Government officials proclaim NCAA championship week

March Madness strikes Wisconsin this month when the NCAA Men’s Midwest Regional comes to the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Kohl Center. Responding to this unprecedented event, Gov. Scott McCallum, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and Madison Mayor Susan Bauman have issued official proclamations naming March 18-25, as “NCAA Championship Week.”

McCallum’s proclamation notes that Marquette University in Milwaukee will host the NCAA Women’s Mideast Regional championships March 23 and March 25, making Wisconsin the only state to host a 2002 NCAA Regional semi-final for men’s and women’s basketball.

Four NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams will play in the Midwest Regional at UW–Madison Friday, March 22, as part of the legendary “Sweet 16.” Thousands of basketball fans, from both the semi-finalist teams and around the state, will follow two days of basketball during the Big Dance.

In addition to the three semi-finalist games, a practice will be held at the Kohl Center Thursday, March 21. The free public practice will feature each of the four teams in a one-hour practice session.

The Midwest Regional tournament is expected to have an economic impact of several million dollars for the city, and will showcase the vitality of the university, city, county and state.

For more information about practice sessions, ticket availability, the Kohl Center, games schedules, parking and more, see the campus Web site.