March Madness Fans Prepare To Travel And Visit Birmingham

© WVTM march madness fans prepare to travel and visit birmingham

The last time Birmingham hosted March Madness was in 2008. David Galbaugh, the vice president of sports and marketing with the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, says a lot has changed since then.

“Look at in terms of what we have like the city walk now compared to 2008. To me, it's night and day. We were great back then but we're really rising to becoming a much better destination in sports, meetings, conventions and the like,” Galbaugh said.

Restaurant employees near legacy arena tell me they're getting ready for customers.

Meanwhile, hotels close by, like the Westin and Sheraton, will be hosting three of the eight college basketball teams.

“People are really going to stay here. They're going to want to watch basketball, right? They'll find things to do that are right around this area,” Galbaugh said.

Syd Parker is one of those people who will find something to do in Birmingham. He’s traveling from Louisville, Kentucky, to Birmingham just to see his little cousin play for the University of Maryland.

"I'm really excited to come to Birmingham,” Parker said.

And when he's not watching the games — Parker says he'll visit Birmingham’s Historic District.

“I know Black history is rooted in Birmingham. I know there's so much Black history rooted in Alabama,” Parker said, “I think I want to be a part of that kind of space and learn more about my people and the things they've gone through historically."

Parker is excited to see the sports destination Galbaugh says Birmingham has grown to become.

“Now it's time to let everyone come in and experience what a great destination we have,” Galbaugh said.

Sign up for our Newsletters

The transplant games are coming to Birmingham in 2024. Then in 2025, Women’s college regional rounds and the World Police and Fire Games will be in Birmingham too.

READ THE FULL STORY:March madness fans prepare to travel and visit Birmingham

CHECK OUT WVTM:Get the top Birmingham, Alabama news of the day. With live, local coverage and the latest weather, WVTM gives you more of what you want.

Funny guy makes Royal Guard Laugh at Buckingham Palace