Oklahoma City -- An estimated 15,000 visitors are in the Sooner State for round one of the NCAA tournament.  As KSBI Thunder TV's Kealey McIntire tells us, in between cheering on their teams, fans are giving a boost to the local economy.

No games were played in Oklahoma City on Friday so NCAA tournament fans enjoyed Bricktown.  The activity was a bonus for businesses.

The Red Pin Restaurant and Bowling Lounge has plenty for fans to do in between games.  Fans like Donna Teahan say the distraction Bricktown offers is welcome.

"The kids have enjoyed it.  They played basketball and now we're going to go bowling or to the haunted mansion," says Teahan.

It's estimated that tournament fans will put $11 million into the Oklahoma City economy this weekend.

Alex Perusse, General Manager of Red Pin, says this will be among the top 10 money-making weekend's in the restaurant's two-and-a-half year history.

The restaurant has been busy for the past two days.  Perusse says in preparation for the boost in business they stocked up and hoped for the best.

"We staffed up a little bit hoping that we were going to get a little busier than normal and we have and it's been great for Bricktown," says Perusse.

Even though a winter storm is expected Saturday, Perusse still expects to stay busy.