The 2024 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament began in Springfield on Thursday, attracting hockey fans from various locations to Downtown Springfield. The influx of visitors to the heart of Springfield has been a boon for local businesses, with bars, restaurants, and shops experiencing increased patronage from fans heading to the arena before the start of the games.
The tournament kicked off with the UMass Minutemen facing off against the University of Denver Pioneers, and the Cornell Big Red competing against the University of Maine Black Bears at the MassMutual Center. Prior to the games, fans shared a common need to eat, with one UMass fan mentioning a meetup at the MGM. Bars and restaurants in downtown Springfield warmly welcomed hockey enthusiasts, with signs beckoning fans to come in and dine.
One popular spot for hockey fans was Theodore’s Blues, Booze, and Barbeque, where fans of all four hockey programs were seen dining. Co-owner Keith Makarowski 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. Makarowski, sporting a University of Maine t-shirt that day, explained that the Black Bears’ alumni club had informed him of an upcoming surge in customers, prompting his support for the team that day.
Although this was only the first night of tournament hockey in Springfield, with another round scheduled for Saturday night, Makarowski expressed his excitement for the continued support from fans. With the tournament being close to their home turf, the presence of UMass and UMaine in the tournament has been greatly appreciated by businesses like Theodore’s. As the tournament continues, Springfield businesses look forward to welcoming more fans and providing them with a memorable experience.