Businesses Prep for Game Day Crowd

By Jami Brinton, Reporter

Tools

By Jami Brinton

Story Created: Jan 5, 2010 at 5:28 PM CST

Story Updated: Jan 5, 2010 at 5:28 PM CST

Johnson County– Hundreds of Hawkeye fans who didn't migrate to the Sunshine state will likely gather tonight at sports bars like The Vine in Coralville to watch the Hawks in action.

"People are social animals,” said Dan Wilkerson, manager of The Vine. “They don't want to sit by themselves to watch the game."

Wilkerson expects a full house tonight, much like it was last year for the Outback Bowl.

That means waitresses like Ashley Foldes happily signed up for a double shift- hoping to make some extra money.

"I know it's going to be really busy tonight so I thought I could get some extra cash out of it,” explained Foldes.

Foldes knows she could cash in even bigger if the Hawks win.

"There are some tables that they're very happy and in a good mood so they'll tip a little extra so I'm really hoping for a win,” said Foldes.

Wilkerson says Hawk fans spend more money when they get the "W" everyone hopes for.

“Tips are better,” said Wilkerson. “Service is great. Food is great and everything is good. So, hopefully they'll win.”

Other bars like Blackstone offer special deals on food and drink to woo fans to spend their money.

"It's half-priced martini night,” said Will Evans, sous chef at Blackstone. “Limited game day menu. Definitely some bar food for the locals. End of the year Hawkeye shebang here.”

So for those cheering on the yellow and gold tonight, there are also those hoping to see a little green from the bowl game, too.

Some sports bars say bowl games don't make them that much extra money- especially when the game isn't on a weekend or a holiday.

That's because many fans stay at their table for several hours, then leave immediately after the game so they can be ready to work tomorrow.

Next Article Vote 2012: Rick Santorum Wins Minnesota, Colorado, Non-Binding Missouri

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.