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Charlotte hosts NCAA Tournament games at TWC Arena

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The NCAA Tournament hits Charlotte Friday and the city is looking to see an economic boost from people heading to the games in town.

SECTION: NCAA Tournament


There are four games starting just after noon, then two more games on Sunday, and the tournament is expected to bring in millions to the Queen City.

Charlotte got a favorable draw that's led to the big crowds. Fans of Georgia, Virginia, Duke and Belmont are all within driving distance of Time Warner Cable Arena.

IMAGES: Duke defeats Robert Morris at TWC

About 20,000 people attended the NCAA Tournament each time it came to Charlotte, in 2008 and 2011, according to Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority officials.

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CRVA said in 2008 the economic impact was $10.9 million in Charlotte.

"Staying until Monday win or lose," said John Kowalsk, a basketball fan. "To see some of the sites hope to get some nice warmer weather, looking forward to it."

Graham Spencer-Orrell, a Belmont fan, said they drove six and a half hours on a bus to get to Charlotte.

"I've never been to Charlotte, so it's going to be great. Hopefully we'll be here a couple more days after we win here today, so we'll have time to explore the city," Spencer-Orrell said.

The big draw Friday night is the Duke Blue Devils game against Randolph Morris in the evening session.

FULL FRIDAY SCHEDULE:

Michigan State 70, Georgia 63

Virginia 79, Belmont 67

Duke 85, Robert Morris 56

San Diego State (26-8) vs. St. John's (21-11), 9:40 p.m.

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