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Christine T. Nguyen
Minneapolis, Minn.

Photos: Fans flock to Final Four festivities

Dawn Plank takes a selfie with her dad, Bill Dubisar.
Dawn Plank of Welch, Minn. takes a selfie in front of U.S. Bank Stadium with her dad, Bill Dubisar of Lakeville, Minn. before watching open practices Friday. While they weren't planning to attend Final Four games, the two wanted to come and enjoy the atmosphere.
Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News

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Crowds descended into downtown Minneapolis and U.S. Bank Stadium as the Final Four kicked off with activities Friday.

Thousands of fans were able to watch all four teams — Auburn, Virginia, Michigan State and Texas Tech — during an open practice at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Free events in downtown Minneapolis kicked off Friday and continue through Monday. Tip-Off Tailgate takes place along Nicollet Mall. There will be interactive games, celebrity and athlete appearances and autograph signings at Final Four Fan Fest in Minneapolis Convention Center.

Semifinal games take place Saturday with No. 1 Virginia taking on No. 5 Auburn at 5:09 p.m., and No. 2 Michigan State taking on No. 3 Texas Tech at 7:49 p.m. at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The championship game takes place Monday at 8 p.m. at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Gallery
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Victor Vondracek helps his 3-year-old daughter, Braelyn, dunk the ball.
Victor Vondracek helps his 3-year-old daughter, Braelyn, dunk the ball at the Final Four Fan Fest inside the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News
1 of 10
Dawn Plank takes a selfie with her dad, Bill Dubisar.
Dawn Plank of Welch, Minn. takes a selfie in front of U.S. Bank Stadium with her dad, Bill Dubisar of Lakeville, Minn. before watching open practices Friday. While they weren't planning to attend Final Four games, the two wanted to come and enjoy the atmosphere.
Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News
2 of 10
The Virginia Cavaliers take to the court for practice at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Virginia Cavaliers take to the court for practice at U.S. Bank Stadium on Friday ahead of their Final Four semifinal game Saturday.
Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News