ATLANTA — Fans packed The City of Atlanta for the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. No matter who won on the field, Atlanta certainly won off the field.
Between hotel stays and fans packing restaurants, businesses scored big this weekend.
While tens of thousands of fans filled Mercedes Benz Stadium, dozens packed a bar and green right across the street called Restaurant Ten.
Manager Donielle Green said they're feeling the impacts.
"Game days are our best days of the year," Green said.
Green said the restaurant is owned by an Alabaman. Immediately after the game, fans Roll Tide right on over.
"We're the place to be after the game; after each game, after every concert—everything that Mercedes Benz has to offer," Green said.
Fans from near and far took a visit. LaNese Ford said she traveled three hours from Huntsville, Alabama, to watch the Crimson Tide win through a window, on her birthday week.
"We're comfortable wherever we are," Ford said. "As long as we can see the Alabama game, we're good."
And while Bulldogs fan Lancie Cannon didn't have to travel as far, he said spending his money in Atlanta was worth it.
"I've got to come out and support the local businesses," Cannon said.
Cannon said whether the Dawgs win or lose, at least Atlanta is winning.
"It's the community. It's our community," Cannon said.
Green said it's the diversity of customers like this that helps keep business booming. And this is not just for her bar but also for many of the surrounding businesses.
Parking lots near the stadium were charging $100 to park. And there were so many drivers, limos, and rideshares downtown that they blocked the streets,
"It brings in more money, more impact for our restaurant," Green said. "We can use the resources to get other things that we need for the upcoming games."
The fans get what they need too, especially when their team wins.
"It's good for everybody," Ford said. "It's good for business. It's good for commercial. It's good for the youth to see."
