(RALEIGH, NC) - Representatives from Raleigh's 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Local Organizing Committee today announced the return of the "Hoops and Hops FanFest," scheduled to take place at PNC Arena on Thursday, March 17 and Saturday, March 19. The FanFest will open 2.5 hours prior to each session, during the first- and second-round games of the 2016 NCAA® Division I Men's Basketball Championship.

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 Regional games. Located under a tent on the South Plaza.
• Game Watch: A video wall will display NCAA Regional 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."

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

A schedule for the 2016 NCAA® Division I Men's Basketball Championship First- and Second-Rounds at PNC Arena will be announced on Monday, March 14.

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.

For more information on the NCAA and its championship games, please visit www.ncaa.com.