Posted: Mar 24, 2011 6:12 AM
Updated: Apr 19, 2012 9:11 AM
TUCSON - Tonight will be a wild one for Wildcat fans as Arizona takes on Duke for a chance to join the "Elite 8." Thousands of fans staying in town will fill local hot spots to the brim, the center of it all on University Boulevard and Fourth Avenue.
Some fans booked tables at bars along University Boulevard the day 'Cats beat Texas, earning a spot in the "Sweet 16."
Fans are acknowledging the fact that the game against the Duke Blue Devils will be a hard fight for the Wildcats. However, many fans are already celebrating, confident, for this team, the "Sweet 16" will not be the end.
"Championship this year, lets go," Wildcats fan Nathaniel Williams said.
"As long as we come out and play hard we can definitely pull off the "W", the upset, and move on," Wildcats fan P.J. Gallagher said.
"Based on the Michigan game with Duke, I think they've got a good shot," Wildcats fan Katie Franz said.
Fan favorites like Frog & Firkin will be packed.
"Crazy, yeah. No tables open, its going to be crazy," said Gretchen Patze, Frog & Firkin server and bartender.
As for Arizona's infamous student section, the ZonaZoo, many members will be cheering on the 'Cats in person at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
Dozens of other ZonaZooers will fill into O'hungry's. Tonight, the new bar on University Boulevard will attract a dedicated crowd.
"Every ZonaZoo fan wants to be out in Anaheim to support our wildcats but honestly its all about just keeping on that home pride because everyone is wildcat for life," said Giuliano Lepe, Executive director of the ZonaZoo.
Sweet 16 gear is a hot commodity. The first two T-shirt shipments sold out fast and another batch is expected today. But some fans are already thinking ahead.
"Hopefully I'll be getting an Elite 8 shirt pretty soon," Williams said.
The McKale Ticket Office is out of tickets for the Arizona allotment for the game. But if you leave early enough and are willing to spend the cash, you could still make it in time.
There are a handful of ticket websites with seats available online, starting at about $170. The trip will take about 9 hours and 40 minutes in traffic, so if you leave at 7 am and only stop for gas, you should arrive in Anaheim by 5 pm. (The game starts at 6:45 pm). Gas will cost about 88 dollars.
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