Downtown businesses get perfect bracket with Purdue men’s basketball landing in Indianapolis for Sweet 16

INDIANAPOLIS — Downtown Indianapolis is getting ready to host four teams for the Midwest Region Sweet 16 and Elite 8. Purdue, Tennessee, Houston and Kentucky all won in the first two rounds to secure their spots inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

For downtown bar and restaurant owners, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament bracket doesn’t get much better than this.

”We couldn’t have a better pick with the teams,” said Sean Lothridge, the owner of the Slippery Noodle Inn.

Purdue is expected to dominate the crowd with so many alumni living right here in central Indiana, and with the university just a short drive north.

”We’ll be staffed up, the beers will be flowing, the bacon jam burger will be sizzling,” said Danny Scotten, the owner of Loughmiller’s Pub & Eatery.

It’s not just Purdue, though. The University of Kentucky is just a three-hour drive from Indy, and the University of Tennessee is about a five-hour journey from the Circle City. Both fan bases are known to travel well.

”In years past, Kentucky has always brought a strong fan base,” Lothridge said. “I haven’t seen that from Tennessee yet, but I’m hoping they’ll come strong because they’ve got a good squad this year.”

Houston has the furthest trip from its campus to Indianapolis, but direct flights will be offered between the two cities on Thursday and Friday. Lothridge expects a good crowd from the Cougar fans, as well.

”I think we will because normally when the Houston Texans come in town to play the Colts, we get a pretty good crowd,” Lothridge said.

Loughmiller’s Pub & Eatery is usually closed on Sunday, but it is staying open this weekend to make sure they take full advantage of the crowd.

”The people come when they come,” Scotten said. “We’ve got to be here for them.”

The winners of the two Sweet 16 matchups between Purdue and Houston and Tennessee and Kentucky will face off in the Elite 8 on Sunday inside Lucas Oil Stadium.