SPOKANE, Wash. — After months of preparation and several games, that's a wrap on the NCAA Tournament in Spokane.
There were some amazing stories to come out of the tournament.
For one weekend only, the University of Idaho band ceased to exist.
"This is the biggest basketball game we've ever played," band member Sterling Beasley said.
The band gave up the Vandals' name to become the Yale Bulldogs.
Beasley said, "I think we definitely helped. Just having that presence and always being there to get the crowd back into the game."
The U of I band stepped in for Yale's band at the NCAA Tournament in Spokane after the Bulldogs' band stayed behind at home.
"It has been absolutely surreal," band director Spencer Martin said.
Martin says he heard about the opportunity on Selection Sunday. He quickly sent an email to his band asking for volunteers to play, and 29 students stepped up.
"Once in a lifetime. It's been awesome to be in the NCAA and to be in the first round, but now to be in the second round. It's just unbelievable," Martin said.
Since then, the band has gained national attention, appearing on media outlets such as ESPN and the New York Post.
That's not the only cool thing to come out of the tournament. Grand Canyon University flew out its students for the team's games in Spokane.
"GCU's one of a kind, it's super special, we're super blessed," spirit leader Luke Finnigan said.
Finnigan says the university flew in about 200 students on a chartered jet. When sign-ups opened for the trip, Finnigan says around 1500 students signed up.
Finnigan said, "We're the biggest party in college basketball. And so it's kind of just a tradition. We really feel like the students can make a great impact on the game."
The student section helped the GCU Lopes get an upset win over St. Mary's in the first round.
"I was screaming and cheering. I was super hyped," GCU fan Elijah Booth said.
GCU lost in their second-round game, but fans say the passion never stops.
Booth said, "I think it's super cool because I think this community has kind of been able to form into like a family kind of vibe."
GCU fans hope to be back at the tournament next year, 200 students and all.
Meanwhile, fans say they can't wait for next year when Spokane hosts the Women's NCAA Tournament.
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