The expansion of the Blue Line will add more than nine mi. and 11 stations to the system. The new line runs from uptown Charlotte to UNC Charlotte. (charlottenc.gov photo)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) North Carolina's largest city said an expansion of its light rail service will begin the same day the city hosts the opening rounds of the NCAA basketball tournament.

The Charlotte Area Transit System announced that the $1 billion expansion of its light-rail will open March 16. Charlotte is hosting first- and second-round games of the men's basketball tournament starting March 16.

The expansion of the Blue Line will add more than nine mi. and 11 stations to the system. The new line runs from uptown Charlotte to UNC Charlotte.

The expansion will give basketball fans staying in hotels near the university easy access to the arena in downtown Charlotte.

The city had originally hoped to open the extension last August but there were delays in the project.

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