NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament Boosts Local Businesses in Springfield

The 2024 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament has kicked off in Springfield, attracting fans from all over to the Downtown area. Local businesses have seen a surge in customers as a result of the influx of visitors.

On the first night, UMass Minutemen and University of Denver Pioneers faced off at the MassMutual Center while Cornell Big Red took on the University of Maine Black Bears. Fans were united in their need for food before the games began, with UMass fan Michael Sacenti highlighting a meetup at the MGM.

Bars and restaurants in Downtown Springfield have been enjoying the business brought by the NCAA hockey tournament. Signs in their windows have been inviting fans to come inside, with establishments like Theodore’s Blues, Booze, and Barbeque seeing fans from all four hockey programs dine in. 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 the upcoming games and the support from fans of UMass and UMaine. He mentioned that local businesses were thrilled to see the community come together for NCAA hockey and were looking forward to the continued influx of visitors. The success of the first night of the tournament has set