Penguins' Long Playoff Run Means Big Money For City
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A longer Penguins' season means extra money for the City of Pittsburgh.
In fact, VisitPittsburgh says the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs brought in $4.3 million to Allegheny County, and that number is only expected to grow during round three.
Fans are hopeful this is the year the Pens will bring home the Stanley Cup.
I'm loving the atmosphere... what's better?" Pens fan Justen Thurmond said.
"I don't see any chance they can't all the way. Play great against the Capitals… beat with speed and goaltending," Pens fan Duke Lodge said.
Time will tell as they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Bu t while hockey is on fans' minds, money is on the minds of local businesses. They say making it this far in the playoffs is a blessing.
"We have seen a vast number of people come through. Out-of-towners come through, all anxious to taste ribs and chicken," manager of Z Best Barbeque and Ribs, LLC Lisa Cunningham said.
Lisa Cunningham has been in business for two years.
"We like to say phenomenal. We like to think big around here," Cunningham said.
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Down the street at Shale's Cafe, excitement was building before the game.
"Everyone is having good time. It helps everyone. All the vendors on the street are here. In the summer, it's rather slow," owner of Shale's Cafe Jimmy Parey said.
"I think it needs to happen more often. It's great around here," Pens fan Jarred Thurmond said.
"Anything good for the City of Pittsburgh is good for the town and people," Lodge said.
VisitPittsburgh unofficially changed its name to VisitPensBurgh beginning Friday to raise awareness for the team.
