Lexington hosts NCAA tournament games for first time since 2013

Basketball fans fill the city as traffic advisory is issued

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The first round of the NCAA Tournament is underway, and for the first time since 2013—and the fifth time ever—Lexington is serving as a regional host.

Fans from across the country have arrived, filling Rupp Arena and the surrounding areas. With large crowds expected downtown, the Lexington Police Department has issued a traffic advisory and is urging drivers to remain patient.

“Everybody increase the amount of time that you take to get to where you’re going,” said Lieutenant Jeremiah Davis with the Lexington Police Department. “We’re going to have folks out in the street helping guide you in and around the arena itself. We ask that you head their direction,” said Lieutenant Davis.

Officials with Visit Lex estimate that both the high school Sweet 16 tournament and NCAA games will bring an economic impact of about $10 million to the city.

Local drivers are already seeing an influx of visitors. One Uber driver said he had been picking up fans since the morning and planned to stay busy throughout the day.

Inside Rupp Arena, workers are preparing for a packed schedule of games.

“I pretty much get to see all the games today,” said Robert Sanford, an employee at Rupp Arena. “The environment is very, very energetic. It’s a whole lot of fun,” said Sanford.

Games are taking place at both Rupp Arena and Memorial Coliseum as the tournament gets underway Thursday.