Aggie fans pack businesses as A&M plays their first games of March Madness

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - It was a big win for Texas A&M men’s basketball as they beat Nebraska in the first round of the NCAA tournament Friday night.

Having both A&M men and women playing Friday and both against Nebraska, it was also big business for local bars and restaurants.

“For the past 23 years, I take off work and I come and watch as many games as I can. I just love watching college basketball,” said Aggie fan Kevin Joyner.

Joyner was among the crowd at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux in College Station.

“I just love the passion of the fans, I love the different traditions all the different schools have. I love watching players come in, develop,” said Joyner.

Win or lose, it’s economic gain for business.

“This time of year is always awesome. It’s March Madness, we have nice weather and the restaurant we finally get to start rolling our doors up, have more people sitting in the outdoor patio,” said Cory Davis, Franchisee Owner of Walk-On’s.

“Any big event like this, especially an Aggie sports restaurant like us, is huge.”

Davis says they ramped up staff and added a few more kegs.

“We have 48 beers on tap, and so we made sure we’re not going to run out of beer.”

Over at Carney’s Pub and Grill in Bryan, staff prepare for a busy month of March Madness specials and Aggie fans.

“We’ve got like nine TVs in there, and we don’t really turn on the audio except for A&M games. People get rowdy. People get real rowdy,” said bartender Logan White.

“I love all of it. Especially March Madness. All of the tournaments, all of the upsets, it’s just the best time of year,” said Joyner.