UNIONDALE, N.Y. - University of Kentucky fans are not hard to spot in the lobby of the Long Island Marriott Hotel.

        They wrap themselves in blue clothes and deep tradition, happy to talk about the Wildcats and thrilled to be following the team they absolutely adore.

        “It gets in your blood,” says Mary Christopher, who looks conspicuous but comfortable in her bright blue and white UK wind suit, an exact duplicate of her husband's.

        For the last 22 years, Mary and her husband, Troy, 64, a retired Air Force officer, have trekked across the nation to watch the Wildcats in postseason play.

        “The only years we didn't go was when Kentucky was on probation in the early 1990s and didn't play in the tournament,” Mr. Christopher said.

        The Christophers are Kentucky natives — he of Lexington, she from Harrodsburg — who now live in Montgomery, Ala. They are among a few hundred UK fans here to watch the team in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, a number that will grow into the thousands if Kentucky can continue in the tourney.

        There is something about UK fans, something about the way they follow and root for their team.

        “If you're born and raised in Kentucky, I mean it's just natural,” said Dr. Charlie Nichols, 56, a Pikeville physician who often accompanies the Christophers on their annual basketball odyssey.

        “We don't have a pro team in the state or a big-time college football program, so it's something for people to identify with and make a part of their lives,” he said.

        (Dr. Nichols, in Long Island, clearly hadn't heard Friday's announcement that the National Basketball Association's Vancouver Grizzlies will move to Louisville, become the Kentucky Colonels and play in a new arena to be named the “KFC Bucket.”)

        Mike Owen, 39, an insurance broker, made the trip here from Indianapolis, where he lives with his wife.

        Mr. Owen grew up in Louisville and left Kentucky 15 years ago. He's been to UK's last “five or six” NCAA Tournament appearances.

        Here is how he explained the state's love for the Wildcats, early Friday: “Most people in Kentucky are poor. They don't have a lot to look forward to, or look up to. Basketball in Kentucky is just in the right spot. It's something people can be proud of.”

        Mr. Owen's traveling mate and breakfast companion, Harlan, Ky., lawyer Don Partin, 44, agrees.

        “A lot of Kentucky is a rural area,” he said. “People like coming into Lexington and following the Cats. It's just a way of life.”

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