CHRISTIANBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – A Virginia Tech football game day at home sees a significant increase in foot traffic and take-out orders, but business owners need to pay attention to kick-off times. I have.
Alessandro Pugliese, owner of Sandro’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant, said:
He says game days, especially day games like the Sept. 17 games, will give a boost.
“Everyone went out to lunch after that game. You really helped the community with restaurants, shopping and other good things,” he said. “I think we have a night game on Thursday, so it’s going to be a bit late with the lunch rush.”
Increased traffic is a welcome sight for the town of Christiansburg.
“The Virginia Tech football game is a huge draw,” said assistant town manager Andrew Warren. “Christiansburg has benefited and will continue to benefit from people staying at hotels here and at his Airbnb visiting the restaurants before and after games.”
This year, Christiansburg has a few more options as fans look for places to spend their money on football weekends.
Christiansburg Mayor Mike Barber said, “Since January, we’ve had 56 new businesses open. I think that’s a good thing. People are going on adventures now.”
He says it’s a positive sign coming out of the pandemic.
“We stay busy,” he said. “Football weekends are a great force. I never want to change. I hope they are here forever.”
September 22nd is the third straight home game for the Hawkeyes, which means businesses are gearing up for a busy long weekend.
“It’s been a big wave and it’s been a good three weeks for us. It’s going to be an exciting time for the New River Valley this Thursday night,” said Warren.
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