BLOG: Final Four weekend off to a rainy start in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTVD) -- Final Four weekend got off to a rainy start in Indianapolis, but that's not dampening the excitement here!
The city is bustling as businesses prepare to roll out the welcome mat for the 70,000 visitors expected to descend on the city, and it won't be long before it's swarming with basketball fans.
We found a pop-up souvenir shop frantically unloading merchandise Thursday afternoon. The owner, John Brovold, has travelled the country for more than 20 years following major sporting events. This weekend he told me he expects to be busy!
"That's an understatement! It's going to be crazy this weekend if the weather holds up!" he said.
With so many more fans coming into Indianapolis without a game ticket, Visit Indy anticipates a nearly $71 million economic impact.
This is the 7th year Indianapolis has hosted the Men's Final Four.
You can tell this city loves its sporting events!
"We are rolling out the red carpet! I guess for Duke, the blue carpet!" laughed Morgan Greenlee with Visit Indy.
Duke players spent Thursday on the practice court.
Meantime, we learned about 700 Duke students plan to join their team here this weekend.
They depart campus at 2 a.m. Saturday.
We're on the lookout for Duke fans!
