Pepsi Center's March Madness Brings Millions To Metro Area
DENVER (CBS4)- March Madness has reached the Denver metro area and with it, millions of dollars. Teams started hitting the court at the Pepsi Center on Thursday and the winners will tip off Saturday.
It's not just all the basketball action inside the Pepsi Center but all the activities surrounding the game that mean big business to Denver.
At Brooklyn's Bar near the Pepsi Center, the owner told CBS4 that March Madness is his number one revenue generator on the sports calendar.
The Denver Chamber of Commerce estimates the city will see nearly $20 million coming into the local economy from the tournaments.
"I'll spend probably $500 but I brought my wife with me, so she'll probably spend $2,00," said Tom Overholser from Des Moines, Iowa.
When asked why his wife will spend more than him, he replied, "Because she can spend at the mall and do some shopping."
Visitors aren't just spending money on food and lodging, but also entertainment.
"So just kind of an adventure I brought my daughter up here, maybe indoor skydiving, whatever we fancy for the weekend," said Blair Dubois from Albuquerque.