MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - University of Memphis fans are gearing up to watch the Tigers play the SLU Billikens in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and many of them can't wait to hit the road for Friday's game in Columbus, Ohio.
Ginny Miller has been cheering for the tiger since she was 2 years old. When the Tigers basketball team was announced as an 8 seed in this year's NCAA Tournament, there was never any doubt in her mind that she and her family were going.
"My kids love it, we love it, we just want to be apart of it," she said. "I was hoping we would make it to Louisville, St. Louis or someplace closer but it's ok."
The Miller family will pack up and make the 9 hour drive to the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, traveling just under 600 miles in the process.
"We're going to be putting miles on the car but it'll be worth it."
But for those who don't want to drive, you can buy a spot on a plane especially chartered for Tiger fans. But, seats are going fast.
"Bank of Bartlett Air Force One plane holds 137 passengers; so far we're at 85-90 percent capacity," said Chao Line with the Bank of Bartlett. The phones have been ringing off the hook at Bartlett Travel with Tiger fans trying to get a spot on the plane.
The Tigers and Billikens tip off Friday at 5:50 p.m.
Anyone going to the game will have to get their tickets online or in Columbus. The U of M only received 550 tickets and they're already gone.
If you'd like to reserve a seat on Bank of Bartlett's charter flight, call 901-373-5400.
