NCAA First Four basketball games to bring patrons to Dayton bars, restaurants

Restaurants near the University of Dayton like Flanagan’s Pub and Milano’s are expecting a “full house” during St. Patrick’s Day and Selection Sunday, followed by the NCAA First Four. NATALIE JONES/STAFF

Credit: Natalie Jones

Credit: Natalie Jones

Restaurants near the University of Dayton like Flanagan’s Pub and Milano’s are expecting a “full house” during St. Patrick’s Day and Selection Sunday, followed by the NCAA First Four. NATALIE JONES/STAFF
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March 18, 2024
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Restaurants and bars near the University of Dayton had a busy St. Patrick’s Day weekend and are preparing for this week’s NCAA First Four basketball games.

“With the expectations of UD making the NCAA tournament this year we expect to have nice crowds at all locations, especially due to Selection Sunday falling on St. Patrick’s Day,” John Slaughenhaupt, owner of Milano’s on Brown Street, said last week. “It should be a nice mix of both basketball fans and customers out celebrating.”

ExploreMarch Madness: These teams are coming to Dayton for the First Four

The University of Dayton (24-7) earned a No. 7 seed in the West Region and will play No. 10 seed Nevada (26-7) in the first round on Thursday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

While people were out celebrating St. Patrick’s Day weekend, staff at UD Arena installed the basketball court and set up the playing area for the First Four games, which will be Tuesday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 20.

On St. Patrick's Day 2024, workers put the finishing touches on the basketball court installation for the First Four of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship at UD Arena which will take place on March 19 & 20, 2024. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

“During the First Four we see a great mix of our local basketball fans along with fans that come in from out of town to support their teams playing at UD arena.” Slaughenhaupt said. “As a matter of fact, we have had pep bands and cheerleaders from visiting teams show up at Milano’s to pump up their fan bases. It is an exciting time of year.”

ExplorePHOTOS: NCAA First Four basketball court installation at UD Arena

Flanagan’s Pub at 101 E. Stewart St. saw a glimpse of basketball excitement last weekend when a high school group of 60 to 100 people came in after a game.

Cat Marlow, general manager, said between St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA tournament, Flanagan’s expects to bring in three to four times the typical revenue. Milano’s is expecting to do 30 to 40 percent more business than normal during the First Four.

ExploreFirst Four: Places to eat, drink, shop and play in Dayton
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Natalie Jones is an All Media Journalist with Dayton.com focusing on food and dining, pop culture and lifestyle. She is a Wright State University graduate with over seven years of experience in the media field.