BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Hundreds of basketball fans flooded downtown Buffalo Thursday, gearing up for the first day of the NCAA tournament.

"Best time of year, my friend. Family tradition here, we do it every year," said Ontario resident Mark Facca. 

"It's the unknown, you could have anyone win at anytime," said West Virginia fan Jim Bolyard. 

For local fans, it's a chance to show off Western New York.

"I've seen a lot of out-of-state plates, so like I said, good for the area," said Batavia resident Cathy Fancher. 

"There's more restaurants, more hotels. We're built to have these types of things, and I think our viewership and revenue is going to prove it," said Niagara Falls resident Gerald Ventry. 

For visitors, it's a chance to root on their team.

"You got this stigma, you go to the Ivy League we're too worried about schools and our academics and sure we are, but like also we have to come and support when support's needed," said Princeton fan Isaiah Barnes. 

"We love the madness. March Madness is something we do year to year. We're down here with some friends watching some games and cheering on the Irish," said Ontario resident Keith Facca. 

Out-of-towners also had the chance to sample some of what makes Buffalo, Buffalo.

"We're going to go find some great restaurants here in Buffalo. We went to a nice Italian place, Siciliano, and loved it. So we're going to try to find some good places to eat tonight," said Bucknell fan Glenn MacLeay. 

Visit Buffalo Niagara was out spreading some Buffa-love, giving away sponge candy one minute and game tickets the next.

"We just got lucky. Came around gave us some free tickets, so it looks like we're going this year," said Boston resident James Morse. 

"Overwhelmed, I guess I would put it. They randomly came up to us and asked us if we wanted to go in. Doesn't happen often, so it's pretty interesting," said Boston resident Dakota Greene. 

But at the end of the day, fans were happy to welcome basketball back to Buffalo.

"It's about time it came back, and I'm really excited for an upset tonight," said Niagara Falls resident Joe Langer.