DENVER, CO — The return of March Madness to the Mile High City has local businesses buzzing with excitement as they prepare for an influx of basketball fans. The NCAA tournament is expected to bring thousands of visitors to Ball Arena, transforming downtown Denver into a hub of sports energy and economic activity. Restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues are gearing up for one of their busiest weekends of the year, stocking up on supplies, calling in extra staff, and offering special promotions to accommodate the surge of customers.
One of the establishments at the center of the action is Brooklyn’s, a popular sports bar located right next to Ball Arena. On any given game day, the venue is packed with fans supporting the Denver Nuggets or the Colorado Avalanche, but according to Manager Russell Nelson, March Madness brings a completely different level of intensity. “It takes a regular Avs or Nuggets game and turns it into an Avs playoff game or even a Stanley Cup atmosphere,” Nelson said. “It’s crazy in here.”
Anticipating a massive turnout, Brooklyn’s has ordered extra food and drinks, adjusted staffing schedules, and optimized seating arrangements to accommodate the increased foot traffic. The excitement isn’t limited to just one location—other businesses in the area are also gearing up for an action-packed weekend. Wally’s Wisconsin Tavern and its sister establishment, Rhein Haus, both located within walking distance of Ball Arena, are preparing for a spike in customers looking for pre-game meals and post-game celebrations.
Though Wally’s Wisconsin Tavern is known as a gathering spot for Wisconsin Badgers fans, Manager Cassandra Dossett says they are ready to welcome all basketball enthusiasts, no matter which teams they support. “We’re bringing in extra staff, and we’re hoping fans will come in before or after the games,” she said. To ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy the experience, Wally’s and Rhein Haus will open early on game days, offering fans an opportunity to eat, drink, and socialize before heading to the arena.
With thousands of basketball fans descending on downtown Denver, Dossett advises visitors to arrive early and plan. “Figure out your parking ahead of time,” she suggested. “Everything here is first come, first served. We’ll have drink specials, so bring your ID and get ready to have fun.”
While local businesses are gearing up for an economic boost, city officials and law enforcement are also preparing for the crowds. With increased foot traffic and heightened energy levels, safety measures will be in place to ensure a smooth experience for both visitors and residents. Public transportation services, including RTD buses and light rail, will have additional availability to accommodate the increased demand.
For Denver sports fans, this March Madness tournament is more than just another event—it’s a rare opportunity to showcase the city’s enthusiasm for college basketball and its ability to host large-scale sporting events. Many businesses are hoping that the tournament’s presence will leave a lasting impact on the local economy and attract future opportunities for high-profile sporting events.
Nelson echoed the excitement, emphasizing how special it is for March Madness to take place in Denver. “This is an experience you don’t get very often, especially here in Denver,” he said. “We want to make sure everyone who comes downtown for the tournament has a great time and gets the full game-day experience.”
With businesses fully prepared and fans eager to experience the thrill of the tournament, March Madness in Denver promises to be an unforgettable event that brings energy, excitement, and economic benefits to the city.
