Dayton a slam dunk with out-of-towners

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Basketball fans flooded UD Arena Wednesday night for the NCAA First Four Tournament.

For most, it's their first time in Dayton.

"It's a nice town.  They've got a big sports program.  We're excited to be here," says Taylor Wilhelm.

James Madison University had a big crowd on hand.  Many drove at least 7 hours from Virginia to see their Dukes bounce the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds.  Those fans weren't only pleased with the action on the court but off as well.

"So far we've been really impressed.  We showed up at the hotel and everybody has been really friendly.  I accidentally booked the room for the wrong night and they were really sweet, gave us free beers and tried to work through the billing error.  So, we're really excited to be here and it's our first time in 19 years being in the NCAA tournament and so, we're really excited," explains Zac Price.

And nothing would've stopped these basketball fans from coming to the gem city.  Not even Sunday morning's riot in UD's student housing neighborhood could keep them away.  Seven people were arrested after a St. Patrick's Day party got out of hand.  

"I didn't think anything of it to be honest. I'm really, really excited to be in Dayton.  So far, Dayton has been a very good host.  So far, they've been very nice to me.  You know, hey I hope you guys win, that kind of thing.  So hopefully we get to stay here a little longer and enjoy the community," comments Chad Allen.