WRAL-TV and WRAZ-TV (FOX50) have announced that the two Triangle stations will broadcast simultaneous NCAA basketball tournament games Friday night, March 25, 2005. The broadcasts provide college basketball fans in the Raleigh-Durham television market the opportunity to watch both the Duke vs. Michigan State and NC State vs. Wisconsin games.

WRAL today secured special permission from CBS Sports to offer the second game to sister station WRAZ, alleviating a programming dilemma that pitted fans of NCSU against Duke supporters.

Viewers of both local stations will see the early action from the Duke – Michigan State game, which tips off at approximately 7:10pm. The NC State – Wisconsin game tips off at approximately 7:27pm, and viewers on WRAL-TV (Channel 5) will be taken to that game as play begins. WRAL-TV will carry the UNC – Villanova game later in the evening, and WRAZ-TV will return to regular programming following the Duke contest.

In addition to the regular over-the-air broadcasts, all NCAA tournament games Friday can also be seen in full 1080i High Definition. The NC State and UNC games can be seen on WRAL-DT (Channel 5.1 or cable 255) while the Duke – Michigan State game will be broadcast on WRAZ-DT (Channel 50.1 or cable 250).

Visit wral.com for information on the NCAA tournament and how to watch every single game.

Thanks to WRAL-TV’s John Harris for this capcom story.