March Madness arrives in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - March Madness has arrived in Rhode Island, as players and fans arrived Wednesday for the opening rounds of the NCAA College Basketball Tournament.

It's the first time Providence has hosted the tournament since 1996.

The games begin Thursday afternoon, but the hardwood at the Dunkin' Donuts Center was already busy on Wednesday.

The eight teams competing in the Providence regional bracket held practices that were open to the public.

While at the nearby Rhode Island Convention Center, children took part in a basketball clinic organized by athletes from Providence College.

The city of Providence sees the tournament as a chance to showcase the city to visiting fans and athletes. To help that happen, eight Rhode Islanders were chosen to be hosts for each of the teams while they're in town.

"It showcases the city with so much," says Providence College graduate Jim Iacoi, who was chosen at the local host for Villanova.

"You can't imagine with the weather, the St. Patrick's Day, St. Joseph's Day being on Friday, I think the city will be buzzing."

The Providence-Warwick Visitors' Bureau is expecting thousands of out-of-towners to stay in the area until Sunday.

"We're enjoying the time and we're giving Providence some economic wealth," says John Sommer, who's in town for the NCAA Tournament.

"I'm going to enjoy the time while I'm here."