Lobo day game makes work optional

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - They've packed buses, planes and cars, and now UNM basketball fans are filling bars and other venues to watch the nationally ranked Lobo men in the first round of the Mountain West tournament.

Lobo fans are doing just about anything to be able to watch the Thursday afternoon game. One of those places where the work day became optional was Coaches Sports Grill on Central Avenue SE.

Phones began ringing off the hook early Thursday morning, but anyone not in a seat by noon was out of luck.

They've been so busy KRQE News 13 had to chase the owner Ernie Blackstone around to interview him while he helped his staff set things up.

"This game is over the noon hour almost, but our phones have been ringing pretty good," Blackstone said. "I'm setting it up as if it's going to be standing-room only."

The restaurant stopped taking reservations on Wednesday. By then half the bar was already claimed by eager fans.

On Thursday it was first come, first served. When Lobo fans showed up it became a race to find a seat.

No matter what it took, fans said they wouldn't miss today's game even if it meant leaving for their lunch break a little earlier.

"I'm the lucky one that had to come get a table," Matthew Truster said. "They're so busy here it's going to be crazy.

"Luckily I was able to get off a little early and get out here and get a table or all my friends."

Blackstone said he expects Coaches to hit is fire-code capacity. That would be 178 patrons, most of them likely sporting the cherry and silver.