Louisville, this (WDRB) – Businesses in downtown Louisville is reaping the benefits of an increased attendance at Louisville University Basketball Games this season.
Cardinals defeated Miami in Kfc Yum! Center Saturday to improve to 18-6 generally and 11-2 in ACC. With two seasons of a 12-52 combined record and declining participation, team wars meant less business for some restaurants and bars.
Businesses in the city center have hoped that the team would withdraw after three seasons of direct loss. The revival of Louisville men’s basketball has added revenue for bars and restaurants.
“Pat Kelsey brought some energy to the city, and we are reaping the benefits,” said Wayne Sweeney, Operations Director Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen.
On Saturday, Louisville’s announced participation in KFC Yum! The center was 15,588, taking the average of the regular season to 14,200 in the game this season. This is 3,143 for more participation than last year’s average, with Louisville’s notified participation in 11,057 during the 2023-24 season.
Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen is just one of the businesses that sees a change this year.
“Of course you see much more locals on the day of the game because people are going out and enjoying the city, enjoying food, enjoying the drinks, enjoying the city,” Sweeney said. “The past years were a little harsh.”
With more baskets made, more products and bites purchased by fans before and after games come.
“Definitely is definitely good when everyone can win, which means these businesses are able to stay open, have effective businesses they need to gain a profit for their companies,” said Ebony Johnson, a fan I Louisville who followed the game on Saturday.
Aaron Matthews sells Louisville clothing in the city center Louisville on February 8, 2025.
Aaron Matthews creates an attitude of the seller with Louisville clothing on the corner of the second street and mainly three hours before the matches. He will stay around until the arena is emptied.
“It was bad for a long time,” Matthews said. “I am happy to see everyone again in the move. It brings back to businesses.”
Fans stopped from the Matthews tent to buy hats after the 18th Cardinal victory of the season. He is seeing more shopping this season.
“Everyone is happy to buy Uofl wear again,” Matthews said.
With four more home matches, Louisville has already exceeded the participation numbers from previous seasons. At this point, Louisville announced the cumulative participation of 184,600, exceeding the last two seasons, 2022-23 (138,943) and 2023-24 (129,205).
“It’s a good vibe as Louisville is going well, everything is good after Louisville basketball is winning,” said Derrick Brown, a fan of Louisville.
The winner is a welcome return to local points.
“Foot traffic is incredible, energy is incredible, if you’re not in the game, it’s your fault because it’s a lot of fun in the city center,” Sweeney said.
Sweeney said other businesses around the city center are excited about renewed energy around the team.
“Creates a society, creates a vision of the city of what it was, what it should be. Take downtown and enjoy these businesses, help these kids abroad,” Sweeney said. “There are Louisvillians working here, serving, these people go to UOFL, they support the school, so come to support them so they can continue, make our city what it is. It is a city of a city Excellent fun. ”
In the past five games at home, Louisville has an average participation of 15,519. Last month, the announced participation of Louisville’s game against Virginia was 18,233, the largest number announced for a home game of L men when Duke visited January 2022.
Kfc yum! Center places 22,090 fans during men’s basketball games.
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