They said COVID-19 first, then Hurricane Ida made it hard.
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That is why weekends with thousands of people in town are crucial for them.
"We suffered a lot the last two years," said Ali Hassan, owner of Pro Image Sports on Decatur Street near the French Quarter. "We are looking forward to having people and having a good time. We need to see people. It does look like people are coming back, we feel the energy."
Hassan had all the T-shirts in stock for all four teams in the Final Four -- Duke, Kansas, North Carolina and Villanova.
Final Four 2022: Duke, UNC basketball players and coaches talk about upcoming game
He said more will be printed after Saturday's game and then after the National Championship on Monday night.
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"Everybody came out from COVID, and people ought to have fun," he said. "New Orleans is the best place in America for any sports venue and a party. It's a party town."
Hassan's shop is down the street from Woldenberg Park, where a three-day free music festival will start Friday. Arcade Fire, Khalid and Imagine Dragons are headlining.
"Whenever some sports championship happens in New Orleans, you can feel it," Hassan said.