(CBS DETROIT) – Downtown Detroit is booming thanks to NFL fans Day 1 of design. The influx is also a boost for business in the area.
“A lot of extra was ordered for the beer liquor, the wine, the claws and everything that can be consumed by all the guests, we definitely added to our order,” Rita Cazares, day manager at McShane’s Irish Pub.
There is a lot of consumption happening in downtown Detroit, from food to the overall culture and atmosphere of the city.
Of Detroit welcomes more than 100,000 NFL fans, you can be sure that the city sees a lot. It ensures that companies are well prepared in their accommodations.
“A lot of early mornings, especially this week because the draft prep is going on. We try to get here early so we can beat the traffic,” said Kenny Valentino, owner of District 78.
For Valentino, his business is close to all the hustle and bustle of downtown. His restaurant was rented on Wednesday for a private event before the tour. He says even some conscripts and their families were present.
“We had a response of over 600 people. The line stretched down the street,” he said. “Jalen Rose was able to come over.”
In Corktown, a few miles from downtown, the hustle and bustle was still in effect! At McShane’s Irish Pub, parking was so scarce that the business had to create a backup plan.
“We had to carpool. We had to park a little ways away to give room for the guests coming into town,” Cazares said.
Once the dust settles next week, companies say it’s their time to inform their staff about the big rush.
“You definitely have to evaluate the situation … see what we did better? There will certainly be pros and cons of everything in this capacity,” Cazares said.
Fans from far and wide will make the motor city their home in the coming days. The companies we spoke to all agree that newcomers need to absorb the boldness and grandeur of the city.
“For a long time, Detroit has been looked down upon; what I hope is that as we host more events like the NFL Draft, people will see the heart of Detroit and the resurgence we are experiencing in the city.”
Terell Bailey
