Fans flock to NCAA games, other Bay area destinations

Monday, March 24, 2008

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When fans aren't in the St. Pete Times forum watching games, they're out and about in the Bay area mingling at nearby restaurants like Hooters at Channelside.

TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- March madness is underway in Tampa, bringing visitors from all over the country.

But they're not here just for basketball.

When fans aren't in the St. Pete Times forum watching games, they're out and about in the Bay area mingling at nearby restaurants like Hooters at Channelside and staying in Tampa hotels like the Hyatt in downtown Tampa.

Visitors like Villanova fan Andrew Larkin of Philadelphia is also taking in a few baseball games.

"Phillies spring training... the reason we originally came down," Larkin said. "Then we ended up getting tickets for Villanova."

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Larkin came along with several other family members like Joseph Kinney, who wants to experience more than just sports.

"I'd like to see the beaches," Kinney said. "And then a lot more of downtown and other things."

The NCAA tournaments are expected to bring $20 million into the Tampa area.

That makes Dave Disalvo of the Hyatt very happy.

"Easter weekend for us in downtown in Tampa is usually pretty slow," Disalvo said. "It's usually a very family oriented holiday, so there's not a lot going on. So it's a bonus to us."

Of course, the amount each visitor will spend will vary.

"I'm not splurging in a silly kind of way," Kinney said. "But I'm not counting it."