SALEM, N.C., settled as a city in 1766 and merged with nearby tobacco and textile community high in 1913. Thus, Winston-Salem was born.
This is the spot where the Spartans have their first-round date with Marquette. If you're planning to make the journey south, fill up the tank and get ready to paint the city green.
WHERE TO STAY: While many downtown hotels are already booked, some rooms slightly off the beaten path of Winston-Salem have relatively inexpensive rooms at the last minute.
• The Days Inn Hotel still has rooms available for less than $60 per night. The hotel is 11 minutes from the stadium and offers free breakfast. In nearby Greensboro, N.C., the Marriott Hotel is 20 minutes from the arena and $89 per night.
BEFORE THE GAME: The MSU Alumni Association will hold an alumni pep rally from 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday at the Holiday Inn Select Hotel, about 10 minutes from Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
DON'T HAVE TICKETS? The Coliseum Annex has local restaurants, gaming areas and numerous projection screens are available to fans free of charge Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
STAYING ANOTHER NIGHT? Check out these spots in the city.
• Foothills Brewing Co. — the first microbrewery in Winston-Salem offers home-brewed beers and a full menu to go with live music.
• Silver Moon Saloon — the real-life saloon has a neighborhood bar atmosphere in Winston-Salem's Arts District and is open until 2 a.m. all week.
• Greensboro Historical Museum — two restored homes house civil rights movement icons, famous photography and civil war memorabilia.
• Natural Science Center of Greensboro — the museum has a planetarium, a 300-gallon aquarium, a new bug exhibit and a dinosaur gallery — just outside downtown. Scouring for tickets? Izzone members can request a ticket with a $58 payment online. Each student is allowed only one ticket, which will be in the upper bowl. Tickets can be purchased at www.msuspartans.com. Students will be notified by e-mail before 10 p.m. Tuesday if they have a ticket. Those who did not get one will get a refund. Also check www.stubhub.com for tickets ranging from $55 to $861 for one or all of the games of the session.
