Belk Bowl Fans Boosting Charlotte’s Economy

CHARLOTTE, NC– “We left at about 7 last night and drove almost 15 hours checked into our hotel and came straight down here to get the tickets,” said Fayetteville, Arkansas resident, Regina Roteit.

Arkansas and Virginia Tech fans are in the Queen City and spending their money ahead of Thursday’s big Belk Bowl game.

“We’re gonna eat, and hang out tonight go to the game go to the concert tomorrow so going to have a great time,” said Fayetteville, Arkansas resident, Preston Bacon.

After Charlotte lost the NBC All-Star game, as well as ACC and NCAA sports events due to HB2, Uptown businesses say they’re relieved the Belk Bowl stayed.

“I’m glad we’re having a the Bowl game it’s slow time of season with a lot of people off and out of town so the Bowl game is a tremendous economical impact for us,” said French Quarter Tavern General Manager, Angelo Tsepelis.

According to the CRVA, last year’s Belk Bowl brought in $16.3 million. Much of that from fans eating and sleeping here.

“We just ate at Ink and Ivy which was a wonderful place and we’ll probably walk around see what’s around,” said Jeanine Sabo from Williamsburg, Virginia.

New restaurant Ink & Ivy says after just opening a month ago they’ve been packed with fans already and are banking on a good game day.

“We’re expecting a massive influx of people at our restaurant and our patio before the game because there is so much extra going on at the park next door to us,” said Ink & Ivy manager, Andrew Israel.

Fans say they’re also glad the game didn’t get moved somewhere else.

“I”m glad that there are things still here going on that will bring people in,” said Lisa Bacon from Fayetteville, Arkansas.