Frozen Fever: UMass Minutemen and Maine Black Bears Compete in NCAA Hockey Tournament in Springfield

Springfield Hosts 2024 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament

The excitement of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament was palpable in downtown Springfield on Thursday as hockey fans from all over gathered to watch their favorite teams play. 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 two exciting matchups: UMass Minutemen vs. University of Denver Pioneers and Cornell Big Red vs. 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 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, UMass and UMaine’s presence 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.

Springfield has become an ideal destination for ice hockey enthusiasts due to its proximity to Boston and New York City while still offering a unique atmosphere that is not found in larger cities.

The influx of visitors during this time has also had a positive impact on local transportation services such as taxi companies who have reported an increase in demand for their services.

Fans also took advantage of other nearby attractions such as historic sites or museums while waiting for games or during breaks.