NCAA Final Four weekend kicked off Friday, and local businesses are preparing to pack in crowds. Around 80,000 spectators will descend on AT&T Stadium for four days of events, tailgating and basketball.

To sidestep parking and driving in traffic, guests can hop on the Arlington Trolley, catch a ride on the Grease Monkey limo for $5, or ride the Metro Arlington Xpress to a stop on Center Street and Road to Six Flags.

Lincoln Square patrons who spend $40 can park in its lots if they leave a receipt on their dashboard.

"Stadium events bring in a lot of new people-people who wouldn't normally come to this area, people who may not have been to our restaurant before-and they find out about us and hopefully become regulars of our establishment," said Jordan Pratt, the bar manager at Blue Mesa Grill.

Olenjack's Grille is also providing a free shuttle service and valet parking to guests who spend $40. A Final Four weekend menu will feature a blood orange margarita and special food items.

David Pappas, general manager of Olenjack's, said the restaurant's proximity to AT&T Stadium provides a boost in sales during events, and he wants visitors to come in and try some "Texas flair."

"We expect to be busy, busy, busy, and take care of the guests 100 percent," Pappas said. "I know we're going to have a lot of out-of-towners, and we want to do Arlington proud."

The Sanford Inn and Spa on Center Street is just over one mile away from AT&T Stadium. Valerie Landry, the inn's general manager, said the staff brushed up on training to prepare for the anticipated business this weekend.

"It's fun to have people from all over to meet and to serve," Landry said. "We're just excited to have something like this come to Arlington."

This is Arlington's first time hosting the Final Four at AT&T Stadium, which is home to the Cotton Bowl Classic and served as the venue for Super Bowl XLV in 2011.

"It gives a lot of publicity to the city, so it's a form of advertising," said Roger Meiners, the economics chair at UT Arlington. "Seeing the city on ESPN and other networks, showing it as the backdrop-that's the best kind of advertising you can get."

For a full schedule of events, visit MyArlingtonTX.com/FinalFour.