Lawrence, Kan. — Tip-off in New Orleans is less than 24 hours away as teams prepare for the big game as well as the businesses that line downtown Lawrence.
Places like the Molkajets in Downtown Lawrence say it's a full-on deck effort as musicians give Mass St to Jayhawk fans, which doesn't make NOLA's visit a taste of the Big Easy on Mt. Ored.
"It was really really amazing. There was great turnout, everyone was very happy. Once we won, the chaos that followed was incredible. Talking about Saturday's crowd at Red Lyon Tavern Michaela Gernberg said, "It's been a while, we need something like this."
Restaurants, gift shops and clothing stores were packed to the max as people flooded the city centre.
“There was a line outside the door even when everyone was running towards the city. It was just so busy, I know we waited 2 hours,” said Anna Holiday of Molkjetes Tacos & Tequila.
Saturday was not only a lot of fun for the fans but it was also safe and responsible.
"It was crazy, but like Midwest community vibes, there was no destruction, no quotes, nothing crazy like that, just a bunch of people enjoying the fact that we're going to the championship game, ' said Derek Long, Employee on Third Planet.
The Lawrence Police Department reported zero issues and they say they are ready and ready for tomorrow. He estimates that around 20,000 people spilled into the streets of the city on Saturday night after the win against Villanova and he expects that number to five times on Monday night.
"Being at the corner of Ninth and Mass, I feel like what's happening in the community, if it's somewhere around town, makes us feel like we're the heart of it," Long said.
All these businesses say that the Jayhawks do really good business.
"It's really great for business. It's called March Madness for a reason, so it definitely helps a lot for us," Gerenberg said.
Now the focus is on making sure they are ready to go into Monday's celebrations with whatever may be thrown at them.
"We've got all hands on deck for tomorrow. I know we're going to be here after the close, setting up the margaritas, preparing everything," said Holiday.
There are plenty of places to tune in to the game, but none quite like the Watch Party inside Allen Fieldhouse, which opens at 7:15 p.m. for anyone who wants to join in on the fun.
"Back em' let's win this championship," Long said in excitement for the Jayhawks big game.
"Have fun too, it's going to be a good time and KU will definitely move on," said Gerenberg.
Most of the businesses we spoke with have a common theme. They say it's a lot of fun to work with, so they look forward to it and they say every single second is going to be worth it!