Fans get an early start on NCAA celebrations at area bars

By By EMMA WRIGHT

Story Created: Mar 19, 2010 at 3:08 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 20, 2010 at 9:45 AM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Friday's NCAA tournament games tipped off at Noon and around the area, many diehard basketball fans got an early start to the weekend.

People are packing into bars around the Mohawk Valley to watch this year's March Madness, and businesses are cashing in on basketball fans.

"It has always been a great time for us," said Jeff Stone, manager of Babe's Macaroni Grill & Bar in Utica. "Our bar, our lounge is very busy."

Stone said the Syracuse Orange are helping pack the house and that SU's stellar season is a big sales booster.

"Every time Syracuse plays, people come in," he said.

At the Killabrew in New Hartford, the parking lot was full by midday on Friday.

Owner Michael Volz said he has been doing a lot of NCAA promotions and estimates that Friday night's SU vs. Vermont game will bring in at least 50 more customers than a normal Friday night.

So regardless of the game's outcome, March Madness is leaving local bars big winners.
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