Answering your NCAA questions
Frequently asked questions regarding the NCAA tournament in Spokane and Sacramento:
Q: Is there a practice day open to the public?
A: All eight teams will practice at the Spokane Arena beginning at noon Thursday and running until 7:20 p.m. These sessions are open to the public and free, as is parking in the Arena lots. Practice times: Winthrop, noon-12:40 p.m.; Miami (Ohio), 12:45-1:25; Notre Dame, 1:30-2:10; Oregon, 2:15-2:55; Texas, 4:25-5:05; Southern California, 5:10-5:50; New Mexico State, 5:55-6:35; Arkansas, 6:40-7:20.
Q: Can we get tickets for the Spokane games?
A: The games are sold out. However, if the participating schools do not use all of their allotted tickets, these tickets will go on sale to the public. Buyers may purchase tickets for one of Friday’s sessions from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Arena box office, by phone at (800) 325-SEAT or through the Internet at www.ticketswest.com.
Q: Does the Spokane Arena have enough parking?
A: There is plenty of pay parking at the Arena lots. In fact, because most fans from visiting teams will be staying at nearby hotels, the parking should be ample.
Q: When are Friday’s NCAA games in Spokane?
A: First session, Notre Dame vs. Winthrop at 11:35; Oregon vs. Miami 30 minutes after end of first game. Second session, Texas vs. New Mexico State at 4:25; Southern California vs. Arkansas 30 minutes after end of first game.
Q: When are Sunday’s games in Spokane?
A: Oregon-Miami (Ohio) winner vs. Notre Dame-Winthrop winner, 11:50 a.m.
Texas-New Mexico State winner vs. Southern California-Arkansas winner, 2:20 p.m.
Q: When are Gonzaga and Washington State playing?
A: Washington State plays Oral Roberts in Sacramento, Calif., at 11:40 a.m. Thursday. Gonzaga plays Indiana, also at Sacramento, at approximately 6:45 p.m. Thursday.
Q: If Washington State and/or Gonzaga win Thursday, when will they play Saturday?
A: Washington State would play the Vanderbilt-George Washington winner at 2:55 p.m. Gonzaga would play the UCLA-Weber State winner at 5:25 p.m.
Q: What games are on TV?
A: KREM 2 (CBS) has released its Thursday schedule. It will broadcast Louisville vs. Stanford at 9 a.m.; WSU vs. Oral Roberts at 11:40 a.m.; UCLA vs. Weber State at 4 p.m. and Indiana vs. Gonzaga at 6:45 p.m. Game times are approximate.
Q: When do the Gonzaga women play their opening-round game?
A: They play Middle Tennessee State at Stanford, Calif., at 5 p.m. Saturday. ESPN2 will televise the game.