Big East tourney bounces into Hartford

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - The Big East Women's Basketball Tournament is underway in Hartford, and Hartford businesses hope will fans in town for the tournament will translate to big bucks for them.

"It's crazy. Everybody on my schedule is here working," David Tolly, Executive Chef at the Hilton Hartford said. "We're here morning, Noon and night really working hard, trying to get all these teams fed for the Big East."

The hoopla began as thousands of fans arrived for the Championship, so it's no wonder the projected economic impact to the Greater Hartford region is over $2 million.

Close to 2,500 room nights already have been booked, including the Hartford Hilton.

"We're full," hotel General Manager Jeff Roike said. "We have 393 rooms and we're sold out tonight."

The Big East Boost is almost as exciting for businesses as the players. This is the seventh consecutive year that the Big East Women's Basketball Championship will be in Hartford at XL Center.

All 16 Big East teams will play in the tournament, with 15 games being played in five days.

News Channel 8 caught up with Villanova players carbo-loading before a quick practice. The Wildcats play Marquette in Game #3 Friday evening.

"I'm excited," guard Tia Grant said. "Hopefully we'll get them this time."

Big East tournament continues daily, with the championship game played Tuesday night.

Top ranked University of Connecticut has a bye in the opening two rounds.

The tournament runs through Tuesday, March 9th.

For ticket info go to bigeast.org or xlcenter.com