HARTFORD, Conn. — Sports bring people together and this week, they’ll be bringing them to the capital city.
"We’re just happy to have people down here and see it busy again," said Karen Rokosa, a manager at Capital Spirits.
Hartford is preparing for a busy few days. The Yard Goats are back, playing three consecutive days at Dunkin’ Park starting with Thursday's home opener.
Friday night, the battle of Connecticut, as the Hartford Wolf Pack play the Bridgeport Islanders for the final time in the regular season.
On Saturday, the state will celebrate the UConn men’s basketball team’s championship win with a victory parade.
"We can’t wait to welcome our national champions and also everyone from around Connecticut to come and celebrate," said Mayor Luke Bronin.
People really are expected from all over the state.
"The streets are gonna be packed. I mean UConn to the state of Connecticut is their pro-sport. So when there’s a championship, the whole state celebrates," said Dante Boffi, co-owner of Four Dads Pub.
A boost in business is great news for those that are downtown.
Boffi said March really was madness for them, in the best way possible.
"It’s been awesome. Especially nights with UConn games, whether they’re in the XL or playing at Gampel, or playing away, the place is packed," Boffi said.
This weekend is expected to be no different.
"The phone’s been off-the-hook with people asking when we’re opening, are there UConn specials, can we camp out there by the window? So we expect a fun Saturday for sure," Boffi said.
Capital Spirits on Pratt Street is also getting ready for big crowds.
"It’s huge support from everyone from like the city, all the other businesses, all of our reps coming in today to see how they can help us during the parade so it’s a really big deal it’s exciting," Rokosa said.
They’ll be showing their Husky Pride too.
"Two Roads makes TwoConn beer so we’ll have some beer specials featuring that beer for the day," Rokosa said.
The fun begins on Thursday. There will be a party on Pratt Street ahead of the Yard Goats' home opener from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Gaby Molina is a reporter and anchor at FOX61 News. She can be reached at mmolina@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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