The NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament began on Thursday in Springfield, attracting hockey fans from all over to the downtown area. The influx of visitors has been a great boon for local businesses, with bars, restaurants and shops experiencing increased patronage from fans heading to the arena before the games.
The first night of tournament hockey kicked off with two exciting matchups: UMass Minutemen versus University of Denver Pioneers and Cornell Big Red versus University of Maine Black Bears at the MassMutual Center. Fans were eager to get a taste of Springfield’s culinary offerings before the games, and many flocked to popular spots like Theodore’s Blues, Booze, and Barbeque.
Keith Makarowski, co-owner of Theodore’s, shared that their doors opened early and were quickly filled with excited patrons looking to enjoy NCAA hockey and get in some pre-game fun. With both UMass and UMaine playing in the tournament, businesses like Theodore’s have been greatly appreciative of the fan support. As the tournament continues, Springfield businesses look forward to welcoming more fans and providing them with a memorable experience.
