ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) -The upcoming Packers playoff game against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field comes as a welcome surprise to many businesses in the area. It’s a surprise that adds up to millions.
Jerry Watson from the Stadium View Sports Bar spoke to WLUK and says a home playoff game is a great way to start a new year.
“My employees love it. They’re here because they make really good money on a Packer game. Any and everybody does”
Just down the street, rooms at the SpringHill Suites are going fast.
“The phones have been ringing since eight o’clock,” said hotel general manager Tara Campbell. “We are half full. So if anyone hasn’t booked a room I suggest you book it relatively soon.”
The Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates a playoff game at Lambeau generates $14-million for the local economy.
While hotels, restaurants and bars will be busy, CVB President Brad Toll says other businesses will see a boost, too.
“We also see gas stations; people are fueling their vehicle here. They’re buying water from the convenience stores. These dollars really spread throughout the entire economy.”
A home playoff game at Lambeau Field is not that uncommon. In fact, this will be the seventh one in the last 10 years.
But what makes it so special is that a lot of people weren’t expecting it.
Toll says no matter how the Packers got to this point, a home playoff game is something we should all appreciate.
“We have been so fortunate, really for decades. We just come to expect these games in January. I have a lot of colleagues in a lot of other NFL cities around the country that don’t have what we have had.”
Packers fans can get ready for Sunday’s game Friday afternoon at 3:30.
That’s when Downtown Green Bay, Inc. is hosting a Packers pep rally downtown at the Heritage Trail Monument.
