INDIANAPOLIS — Monday was the culmination of weeks of planning and preparation and days of celebration in the Circle City for the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
Bars and restaurants had their work cut out for them Monday night, hosting thousands of football fans after months of uncertainty. An army of fans descended on downtown Indianapolis to cheer on two rivals - Alabama and Georgia.
"It's been busy all day since we opened the doors at 11. We were full by 11:10," said Steve Kelly, a regional manager at Kilroy’s Bar and Grill.
"It's been crazy, they've been nonstop coming in. People seem to just be getting off planes. It's awesome and it's been a rocking house all day," said Darrell Casmier, a manager at The District Tap.
Preparing for a crowd this big means lots of planning to keep each customer satisfied.
WRTV checked with the managers at Kilroy's and the District Tap to see what went into making this a smooth process.
"Just ordering the right amount of food, the right amount of beverages, booze and beer we could possibly get in. We haven't run out of anything and we don't plan on running out of anything, this is not our first time doing this," said Kelly.
"The plan for tonight is to serve as many as we can and after the game, we're expected to see a lot more people come in after," Casmier said. "Through the pandemic, it's been a little difficult. Having events like this can really perk us up and bring businesses to places that have been struggling."
Both managers tell me the crowds have been very patient and kind - where the Southern and Hoosier hospitality met in the middle to make this championship weekend a success.
-
Community reacts to extended summer curfew
The Indianapolis City-County Council has approved a plan to tighten youth curfew hours with the goal of improving safety across the city.
Woman dead after crashing into tree in Indianapolis
IMPD said at approximately 4:51 p.m., officers responded to a report of a personal injury crash in the 3200 block of Guion Road, which is right off West 32nd Street.
Trump-backed candidates win majority of GOP primary races for Indiana Senate
Politicos were keeping an eye on eight Indiana Senate races in which Republicans faced each other, and the congressional primaries for both the GOP and Democrats.
500 Festival extends racing spirit with virtual fitness challenge
Participants are challenged to complete 250 or 500 miles of physical activity over a course of five months through a virtual challenge.
