Local businesses expect large crowds to watch CCU in NCAA tournament

CAROLINA FOREST, S.C. (WBTW) – The Coastal Carolina University men’s basketball team is celebrating their second straight trip to the Big Dance. This time the Chants will face off against number one seed Wisconsin Friday night.

The game is in Nebraska and because of that many fans were unable to make the trip but the local support is still strong. Area businesses say their phone has been ringing off the hook with fans looking for places to watch the game.

For Buffalo Wild Wings General Manager, Bryan Compher, business typically picks up in March but with another CCU appearance, he expects more madness at the restaurant during the tournament.

“Last year was pretty exciting for you know Coastal, this year with the football team doing as well as they did and now coastal making it back to the tournament for the second time time, it adds even more excitement. You know people want to see you know coastal number 16 seed upset that number one seed Wisconsin,” Compher said.

Because of that, he is preparing his staff for a busy Friday night.

“To get ready for the large crowds we try to definitely make sure we have extra staff on to accommodate everyone watching the games and we try to make sure that we also have plenty of food to serve our guests for the big game.”

Customers won’t be the only ones in the building cheering during the game on Friday.

“Our staff is made up of probably 90% Coastal students so they’re all pretty excited you know to see the Chanticleers in action tonight.”

Something waitress and student Angela Dixon looks forward to.

“It is really pretty wild and crazy and just high energy, a lot of school spirit down here so this is my second year down here during the summer so I’m just looking forward to seeing how everything plays out,” Dixon said.

But win or lose, the staff will be prepared for whatever the night brings.

“For us girls serving, we just have to put our game faces on and just be ready for anything. We have big parties coming in, a lot of bracket parties, so we’re just kind of ready for anything,” Dixon said.