Arlington Readies For Rangers Opening Day

ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Texas Rangers fans are gearing up for Friday, when a new baseball season at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington officially begins.

Businesses and merchants around the ballpark are eager for what they hope will be another successful season.

Over at Third Base Sports Bar and Grill, they are making preparations.  "Opening season, we're super excited!" says bartender Christina Cook."Baseball season, that's when we're the busiest and we staff very well so we're prepared for it."

The sports bar just hired five new waitresses to help out during the Rangers rush.  "Of course when it's baseball season and we're crowded, the more money for us and it sends our sales up the roof."

"The first game is sold out and we have very few rooms left," says Amshul Singhal, General Manager of the Howard Johnson on Copeland, "And we are still getting reservations and inquiries."

Hotels and motels are also happy to see Rangers Baseball back in swing.  The team's run at the World Series last year significantly boosted revenue for businesses in Arlington's Entertainment District.

"The World Series did a huge difference to our bottom line," says Singhal, who is hoping this season will do the same, "It should be a good season and we are all looking forward to a very good season for the Rangers again."

Some businesses plan on handing out coupons and flyers to fans at the Ballpark on opening day.