March Madness is upon us and Kansas State is hosting two games during the first weekend of play in the women’s basketball tournament.
With that comes a unique opportunity for Manhattan to see a boost economically due to the influx of individuals from opposing teams traveling in to the Little Apple. Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jason Smith says citizens should welcome these travelers into the community with open arms.
“One of the things that’s really good, two of the teams are coming from nearby states, and so we’re hopeful that that means we’ll get some drivers in and spend some time in Manhattan and soak up the community,” he said.
Visit Manhattan, the chamber’s convention & tourism arm, noted increased hotel occupancy for both Friday and Saturday, which is nearing capacity. Some hotel officials are likening the weekend to a football weekend.
“People (hoteliers) are full, so that’s really exciting… it’s super great to see that kind of vibrancy going on” says Smith.
Kansas State will play Portland in the first round at 3:30 p.m. Friday. Colorado will play Drake in the nightcap. The winners will then meet Sunday at Bramlage Coliseum in the round of 32.
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