13 hours ago
Businesses in Durham are gearing up for a busy night as the Blue Devils aim to secure the ACC championship title. Several establishments have increased their staff in anticipation of the game, WRAL News reports.
Posted 3/15/2026, 12:24:41 AM
Updated 3/15/2026, 12:27:30 AM
Local businesses prepare for large crowds watching the ACC championship game
By Monica Casey, WRAL reporter
Top-seeded Duke basketball is aiming for a repeat victory in Saturday’s ACC championship game. The Blue Devils defeated Louisville in last year’s final and now face Virginia, hoping to claim the title again.
In addition to tonight’s championship game, which has many Durham residents engaged, there is also a show at DPAC next door, adding to the area's activity.
Local businesses told WRAL News they are preparing for a busy evening. At Tobacco Road Sports Café, a server shared that extra staff have been scheduled to handle the crowd.
“It is so much fun,” said Aniya Arnold, a server at Tobacco Road Sports Café. “It’s actually a lot less overwhelming than people think, because people stay for the whole game, so you’re not like rotating tables and having to go crazy and having so many customers. You really get to focus on the people who are here to enjoy the game.”
Staff noted that on big game nights like this, many customers order appetizers to keep their energy up throughout the game.
The Blue Devils have already beaten Virginia once this season, 77 to 51 in February, and are hoping to repeat that success tonight.
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