(CBS-DETROIT) — Lions fans were in full force in Detroit on Sunday.
Thousands of people started pregaming early today, hoping for a Lions victory against the Buffalo Bills.
Instead of watching the game at home, many people opted to visit sports bars to catch the action.
Not even the gloomy gray sky and rain could keep Lions fans away from Harry’s Bar and Grill to enjoy the game. The bar was packed with customers hours before kick-off.
“Once we knew this was going to happen this year, when I looked at the schedule, I said, 4 p.m. Bills, Sunday game. That’s it,” said Hugh Leonard, general manager of Harry’s Detroit Bar and Grill.
This Motor City staple has been part of the community for over 20 years.
“Even when they’re gone, there’s still people here. It’s getting crowded in here. And part of me, I’ve been coming here for so long it’s a little strange. I think I’ll just go here and watch a game and being able to sit at the bar like I used to. And I thought, ‘oh no, I have to get there really early,'” said Michelle Demeau, a Lions fan.
As the team has boomed over the past two years, the crowds at Harry’s have only grown.
“Even with all these new fans, the energy itself is just, yeah, electric and Harry’s staff in general is great,” said Adria Willer, a Lions fan.
The general manager says that although game day is always busy, he has noticed a big difference in turnover in recent years.
“So I’d say, you know, 40 to 50% higher on your average Sunday compared to what we did the year before. I’d say probably 80% higher than two years ago,” Leonard said.
A trend that local businesses are hoping for will continue.
“It’s like night and day, from three years ago to two years ago, from last year to this year. I mean, it’s getting busier and busier every year. The fanbase has really turned the corner, more excited than they’ve ever been – that started week 1 this year,” Leonard said.
With the play-offs in sight, football fans can’t wait to see what happens next, and they’ll be watching from Harry’s.
