Double duty: Bars prepare for big crowds on Friday for St. Patrick's Day, March Madness

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Bars around Milwaukee are preparing to open extra early on Friday for all who celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

For a bar that's open 365 days a year, St. Patrick's Day at Kelly's Bleachers on Bluemound Road in Milwaukee always stands out among the rest.

"I think it's a top three busy days of the year for us," owner Anthony Luchini said. "Hundreds of people come on in. Some come in for one or two beers, some stay for a couple of hours, some stay the whole day."

If the day wasn't already crazy enough, the lucky Irish are sharing the spotlight with Marquette's Golden Eagles.

"Just adds fuel to the fire," Luchini said. 

Marquette's men's and women's basketball teams are competing on Friday.

"Marquette has an extremely good chance this year," Mike Pfeifer said.

College basketball fans kicked off the start of the NCAA tournament at Kelly's Bleachers on Thursday. 

"We celebrate what we call adult spring break," Brittany Kachingwe said. "Have some drinks and watch some good basketball games."

Some were confident the blue and gold have what it takes to go all the way.

"You never know. It's one game and you have that right shot and you win and it's fantastic," Pfeifer said. 

Whether people are going out to celebrate the Irish, watch basketball or do both, Milwaukee police ask they do it safely.

"When you're done and you're ready to go home or go to the next place, find a safe way to get there," Milwaukee Police Sgt. Efrain Cornejo said.

Molson Coors is partnering with Milwaukee County Transit System to offer free bus fare on March 17 beginning at 6 p.m. until the end of service.