All of the festivities at the Final Four are underway. One of the biggest attractions is in downtown Indianapolis, called the NCAA Fan Fest.
It’s where fans can play interactive games and meet former and current NCAA players and also talk about their expectations for the big games.
After weeks of planning and an eight-hour drive, the Qorpus family of Toronto was finally in Indy, soaking in Fan Fest and rooting for the Wildcats. Well, except for dad.
“Maybe I’ll go for Duke. If he’s going for Kentucky, I’ll go for Duke.”
They can all agree on one thing: They’re glad the trip from Toronto is over.
Saturday they’ll be at Lucas Oil Stadium for the games, but Friday it was all about shooting some hoops at the convention center.
Cole Johnson didn’t have to drive eight hours to do that. He came from neighboring New Castle with his buddy Jackson.
“I’m really excited to do all the activities and everything,” they said.
Plenty of Kentucky Blue was on display at Fan Fest but the Boilermakers were also well-represented.
Mark Gribben was first in line for head coach Matt Painter’s autograph.
“I’m gonna have him sign this license plate,” Gribben said. “I have been a Purdue fan forever. I love Purdue. I just had to get his autograph.”
Even with all that, the Fan Fest isn’t for everyone. Some spent their afternoon enjoying cold beers on Georgia Street, including the Smiths. You don’t have to ask who this family ablaze in red and white is rooting for.
And this weekend they’re most looking forward to “Badgers winning. Championship, definitely,” the Smith family said.
