Fans revel in free Final Four practices at U.S. Bank Stadium

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - It’s not every day that you get to see some of the best college basketball players in the country, but that’s exactly what thousands of fans experienced this afternoon at open practice at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The best part: It was all free.

Final Four fever is in full swing and Friday afternoon showcased U.S. Bank Stadium in the middle of all of it.

Fans gathered at the stadium to see the hardwood sprawled out in the massive stadium.

Admission was free and the experience was priceless for most people.

“It’s pretty awesome,” said one fan. “It’s my first Final Four experience, so it’s pretty cool to be this close to see this.”

The long lines to get in didn’t deter college hoops fans from meeting their favorite all-stars, too.

“It’s pretty awesome, a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Mike Zeeman, another fan.

It’s fun having people around and being here, it’s a good atmosphere,” he added.

For many, the nonexistent price tag made it the only Final Four event they will see this weekend.

For Minneapolis, it was the chance to showcase the city to people all over the world.

“Minneapolis is a fantastic town and the fans are tremendous and we just get chills being here,” said Ron Bath.