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Live updates: March Madness returns to Columbia

For the first time since 1970, March Madness is here in Columbia, SC. There's plenty of fun things to do for everyone.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — March Madness has returned to Columbia, as the city is hosting the NCAA men's basketball tournament through Sunday. 

As such, the city's rolled out the welcome mat as it expects about 25,000 visitors over the four-day event. And there's plenty of fun things to do for everyone who lives here too.

For a complete guide on parking, and fun things to do, check our our tournament guide below: 

RELATED: March Madness in Columbia, SC: everything you need to know

We'll also be providing updates below on the Segra Fan Fest taking place today and everything we're seeing around Columbia. You can scroll though those below.

5:31 p.m. - The Gamecocks may not be in March Madness, but that doesn't mean you can't get a lot of Gamecock gear at the tournament here in Columbia! 

5:03 p.m. - People love to pose in front of the inflatable March Madness sign.

4:16 p.m. Open practice is underway for Duke at Colonial Life Arena, and several people have traveled just to see Zion Williamson in person.

4:04 p.m. - If you want to bring a bag to the NCAA men's basketball games in Columbia, you have to adhere to the policy.

3:29 p.m. - Duke's Zion Williamson says he's happy to be back playing in South Carolina

3:12 p.m. - This man is getting to see two #1 teams practice for the NCAA Tournament. So crazy they’re both in Columbia!  

2:52 p.m. - Emily met a super cool Columbia man who is more than just a basketball fan. 

2:31 p.m. - @SCFacepainter has some amazing designs for the kiddos 

2:02 p.m. - The Virginia Cavaliers practiced for their opening round game in Columbia, SC for the NCAA March Madness tournament.

1:47 p.m. - From our friends at the Columbia Police Department

Keep an eye out for Columbia Police officers wearing brightly colored traffic safety vests at major intersections around @CityofColumbia & #ColonialLifeArena. Avoid traffic congestion. They’ll help you navigate. 

1:40 p.m. - It’s getting HOT in here with the Meet Your Cremator homemade hot sauce with locally grown peppers.

1:34 p.m. - The Segra FanFest features the Escapology Escape Room. But what happens if you go in? 

1:27 p.m. - We keep running into Duke fans, who are literally read to 'dance' here in Columbia.

1:25 p.m. - We found this little fan who just LOVES Duke

1:21 p.m. - Come get your WLTX stadium cup with some yummy sweet tea or lemonade 

1:12 p.m. - Come check out the WLTX booth at FanFest! We're there all the time, and we've got free stuff to give out!

1:09 p.m. - This Dutch Fork High student is killing the free throw contest! 

1:01 p.m. We found some VCU fans out at Colonial Life Arena today! They’re ready for March Madness. The team plays Central Florida Friday.

12:50 p.m. - There's body marbling over at the Columbia Convention Center, where Fan Fest is taking place. What's body marbling? Jacob Reynolds explains.

12:30 p.m. - Again, getting around town is going to be hard during March Madness in Columbia. Try the shuttle service: it's designed to get you around town easily.

12:05 p.m. - Fan Fest is open! (Actually, it open a few minutes earlier than advertised). Look at what you'll see!

12:01 p.m. - The Big South Tournament champion Gardner-Webb is on the court for open practice.

11:45 a.m. - Open practices have begun over at the Colonial Life Arena. All the teams will be out there, including top sees Duke and Virginia.

11:35 a.m. - Here's your early peek at what exhibits you'll see at the Segra Fan Fest. Michael Fuller gives you the nickel tour. 

11:14 a.m. - A little big about the shuttle service (which is good, by the way) to get around the tournament. Emily Correll explains.

11:07 a.m.  - Parking and traffic around the Segra Fan Fest. News19 Jacob Reynolds got out there before the Fan Fest began, and breaks down what he saw.

10:47 a.m. - For today’s open practice and all tournament events at Colonial Life: please make sure you adhere to USC’s clear bag policy as to not have an unpleasant start to your day. There is no clear bag policy at the Segra Fan Fest.

10:38 a.m. - Free shuttles are out there to get you to the events. You can find our more about how to get around in our tournament guide

10:32 a.m. - FanFest is at the Convention Center, and starts at noon. If you're going, though, make sure you enter through the top level. The lower levels of the venue are closed. 

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