Those looking to catch the Sweet Sixteen on the big screen, eat some wings and down a brew have a new place to gather and take in the action.

Buffalo Wild Wings in Athens opened Monday with a crowd anxiously waiting.

Members of the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce also got a feel for the city’s newest eatery before cutting a ribbon on the establishment.

Several patrons had been on-site in lawn chairs and even a tent since Sunday.

Tyler Ivey, 16, of Athens set up his tent around 2:30 p.m. Sunday and was the first in line for a coupon book good for one free snack — traditional or boneless wings — once a week, for an entire year. Ivey said he was excited and seemed to be having a good time with friends, despite the long wait. The wait also included a sampling of wings.

Will Robinson-Smith, a Madison blogger, also spent some time — camera in hand — waiting for the doors of Buffalo Wild Wings to open. He arrived at 8 p.m. Sunday. Though he typically writes movie reviews, he said he wanted to diversify.

“I figured this was a good opportunity to get started,” he said, adding he has camped out a few hours for movies, but this was the first overnight stay for food.

“We’re real excited,” said General Manager David Ware, who is overseeing 130 employees at the location. “We’ve all worked really hard. We’re hoping to impress everybody and be the number one spot to work and eat in all of Athens.”

Buffalo Wild Wings is commonly known for its “mouth-watering wings, wide selection of premium, craft and domestic beers and ultimate sports viewing atmosphere,” according to a News Courier report in late February.

“It’s always exciting when we get to bring a new business to the community,” said Chamber President Jennifer Williamson. “It’s more revenue for our city and it’s more dining options for our citizens.”

She added the restaurant is “different from anything currently offered” in Athens.

“This is the perfect place to come watch a game,” she said.

The Athens location features wall-to-wall high-definition, flat-screen TVs for sports viewing, and the design is similar to sports stadium. In fact, there are 43 TVs inside and outside. The bar offers a variety of drinks with 30 different beers – some local — on draft.

“Games will be on,” Ware said. “If you want to watch a March Madness game, you want to watch a football game — this is the spot to do it.”

The Athens Buffalo Wild Wings is located at 22099 U.S. 72, Athens. It will be open Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight.

About Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings was founded in 1982 at a location near The Ohio State University, according to the company’s website. It became a publicly traded company in 2003 and now operates more than 1,190 restaurants around the world including several in North Alabama.

To find out more, visit www.buffalowildwings.com.