MADISON, Wis. — Fans heading to Washington, D.C., this week for the 2017 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament have an opportunity to join fellow Badger fans in celebrating the start of March Madness.

Throughout the tournament, be sure to visit RFD Washington in Washington, D.C., the official Badger fan headquarters. RFD Washington, located at 810 7th Street NW near the Verizon Center, is the perfect spot to take-in a Badgers' game in March. Plus, RFD Washington was voted to have the "Best Draft Beer Selection" in all of D.C.

The tournament weekend starts on Friday, March 10 with a Tip-Off Party at RFD Washington. The free fan event will run from 4-5 p.m. (ET) and conclude prior to Wisconsin's first game in the tournament. Plus, fans will receive free giveaways and raffle prizes. Additionally, Badger fans will enjoy entertainment from the UW Band, Spirit Squad and Bucky Badger at approximately 4:45 p.m. (ET). Food and beverage will be available for purchase.

With a Wisconsin win on Friday, the activities will continue. UW will host another free pep rally celebration at RFD Washington from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ET) on Saturday in advance of the afternoon's first semi-final game. Get fired up for the game with the UW Band, Spirit Squad and Bucky Badger at noon (ET). Plus, there will be free giveaways. 

On March 12, celebrate championship Sunday with the Big Ten Conference's Pep Rally. Hosted from 1:30-2:30 p.m. (ET) on F Street between 6th and 7th Street (located adjacent to Verizon Center), the official Conference Pep Rally will include a brief program and appearances by the bands, spirit squads and mascots of the teams participating in the championship game. Event is weather permitting.

The Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament begins on Wednesday, March 8 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. A limited number of tickets are available for sale through TicketMaster.  

For fans attending games at the Verizon Center, a reminder regarding the venue's carry-in policy that only bags smaller than 13 inches long, 9.5 inches tall and 6 inches wide are permitted inside the Verizon Center. All bags will be searched upon entry. For additional details, click here.

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