ST. LOUIS — Fans heading to St. Louis for the first and second rounds of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament have a number of opportunities to join other Badgers fans in celebrating March Madness.

The tournament weekend tips off Thursday with Wisconsin's open practice session at Scottrade Center in St. Louis from 4:25 to 5:05 p.m. (CT). The free event allows fans a sneak peek at the Badgers as they prepare for their first-round matchup with Pittsburgh.

On Friday, fans can start their gameday by visiting Fox Sports Midwest Live in Ballpark Village for an NCAA Basketball Pep Rally. Join fellow Badgers fans for a free pep rally that will include entertainment from the UW Band, Spirit Squad and Bucky Badger from approximately 4-4:30 p.m. in the Ballpark Village courtyard. Plus, fans will receive a limited edition "Made in March" t-shirt (while supplies last). Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Located in the shadow of the Gateway Arch and adjacent to Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village is the newest dining and entertainment district in St. Louis. It offers great food, drinks and a great sports viewing experience. Ballpark Village will offer a free shuttle to and from Scottrade Center.

If the Badgers win on Friday, send the team off in style as they depart for the second-round game on Sunday. Join the UW Band, Spirit Squad and Bucky Badger approximately two hours before tipoff in the lobby of the Embassy Suites St. Louis Downtown at 610 N. 7th Street.

Fans are encouraged to follow @BadgerMBB and @UWBadgers on Twitter to receive the latest updates on the Badgers in the NCAA tournament.