Maryland V. Penn State Expected To Boost Business In The City
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore is playing host to a major college football game Saturday afternoon. It is a showdown between Big Ten rivals Maryland Penn State.
Tracey Leong with the excitement building for the big game.
The Ravens have only played two home games so far this season, so downtown businesses are craving that fan excitement and revenue.
Cheering football fans and the Penn State marching band--taking over Power Plant Live in downtown Baltimore.
"These are people that are coming in, they're staying overnight, they're in the hotels, they're filling up rooms, they're going out to restaurants, they're at bars, they're at the Power Plant Live tonight. The whole city, you can feel the emergency downtown. You see the people on the sidewalks. It's exciting," said Mike Evitts, Downtown Partnership.
Penn State fans pouring into Baltimore to prepare for the Big Ten rivalry.
Maryland will play Penn State at M&T Bank Stadium for a nearly sold out game.
"Every time there's an event down at M&T Bank Stadium, we get a good crowd," said Brandon Coles, manager, Mother's Federal Hill Grille.
A crowd the entire city counts on to boost their bottom line.
"Going to add tens of millions of dollars to Baltimore's economy--and that's money that's really sorely needed," said Evitts.
Downtown businesses are hoping out-of-town fans like what they see and return again--not just for a game--but to visit the city.
"Never been to Baltimore to see a game. It's fun to stay in this town. We know there's a lot of fun things to do here," said Jim Hopf, Penn State fan.
Destinations like Power Plant Live are relying heavily on tourists.
"This year, more than ever, we just want people to see that Baltimore is great. We want people to come down, we want people to see what Baltimore really is, and we want to entertain them," said Chris Furst, director of marketing, Power Plant Live.
The big matchup kicks off at 3:30 p.m. At last check, more than 65,000 tickets were sold.
Baltimore has been good luck for the Terps. They have won their last three games played at M&T Bank Stadium.