ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Downtown Atlanta has been buzzing with excitement surrounding March Madness. This weekend, thousands of college basketball fans have packed into the State Farm Arena for the Men’s NCAA Tournament.
Among those taking in the Sweet 16 action on Friday night were Michigan State fans Ashlyn, Jason and Redmond Hayes.
“We were on spring break down in Florida, and we were heading home,” the family said. “This was a great spot to be.”
Friday featured two thrilling Sweet 16 matchups. Michigan State advanced to the Elite Eight with a 73-70 victory over Ole Miss. Later that evening, Auburn secured a 78-65 win over Michigan.
Charles Bradford is an Auburn fan who expressed excitement for this Tigers squad.
“We’re going to watch Auburn play in San Antonio for the Final Four,” he said. “There’s no doubt about it.”
All of this excitement arrives as Atlanta prepares to host several major sporting events in the years to come, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, the Super Bowl in 2028 and the Final Four in 2031.
Andrew Saltzman is the chief revenue officer at State Farm Arena, who highlighted the city’s growth.
“Downtown Atlanta is really having this renaissance right now,” he said. “In the next five years, what’s happening here across the street with Centennial Yards, south downtown, it’s really exciting.”
Economists project the three NCAA Tournament games this weekend will generate approximately $35 million into Atlanta’s economy.
“It’s what these sports and mega events do,” Saltzman concluded. “They drive interest, drive economic development and impact.”
Both Elite Eight matchups will air this afternoon on Atlanta News First:
Here’s a list of the matchups and tip-off times:
2:20 p.m. No. 1 Houston vs. No. 2 Tennessee (Indianapolis) | CBS5:05 p.m. No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 2 Michigan State (Atlanta) | CBS
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