BURLINGTON, Vt. – The University of Vermont men's basketball team will begin the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on Thursday, March 21 in Hartford, Connecticut as the Catamounts face Florida State at 2 p.m. from the XL Center. Catamount fans who requested tickets through the Athletics Ticket Office can expect to hear back on ticket availability by 10 a.m. Tuesday. There are several ways for Catamount alumni, fans and supporters to be involved in the excitement of March Madness.
 
RELATED LINKS
UVM NCAA Tournament Fan Central
Hartford Area: Restaurants | Accommodations 
 
OPEN PRACTICE
On Wednesday, March 20 the Catamounts will participate in Open Practice Day from the XL Center in Hartford. The men's basketball team will have a 40-minute practice from 11-11:40 a.m. that is free and open to the public. In addition, there will be food, beverage specials, fan experiences and more. The Catamounts Thursday opponent Florida State will practice from 12:30-1:10 p.m.

PREGAME PEP RALLY
On Thursday morning the University of Vermont will host a pregame Pep Rally at Dunkin Donuts Park, the home of the Hartford Yard Goats, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The YG Club at Dunkin Donuts Park is conveniently located two blocks from the XL Center, and is accessible through the main entrance of the stadium. This event is open to the public, a game ticket is not required to attend. Light appetizers and a cash bar will be available. 
 
The UVM Bookstore will be at the Pep Rally with a selection of green and gold apparel to help fans show their Catamount spirit. Fans can also shop online for America East Championship gear and other items at TheUVMBookstore.com. The UVM Bookstore will also be open their regular hours 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday this week at the Davis Center.
 
FAN BUS
UVM will be operating a Fan Bus on Thursday to cheer on the Catamounts. The bus will depart Patrick Gym at 7:30 a.m. and drop off fans at the Pep Rally at Dunkin Donuts Park in downtown Hartford. The bus will be leaving immediately following the UVM game and WILL NOT be staying for the second game of Session One. The bus ride is $50 but game tickets ARE NOT included, to reserve your spot contact Amy Stannard by 4 p.m. Tuesday at Amy.Stannard@uvm.edu or 802-656-3075 with your name and payment information.
 
WATCH PARTIES
There are several Watch Parties setup in the Burlington area and around the country. The UVM Alumni House is hosting a watch party on campus. The event is free and open to the public and no RSVP is required. There are also Watch Parties setup through the Alumni Association in 10 other states, for more information click here. On campus the game will also be shown in the Mt. Mansfield Room and Brennan's at the Davis Center.
 
Several local UVM Athletics partners including the Windjammer Upper Deck Pub, Duke's Public House, Vermont Pub & Brewery, Citizen Cider and Tavern 252 at the DoubleTree will also be hosting Watch Parties with select food specials.
 
TICKETS
Session One of the Hartford action, including Vermont's game is officially sold out. If fans are unable to obtain tickets through the UVM Ticket Office they are encouraged to use the Official NCAA Ticket Exchange - PrimeSport. For fans with game tickets the XL Center gates will open at 12:30 p.m. The ninth NCAA tournament game in program history will begin at 2 p.m. Fans not able to attend will be able to watch nationally on TBS, or through March Madness Live.
 
National Life Group is the presenting sponsor of the 2018-19 Vermont men's basketball season