LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fans flocked to the KFC Yum! Center before Louisville Live Friday night, but the excitement started hours before then.
A DJ set up for a party outside of Nic and Norman's. Long-time Louisville basketball fan Jerry Westover enjoyed dinner before the event.
There was definitely excitement, but fans have described the last few basketball seasons as "a little gruesome."
"I was one of those die-hards that kept thinking that, 'Okay, we're going to turn this around. It's going to get better,'" said Westover. "But, unfortunately every time we thought it'd get better, it kind of got worse."
Westover is very excited for the new men's basketball coach, Pat Kelsey, and mentioned his personality.
"There's no doubt that he's going to put a super competitive, highly entertaining team on the floor," said Westover. "Doesn't mean we're going to win every game, but I think it's definitely going to be a better test for the eyes than what we've seen the last two years."
Businesses like Merle's Whiskey Kitchen can feel the energy and excitement; the Director of Operations, Wayne Sweeney, said they are hoping to reap the benefits from crowds looking to see a good team.
"That's all bonus for us, so when they're good, that's all extra for us," said Sweeney. "We're going to do what we do regardless. But, when UofL's team is better, downtown is better."
Troll's Pub is also preparing for larger crowds.
"Really looking for an uptick in attendance and all that stuff, starting with tonight," General Manager Ashley Burchett said. "Everybody's feeling really good about it, and business wise, I think we're going to kill it this season."
Hundreds of fans filled the stands at the Yum! Center and hope Friday night's excitement isn't short lived.
"I think the change is going to be good and the excitement is brewing," said Westover.
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