KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — March Madness is here, and as people's brackets break, they could be getting madder than usual. One thing is certain though — it's bringing some extra money to Knoxville.
Inside Visit Knoxville there is live music. It has been there for the last 20 years. Now, it's blending in with the Vols' success and buzz that's spreading all over town.
"The fact that we're in March Madness, and both the Vols and the Lady Vols are doing so well, and the tournament is just so exciting and it's good for Knoxville," said Kim Bumpas, the president of Visit Knoxville.
The president also said that the Vols' performance has helped bring a huge economic impact to Knoxville. Last year was great, but this year is different.
"People want to go out to eat, they want to experience some nightlife, they're staying in the hotels, they're shopping," Bumpas said. "It's really about us hosting the Lady Vols here in Knoxville, and then being in the tournament, and then winning and now advancing. I think that's what makes this year so exciting."
Michael Hernon is one of the owners of the Big Bad Taco Truck that feeds people all over the downtown area. He said they see almost everything that goes on all around town, and they usually come across big crowds.
One of the examples was last Sunday when he said it got very busy.
"It was snowing, actually, in the morning whenever I was getting everything ready. But it turns out being like this, and we sold out by 6 p.m. We're supposed to be there until 8 p.m.," he said.
It looks like this is just the beginning. Spring festivals are just around the corner.
"Then you fast forward to the first of April and we have Big Ears, the Knoxville Marathon, the Eagles concert, and the Chalk Walk with Dogwood Arts festival all happening," Bumpas said.
While not all those events are big, they are all valuable for the community and the people who experience them.
With minds set on the Sweet 16, March Madness can be contagious.
"The energy that is in the air, when you have all of these events happening at the same time, it's really magical to feel," Bumpas said.
Anyone who wants to watch the Vols play can find out how at the Tennessee Athletics website.