Playoff season will begin early at TD Garden in the spring with the return of March Madness to Causeway Street after six years.
Even though the Bruins and Celtics are not starting their championship runs officially for another month, fans from everywhere will come to the Garden next Thursday to Sunday for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, which will bring a lot of money to the city.
In 2018, the Garden hosted the East Regional semifinals and championship, with 8,000 to 10,000 fans estimated to attend, and a projected $25 million impact for the city.
The predicted revenue increased from $7 million in 2009 when the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight first came to the Garden.
Officials from the Garden and Meet Boston said they expect the city to make at least another $25 million from this tournament.
Arena president Glen Thornborough said it's a big deal to host these national events for a whole week and it's important to bring at least one national event to TD Garden every year because it has a significant economic impact and adds value to their fan base.
Based on the starting ticket prices listed on StubHub as of Tuesday afternoon, the Hub is in for a substantial economic gain. There are three options for entry to every game in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight or all games in either round.
The cheapest ticket for the Sweet 16 next Thursday and Friday is $254 for the thirteenth row in the balcony slightly to the side of the basket. For the Elite Eight next Saturday and Sunday, you can sit in the last row of the balcony behind the basket for $273.
For every game in both rounds, tickets start at $462 for the tenth row in the balcony behind the basket.
Although no local school will play in the tournament, nearby Connecticut will have a strong presence at the Garden, with top-seeded UConn aiming for the National Championship.
Former TD Garden president Amy Latimer said in 2018 that despite the lack of local representation, the tournament brought a unique experience to the city and its basketball fans.
In 2018, Latimer said it's exciting to host these national events and feels like it's part of their responsibility in the community. It's great for the city, and all these people walking around with their jerseys are good for them and their clients.
The madness of March Madness will start at the Harpoon Beer Hall on Thursday at noon, with the brewery hosting a “hooky watch party” featuring fun costume disguises, contests, and beverages.
