The two-day extravaganza of early-round NCAA Tournament basketball that tips off today at the Pepsi Center is expected to infuse $6 million to $7 million into Denver’s economy. Tourism experts say the games, being played today and Saturday, are an economic boon for the city. Denver is one of eight host cities for this round of the tournament.
Tourists follow the games, bringing their money for lodging and restaurants; locals visit downtown to attend or watch the games in sports bars; and businesses have stocked extra beer, food and souvenirs to accommodate local and out-of-town visitors.
In addition, the games garner extensive media coverage that tourism experts say generates free advertising for the city.
“This is highly coveted,” said Rich Grant, spokesman for the Denver Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It’s great for the locals to be part of a national sporting event. It brings in lots of people, and it is a lot of media coverage. It’s found money for a city because it’s like having four sold-out games on top of your basketball and hockey season.”
At Brooklyn’s, across from the Pepsi Center, managers have hired extra help from other local bars and restaurants to help serve and pour drinks this weekend, said assistant manager Geoff Piasecki.
“We are expecting a bigger crowd than normal, especially for an all-day thing,” he said. “Since it’s an NCAA event, there is no alcohol in the building, so it will make our bar busier than average.”
Brooklyn’s, which normally opens at 11 a.m., is opening at 8 a.m. on game days, Piasecki said.
The NCAA brought men’s basketball games to Denver in 2004 and has had events in town every year since, including women’s basketball games, according to the Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“What makes (Denver) a fan favorite is fans can be here in the city and don’t have to have a car to get around,” said Tim Litherland, director of sports and group sales at the Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The NCAA is also bringing the hockey Frozen Four to Denver this year, Litherland noted.
Elizabeth Aguilera: 303-954-1372 or eaguilera@denverpost.com
