WASHINGTON — It may be worth traveling to see Maryland and Virginia play in the Sweet 16 this week, as long as you bargain shop and plan accordingly.
For example, when choosing some of the cheapest hotel and transportation options, you can get there comfortably for less than $800.
To get to the NCAA South Regional to see fifth-seeded Maryland Terrapins play top-seed Kansas in the KFC Yum Center in Louisville, Ky. on Thursday would cost about $763, plus taxes and fees. The total is for a three-night stay in case Maryland wins and stays to play again Saturday.
How much to get there? Flying Southwest Airlines from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Louisville International Airport would cost $558.46 round trip, according to online searches. Three nights at the Super 8 Louisville Airport would cost $177. Ticket broker Vivid Seats has $34 tickets to get into Thursday night’s game. No information is available yet on ticket prices if Maryland plays on Saturday.
Going to the NCAA Midwest Regional to see the top-seeded Virginia Cavaliers take on Iowa State at the United Center in Chicago on Friday could cost as low as $784, plus taxes and fees. The price is for a three-night hotel stay in case Virginia wins and plays Sunday.
Again, online searches indicate that a round trip flight on United or Delta between BWI Thurgood Marshall and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport would cost $386. Three nights at the Motel 6 Chicago O’Hare Airport total runs about $189. Ticket broker Vivid Seats has $209 tickets to get into Friday night’s game. No information yet on how much the tickets would be for Sunday’s game.
If you prefer to be closer to the action and in slightly more upscale accommodations, expect to pay. According to searches a three-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Louisville right near the KFC Yum Center would cost $957 minus taxes and fees.
A three-night stay at the Marriott closest to the United Center in Chicago for the game would cost more than $642 minus taxes and fees.
Of course, if you’d rather to see the games from the comfort of your couch at home, the Maryland versus Kansas game Thursday is at 9:40 p.m. on CBS. Friday, the Virginia versus Iowa State game is at 7:10 p.m. on CBS.
Editor’s note: Post publication, prices and availability are subject to change.
