CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Queens University of Charlotte is stepping onto college basketball’s biggest stage for the first time in program history, and local businesses say the excitement is spreading far beyond campus.
What You Need To Know
Businesses in North Carolina are preparing for a boost of customers during the NCAA Tournament
A Charlotte bar is excited to host a watch party as a Charlotte school makes its big debut in the tournament Friday
The general manager shares how hosting the event fits into their longstanding tradition of supporting the school
The Royals are set to face second-seeded Purdue Friday night in the first round of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, marking a historic milestone for the Charlotte university after completing its transition to full Division I eligibility in 2025.
On campus, students, staff and alumni are rallying behind the team.
“The vibes have been really fun, and it’s brought a lot of attention to the sport,” one supporter said during the campus Royals sendoff celebration.
That momentum is also driving crowds to nearby businesses, including Angry Ale’s, a longtime restaurant and bar located about two miles from campus.
“It’s going to be busy, slammed,” said Rich Lange, general manager of Angry Ale’s.
Lange said the business, which has served the Queens community for over 20 years, is preparing for large crowds with a watch party expected to draw students, alumni and fans.
“We will be bringing a lot of extra [staff] in,” Lange said. “It’s always fun for the tournament.”
Staff are busy gearing up for the event, including food and beverages, to handle the anticipated turnout.
“We’ve got security on board as well, just looking out to make sure everybody’s having fun and nothing gets out of hand,” Lange said.
The watch party also carries a sense of nostalgia for many in the Queens community.
“For many Queens alumni, Angry Ale’s was a staple of their college experience,” said the Angry Ale’s staff in a statement. “This watch party brings those memories back to life, now centered around one of the biggest stages in college basketball.”
Lange said the national spotlight on Queens is meaningful for both the university and surrounding neighborhood.
“I heard somebody on TV when they first got announced, they didn’t know where the school was, they thought it was in New York, somewhere,” Lange said. “So I’m just happy for them to get the national attention.”
Other nearby businesses are also preparing for the surge in fans.
Jim Foster, owner of Selwyn Pub and a Queens faculty member since 1982, said the restaurant expects a strong turnout. “
“We are gearing up for the big game and are expecting an enthusiastic crowd to cheer on our ‘Royals,’” Foster said in a statement.
With the increased activity, state officials are also urging fans to celebrate responsibly.
The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program is running its “Booze It & Lose It” campaign this week through Sunday, targeting impaired driving during St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, which is also during the beginning of March Madness celebrations.
“We know that with that comes impairment,” said Lindsay Poe, transportation safety communications officer with the program. “We want people to have fun and to do so safely. Drivers can expect to have a visible increase in law enforcement this week. The goal is deterence, this is a high visibility campaign. We want people to see the law enforcement out and think [to] plan ahead.”
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, law enforcement issued more than 700 DWI citations statewide during last year’s campaign.
“Our message is simple: if you plan to drink, then plan accordingly for a sober ride home. Otherwise, you could face serious consequences,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell in a statement.
As tipoff approaches, business owners say the moment is bigger than just one game, it’s a chance for Charlotte to rally around a team making history.
“I think it’s important for the neighborhood to have Queens get elevated in this way,” Lange said.
The Royals will face Purdue at 7:35 p.m. Friday in St. Louis.
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