They traveled from across the country to the heart of the Ocean State for one of sport's greatest traditions. March Madness officially kicked off Thursday with first round games. New England once against playing host for the tournament with some of the best in college basketball hitting the court in Providence,

No one covers Rhode Island's sports scene − from college to high school − better than the team in The P Journal sports department.

The excitement is building in Providences as thousands are expected to attend games at the Amica Mutual Pavilion.