ORLANDO, Fla. — Eight friends, 21 years, tons of basketball.

College friends Joe, Brad, Mike, Bill, Brian, Steve, Jim and Tim flew into Orlando this week to hang out, catch up and enjoy the NCAA tournament — something they do every season.

The men met while attending Le Moyne College in Syracuse in the 70s. A few years after graduating, they all promised to keep in touch, and what better way to do that than getting together for March Madness.

“After a few years being out, we all got together and decided were going to start picking around at the NCAAs.”

Since they all live in different cities across the country, they have to be choosy about what games they attend, and Brian Cronin said they don’t always agree.

“Every year we argue as to where we are going to go,” said Cronin.

The friends settled on Orlando this year and were thrilled to watch Furman beat Virginia in the last seconds of Thursday night's game.

“We were rooting for Furman from the beginning, and we are happy they came through,” said Cronin.

The men are already thinking about where they will attend next year.

“The eight of us our lifelong friends. We give each other a hard time — it’s great. But we’re always laughing and giving each other a hard time. So, it’s really a great tradition that will continue next year,” he said.

Thousands of people have traveled to Orlando this weekend to watch the NCAA games at the Amway Center.

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission said the economy should a $15 million impact from this busy weekend.

Last year, Orange County had a record March, bringing in $38.5 million in tourism development tax.

With the combination of Spring Break, St. Patrick’s day, and the NCAA tournament, the county is expecting an even bigger boom.