NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — MEAC Tournament fans have have packed into downtown Norfolk restaurants and hotel rooms all week.
“You come here to have a good time,” said John Fitzpatrick, who arrived in Norfolk Wednesday from Erwin, N.C. He was one of many North Carolina Central University fans who were in town for Friday’s 6 p.m. game against Delaware State University.
“I’m an alum of North Carolina Central University,” said Donna Coles, who lives in Hampton Roads. “And all my money right now goes to Norfolk State because that’s where my daughter is.”
Coles was wearing NCCU’s colors, but holding a green and gold pom-pom in honor of NSU.
Fans told WAVY.com they’ve spent their tournament days at local restaurants and tournament sponsored parties.
“It’s just a good energy,” said Jessica Knapp, a manager at Buffalo Wild Wings on Monticello Avenue. Knapp said their lunch hours during the week are a little slower. But, during the tournament, Buffalo Wild Wings has been packed throughout the day.
This is the third year of the MEAC Tournament being hosted in Norfolk. Last year MEAC announced the tournament would stay in Norfolk through 2018.