Two Longhorns fans pose with Hook 'Em at the Fan Festival

Eager fans arrived early at the St. Pete Times Forum this afternoon to take part in the NCAA Fan Festival on the West Plaza outside of the facility. The event featured everything from a serving contest sponsored by AT&T to impromptu matches on the outdoor SportCourt set up in the shadow of the arena. Fans had the opportunity to make signs supporting their favorite team that they will be showing off during the matches tonight. Also, fans could take their photograph next to this year's NCAA championship trophy. There were trivia games, music, concessions, championship gear for sale, NCAA volleyball cornhole and the chance to win tickets to next year's championship in Kansas City. The Penn State pep band and cheerleaders and Texas volleyball band and cheerleaders also made appearances and performed for everyone.

All in all, it amounted to a lot of volleyball fans coming together and having a good time in anticipation of tonight's matches. And if you happened to miss it, I have good news for you - you can come to Saturday's Fan Festival, which will take place at the same location beginning at 5 p.m.

I snapped a few photos at today's Fan Festival. You can view them here.