'We're built for this': Basketball fans from across the country come to Milwaukee for March Madness

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — March Madness is here in Milwaukee.

Eight teams got a feel for the court at Fiserv Forum Thursday for practice before games begin Friday, and fans are flooding into Deer District for round one.

"I mean, we're built for this. Both The New Fashioned is built for this, Deer District is built for this, and I would say Milwaukee in general is built for this," said Erin Hochevar, vice president of Bars and Recreation, the group that owns The New Fashioned. "Welcoming fans, making them feel at home, and throwing a great party."

Deer District bars are expecting a flow of fans the next few days, repping their favorite college teams.

"I'm going to watch 'em get a win, pull out, Elite Eight, we're going all the way," said Ben Prater, a freshman at University of Kentucky. "It's my first time experiencing March Madness as a college kid. It's different when you're in college because you have a team to represent."

Patrick and Lee White, from Iowa, make March Madness a tradition.

"For the last 20 years, we've hung out on March Madness in Iowa, and we're like, Milwaukee's a three-hour drive, let's go," Lee said.

They don't even have tickets to Friday's Iowa State game, but it's still worth the trip.

"We're big college basketball fans, we just like to get together and go to sports bars, watch games, and have a few beers," Patrick said.

Those up from the south are adapting to Wisconsin weather.

"It's so windy, it's so cold," said Lipscomb fan Amber McMillan, from Nashville.

The sun was shining for Thursday's open practice, which rallied fans of all ages.

"We saw them practicing and having a lot of fun, and we were in there with our friends just cheering for them," said McMillan's daughter, Avery.

It's all a teaser before the big show.

"You can't beat this time of the year. It's something that everybody should take in one time," said Wisconsin fan Kim Bolender.

The real action starts Friday at 12:30 p.m. with Iowa State vs. Lipscomb, and games continue throughout the day.

Round two is on Sunday, so expect Fiserv Forum and Deer District to be buzzing all weekend.