LOUISVILLE, Ky. — There is a lot of hype surrounding the University of Louisville's Men's Basketball team heading into the 2025-26 season.

The turnaround under Coach Pat Kelsey beginning last year paid dividends on and off the court, filling the arena and surrounding bars and restaurants on gamedays.

Jess Sheppard, a bartender at Patrick O’Shea’s on Whiskey Row, said they noticed a difference in bar traffic once the Cards started winning last season.

"Last year, it started off a little rocky, but ended up being pretty good. We ended up getting a big crowd from it," Sheppard said.

Down on Whiskey Alley, in the shadow of the arena, Troll Pub Under the Bridge is gearing up for a busy night before tipoff.

"We're doing heavy prep right now," said Brandy Bursom, the pub's assistant general

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