NCAA East Regional open practice: What you need to know

Looking to be a part of this weekend's NCAA East Regional without having to break open your piggy bank?

Well then you're in luck.

On Thursday, practice for Friday's Sweet 16 games will be open with free admission at the Carrier Dome to all fans, including those without tickets to the rest of the "Madness." Gates open to the public at 11 a.m., with practices beginning at noon.

Each of the four teams competing (North Carolina State, Louisville, Michigan State and Oklahoma) will take the court for 50 minutes throughout the afternoon. The schedule is as follows:

12:00-12:50 North Carolina State

1:00-1:50 Michigan State

2:10-3:00 Louisville

3:10-4:00 Oklahoma

Concessions and merchandise stands will be also be open for fans to purchase food, drink and tournament gear. Those commuting to campus can park for free at Skytop and shuttle over to the Dome.

Louisville and N.C. State will square off Friday at 7:37 p.m., with Oklahoma and Michigan State to directly follow. The winners of both games will play each other on Sunday for the East Regional championship and a berth in next weekend's Final Four in Indianapolis.

Check back with The NewsHouse all throughout the weekend for continuing coverage of the tournament.