’m sure with media and the fans I’m sure they would love to have access to practice, I don’t know if it’s just a Regionals policy or the teams just decided to keep things closed so they can work on some final things before tip tomorrow night," said Clemson fan Bobby Couch.

It’s hopeful fans will be able to enjoy the tournament and the area on Friday. 

As for Syracuse fans, they’re hoping for a big win over Duke. 

“This is great, having Central New York in Omaha Nebraska for this weekend, to have a little bit of home in Syracuse playing in front of the Omahans, it’s going to be great," said Kinney. "There are several of us out here and we’re going to be rooting for the Orange for sure.”

And that support just may be enough to lead Syracuse to another victory.