Springfield has been buzzing with excitement as the 2024 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament got underway. The influx of visitors has brought in a boost to local businesses in the area, with bars, restaurants, and shops seeing an increase in customers.
The UMass Minutemen faced off against the University of Denver Pioneers, while Cornell Big Red took on the University of Maine Black Bears at the MassMutual Center. Before the games began, fans were united in their need for sustenance. UMass fan Michael Sacenti highlighted a UMass meetup at the MGM, showcasing the camaraderie among supporters.
Local businesses have been thriving from the increased footfall brought by the tournament. Signs in windows have been inviting hockey fans to come inside and enjoy their offerings. Theodore’s Blues, Booze, and Barbeque has seen fans from all four hockey programs dine in, and co-owner Keith Makarowski noted that tables were quickly filled after opening at 11 a.m., as fans got their pre-game meals.
Although Makarowski was wearing a University of Maine shirt, it wasn’t due to his allegiance to the team. The Black Bears had contacted him, promising to bring customers his way, leading him to represent UMaine. The first night of tournament hockey was just the beginning, with more games scheduled for Saturday night at MassMutual.
Makarowski expressed excitement for what was yet to come and said that he was looking forward to seeing how the community would come together for NCAA hockey over the course of this exciting tournament.
The success of these first games sets up an eagerly anticipated finale on Saturday night at MassMutual center where even more action will take place.