"I don't think we really anticipated that, because you're working on it, planning it, but you don't know who's going to show up, where they're coming from, but to see the response for their fans at the hotel and the support has been really cool for the community," Booker said.
According to athletic officials, team operations personnel have found the local arrangements highly accommodating throughout their stay. "They're super appreciative," Booker said.
The event energized the broader Lawrence community, which has actively embraced the visiting international squad since their arrival.
Booker described the team's director of operations as "over the moon" with the accommodations.
Kim Anspach, a representative with Explore Lawrence, said local tourism and hospitality workers spent over two years preparing to welcome the international delegation.
"This week has been so busy and so invigorating since the team arrived.
Just watching the local Algerian community come out and support the team and show up in numbers, it's been gratifying," Anspach said.
Anspach emphasized that the warm reception reflects the community's traditional approach to hosting international visitors.
"This is something we've been working on getting ready to welcome the team for over two years, and now it's here, and we get to show our unmistakably Lawrence hospitality and just show the world literally what a great place Lawrence is.
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They're loving it," she said.
Local organizations and sports fans have positioned themselves as primary supporters of the team for the duration of the group stage.
