With the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament moving on from Buffalo, once again Canisius University has plenty to celebrate for its behind-the-scenes role in delivering a successful March Madness experience.
Buffalo hosted the first round of the tournament for the eighth time, and Canisius University has been part of it every step of the way—including in 2026.
From the moment teams arrive to the final buzzer, Canisius staff and students play a critical role in supporting visiting programs, helping with everything from media coordination and practice logistics to even recommending local dining spots.
Behind the Scenes of March Madness in Buffalo
Tournament days at KeyBank Center are a full-team effort. Canisius works closely with arena staff, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference staff and local partners, including Niagara University, to ensure operations run smoothly. Students and Canisius staff assist with all types of game-day responsibilities, from running stats and escorting visiting bands to supporting the medical and training personnel from visiting teams.
Canisius fans attending the tournament may also have recognized a familiar voice echoing through the arena. Buffalo Toronto Public Media host Jay Moran—also known as “The Voice of the Griffs,” longtime Canisius basketball play-by-play announcer, and the Sabres’ public address announcer—brought his signature style to NCAA Tournament games, including his distinctive, “Count the basket!” call.
Years in the Making
Hosting March Madness doesn’t happen overnight. According to Bill Maher ’89, vice president and director of athletics, the process begins years in advance.
“I’m part of the smaller group that works on the bid several years in advance to bring the tournament to town,” said Maher. “Most of my work is done leading up to the event, so by the time the tournament is in town, our volunteer staff and students are ready to go.”
Once teams are selected on Selection Sunday, details are quickly finalized through the NCAA’s Teamworks system, giving host schools like Canisius access to key logistics—including team travel and hotel assignments.
Maher said the NCAA covers travel for up to 75 individuals per team, including players, coaches, bands, cheer squads and mascots—all of which are coordinated in advance and provided to Canisius
He noted that geography also plays a role in where the teams travel for the first round of the tournament. “The NCAA aims to place top teams at first-round sites that are closer to their campuses,” he said. “That’s why Michigan and Michigan State were assigned to play the first round of the tournament in Buffalo this year.”
Supporting Teams on the Ground
Each visiting team is paired with a Team Host who serves as a point person throughout their stay. Matt Reitnour, associate athletic director for communications, served as the media coordinator for the event, while Pat Clarke, assistant athletic director for facilities, was the practice coordinator who worked with other local universities in the region to provide space for the teams to practice while in Buffalo.
The top-seeded Michigan Wolverines along with the Michigan State Spartans and Louisville Cardinals practiced at Canisius University's Koessler Athletic Center while in town—but it was the Wolverines who got a special visit from Brandon Beane and Joe Brady of the Buffalo Bills.
Memorable March Madness Moments in Buffalo
Buffalo has hosted its share of unforgettable NCAA Tournament upsets and standout performances over the years. The first tournament hosted in the city in 2000, when the 11th-seeded Pepperdine Waves upset the 6th-seeded Indiana Hoosiers, then coached by the legendary Bobby Knight.
“Fans got to see Steph Curry [in 2007] when he played for Davidson College,” said Maher of Curry, now an NBA superstar with the Golden State Warriors.
Maher recalled another funny moment in 2014, when the 11th-seeded Dayton Flyers defeated the 3rd-seeded Syracuse Orange. “Visiting students are always respectful when they are here for the tournament, but in this one case, there was a pile of stomped oranges in the Dayton locker room. The staff said they understood and it was okay,” laughed Maher.
A Point of Pride for Canisius
After being part of organizing the tournament so many times, Maher admits it can feel routine—but the impact remains meaningful. “It’s such a neat experience for our staff and students. They do a great job, and I think it’s part of the reason the NCAA keeps coming back to Buffalo,” he said. “Canisius can be proud of the part we play.”
