Cotton Bowl A Big Boost For North Texas Economy
ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Around the city of Arlington maroon and crimson have taken over the area at Cowboys Stadium as fans are packing parking lots and partying before the big game.
More than 90,000 fans are expected to set an attendance record at the college game...and that means big money for the North Texas economy.
"It could mean as much as a $30 million impact to the region," says Wes Jurey President & CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce "I think if you look at overall economic impact this is certainly on par close to not exceeding, but close to the Super Bowl."
Jurey says the teams home base are so close to Arlington that more fans are here and they've showed up early.
"Hotel, tickets, parking for the three of us our family I would say easy $2,500 - $3,000," says Aggie Fan Amy Collins from Longview "That doesn't include airline tickets."
Sooner fan Jared Roden thinks he spends close to $1,000, "Food, tickets, beer - beer a lot that."
Last year the Cotton Bowl was the second largest attended bowl in the country only behind the Rose Bowl.
At a store near the stadium the owner has been anticipating the Cotton Bowl crowds. Game day usually means big business for the mom and pop shop.
"It will be bring a lot of traffic to the area and shopping center people walking around looking for stuff to do," says Greta Croomer owner of The Popcorn Store.
Some businesses are even offering specials for the night hoping to get any overflow from the stadium through their doors.
Jay Burress, president & CEO of Experience Arlington thinks an event like this is great for tourism in Arlington. "It means full hotels, restaurants, shops… even convenience stores gearing up for tailgate events! And, it's always a plus when an event brings national TV exposure for Arlington, as the home of the Cotton Bowl" said Burress.
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