Fans heading to Buffalo for first and second round action of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament have a number of opportunities to join fellow Badger fans in celebrating March Madness. 

The tournament week tips off with the Badgers' Open Practice on Wednesday, March 15 from 5:10-5:50 p.m. (ET) at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. This free event allows fans a sneak-peak at the Badgers as they prepare for their first round matchup with Virginia Tech.  

Following the Open Practice, join fellow Badger fans at Cobblestone Bar and Restaurant on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. (ET) for an NCAA Basketball Pep Rally. This free pep rally will include entertainment from the UW Band, Spirit Squad and Bucky Badger in the upstairs bar area. Plus, fans will receive free giveaways (while supplies last). Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Located in the historic Cobblestone District, and adjacent to KeyBank Center, Cobblestone Bar and Restaurant is a great meeting place for food, drinks and entertainment with a casual atmosphere. Built in 1860, Cobblestone is all that remains of a civil war era which led to the industrial revolution in Buffalo. 

On Thursday night, start your gameday with a Team Send-Off. Join the UW Band, Spirit Squad and Bucky Badger at approximately 7:40 p.m. (ET) in the lobby of the Buffalo Niagara Marriott to send the team off in style as they depart for their first round game.  

With a Badgers win on Thursday night, another Team Send-Off will be held on Saturday in the lobby of the Buffalo Niagara Marriott approximately two hours before tip-off.

Fans are encouraged to follow @BadgerMBB and @UWBadgers on Twitter to receive the latest updates on the Badgers in the NCAA Tournament.