"Awesome" is pretty much how most Fighting Irish fans are describing "Super Saturday" at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Fla.

The Irish hit the hardwood early Saturday afternoon for an open practice and the energy was high.

Fans from all over stood to their feet and cheered on their favorite team.

"We follow the team everywhere they go, for the most part. We go anywhere they go. We support them with all our hearts. We just love our girls," said Shela O'Connor, an Irish fan from Indianapolis.

After a quick break, the Fighting Irish were back at it, upstairs signing autographs for dozens of Notre Dame fans.

"We're on a break right now and we love Notre Dame, so we had to come get their autographs," said Angelette, an NCAA volunteer and Fighting Irish fan.

Many fans said they couldn't wait to see one player in particular -- Jewell Loyd.

One woman said she's been to all five consecutive Final Four games and she's confident this year that the Fighting Irish will win it all.