LEWISBURG -- March Madness hit Lewisburg, and Wednesday was the calm before the storm.
Bucknell plays Butler Thursday afternoon. University students, as well as people in Lewisburg are getting ready to cheer on their Bison.
A new shipment of orange t-shirts line the tables at Bucknell University's student bookstore on Market Street. Heber Dreher made sure to grab one before they sold out.
"It's exciting because we're a small town and it doesn't happen often. Since we've been in town I think this is the third time we've made it and it's always exciting when you're a small school to get to the big dance," Dreher said.
Bucknell University is the 11th seed in the NCAA tournament. Newswatch 16 and dozens of fans were in Lewisburg Tuesday as the team left for Kentucky to take on Butler.
"I don't think anyone was expecting them to a seed quite this high. I think they're going to go in there and have a really good chance against butler," Jeremy Hummel said.
"It is great fun for our community to have something to look forward to in these bad winter months. I mean, it's the talk on the street all the time," Lewisburg Mayor Judy Wagner said.
Businesses in Lewisburg are supporting the team with signs. Many students are taking it one step further by downloading the "Ray Bucknell ringtone". Even the national media notices Bucknell. Several newspaper covers and a mention on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Mayor Wagner is already busy planning a welcome home for the basketball team. She says once they return to Lewisburg there will be a big parade down Market Street.
"We want to honor these guys who have brought so much honor to our town," Mayor Wagner said.
A lot of people in Lewisburg agree with Jimmy Kimmel's cousin and hope their Bison will go all the way! Tip-off is Thursday afternoon at 12:40 p.m., and you can bet, all eyes in Lewisburg will be glued to the screen.