(RALEIGH, NC) - Representatives from Raleigh's 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Local Organizing Committee today announced the start times for the "Hoops and Hops FanFest." The FanFest will take place prior to the first- and second-round games of the 2016 NCAA® Division I Men's Basketball Championship. Activities will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 17 and 2.5 hours prior to Session 3 on Saturday, March 19.

Hoops and Hops FanFest at PNC Arena will include the following:

• Hops House: Features adult brews, soft drinks, food, and big screen TVs to watch NCAA First/Second Round games. Located under a tent on the South Plaza.
• Game Watch: A video wall will display First/Second Round games. Located just outside the box office, under the awning.
• Food Truck Brigade: The Food Truck Brigade features many of the Triangle's most loved food trucks. Located next to Dail Plaza of Carter-Finley Stadium.
• Fan Activity Zone: Features cornhole boards and basketball hoops for fans vying for bragging rights. A face painter and photo booth will also be available. Located on Dail Plaza of Carter-Finley Stadium and adjacent to the Food Truck Brigade.

"We are very excited to be a host venue for first- and second-round games of the 2016 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship," said Larry Perkins, Assistant General Manager of PNC Arena. "The Hoops and Hops FanFest was a hit in 2014, so we can't wait to offer that for our guests again. The South Plaza comes alive with fun pre-session activities."A schedule for the 2016 NCAA® Division I Men's Basketball Championship First/Second Rounds at PNC Arena is noted below.

Session 1: Thursday, March 17
- Hoops and Hops opens at 10 a.m. and will close at 12:40 p.m.

(8) Texas Tech vs. (9) Butler at 12:45 p.m.
(1) Virginia vs. (16) Hampton, 30 minutes following Game 1

- Hoops and Hops reopens at the conclusion of the 2nd game and will close at 7:20 p.m.

Session 2: Thursday, March 17

(1) North Carolina vs. (16) Florida Gulf Coast/Fairleigh Dickinson at 7:20 p.m.
(8) Southern California vs. (9) Providence, 30 minutes following Game 3

Session 3: Saturday, March 19
- Hoops and Hops opens 2.5 hours before tip-off, exact time is to be determined.

Opponents are determined by Session 1 and 2 winners. Games times are to be determined.

For more information visit www.thepncarena.com/hoopsandhops2016. Stay connected with #Raleigh2016 and #HoopsandHops.

All-session and single-session tickets are available and can be purchased at www.ncaa.com/mbbtickets. Each guest, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the venue. For more information, please contact the NC State Ticket Office (919) 865-1510 or email ticketoffice@ncsu.edu.