WICHITA, Kansas -- The Wichita State Men's Basketball team will take on the Pittsburgh Panthers in Salt Lake City on Thursday.
The women's basketball team is also playing in the NCAA tournament for the first time.
Businesses are hoping to cash in on the excitement.
Nothing but the colors of yellow and black at the Wichita State University bookstore.
Employees were busy folding hundreds of the 2013 NCAA men's basketball t-shirts, hoping to sell them all before Thursday's tournament game in Salt Lake City.
"I had two employees that left this morning at about 5:00 a.m. to travel to Kansas City to pick the shirts up and bring them back," said Kevin Konda, WSU Bookstore Director.
Konda tells KSN News that waiting for the new merchandise delivery wasn't an option especially when you're racing against time.
"Time is a factor in it and we want to get the shirts out there as quick as we can to get them out to the customers," said Konda. "There's excitement now. They're excited from last night about making the tournament and they want the product as soon as they can."
Aside from purchasing a shirt, travel packages are also available for dedicated fans who are willing to make the trip out to Salt Lake City.
The Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission is offering a flight and meal package for $950 per person. Not including hotel accommadations.
We're told the group still needs about 30 more fans to make it a sold out trip.
Throughout Monday, we're told there hasn't been much interest compared to past years.
"There isn't quite as much enthusiasm for Salt Lake," said President Bob Hanson, Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission. "Wichita State going to the NCAA tournament they went last year so it isn't quite unique and new as it was last year to this year."
Regardless of the turnout, Shockers fans are hoping for a win against the Pittsburgh Panthers, but better yet, a national championship title.
If the men's basketball team beats Pittsburgh on Thursday then they'll play the winner of the Gonzaga and Southern match up on Saturday.
