NCAA March Madness comes to United Center

CHICAGO (WLS) -- March Madness comes to Chicago as college basketball fanatics pack the United Center for two of Friday's games. The United Center will open to fans at 4:40 p.m. and the game begins at 6:10 p.m.

They're pumped up and ready to go. Iowa State fans gathered at Navy Pier Friday afternoon for a pep rally before the Cyclones take on the Virginia Cavaliers.

"It is fantastic. We weren't able to go to the first couple of rounds in Denver but to have this game here, close by in Chicago, it's been fantastic," says fan Troy Dukes.

Iowa State fan Jane Carlstrom has spent a lot of time in her car, making the trip to Denver from her West Des Moines home and then to Chicago for the Sweet 16 at the United Center.

"It was a lot of fun because, you know, when you win the drive is a lot easier," Carlstrom says.

Virginia fans are out in full force as well, taking over The Ogden not far from the United Center.

"I am moved here a few years ago and it's definitely nice to have that UVA, Charlottesville kind of spirit here," says Kristina Hamilton, president of the UVA Club of Chicago.

"What a great destination for the Sweet 16. It's a great town, great people, great food, great environment, we love it," says UVA fan Paul Muhlberger.

Who's going to advance to the next round depends on who you ask.

"I'm nervous, I am nervous, but I think we match up pretty well," says UVA fan Jason Trout.

"I feel good about it," says Dukes about Iowa State. "I think we are not a very deep team but I think we can play with anybody. We beat Kansas. We beat Oklahoma."

Two games will be held at the United Center Friday: Virginia vs. Iowa State and then Gonzaga vs. Syracuse.