RTD provides option to attend March Madness games at Ball Arena

There is nothing on this planet quite like the NCAA March Madness men’s college basketball tournament. Sixty-four of the best colleges and universities compete for the national championship title, cementing their legacies in the annals of sports history. This is a place where Davids triumph over Goliaths. It is where the random, unknown college in the Midwest can trample a perennial juggernaut. The drama, uncertainty and spectacle make it the most unique championship tournament in the world, and Denver is one of eight cities selected to host its first two rounds.

Eight of the 64 universities will descend upon the Mile High City Friday at Ball Arena, with only four moving on to the second round. The first round will look like this:

• University of California Santa Barbara vs. Baylor University
• North Carolina State University vs. Creighton University
• Grand Canyon University vs. Gonzaga University
• Arizona State University or University of Nevada vs. Texas Christian University

Coming to Denver for the tournament? Don’t stress about peak surcharges with rideshares or expensive parking fees at the arena: Take RTD instead! RTD offers rail service straight to the steps of Ball Arena via the E and W lines. Ball Arena is a seven-minute walk from Union Station, serviced by a plethora of bus routes and rail lines, or a quick two-minute ride to the arena via the E and W lines. Check out RTD’s Trip Planner app to plan trips to and from the arena, and use Next Ride to track buses and trains in real time. Be sure to sign up for Service Alerts to be in the know of any disruptions that may affect trips to and from the games.

Looking for some ways to celebrate the win (or soothe the loss)? Just a short walk away, visitors can find a multitude of great bars and restaurants along Market, Larimer and 16th streets. Notable spots to check out are The Celtic on Market, Gaslamp, Illegal Pete’s, Thirsty Lion and Pony Up.