LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The city of Lubbock is bracing for a surge in visitors as college football fans arrive for what is anticipated to be one of the most active weekends of the year. Local establishments, including eateries and lodging facilities, are preparing for a notable rise in customer traffic and sales linked to the high-profile game. n nJohn Osborne, head of the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, emphasized that such sporting events generate broad economic advantages, reaching far beyond the stadium. n n”Many of these guests are first-time visitors or returning after years away,” Osborne explained. “This includes prospective students considering the university and former graduates eager to reconnect with their alma mater.” n nLisa West, owner of Spanky’s, a restaurant situated just across from the campus, has seen multiple major game weekends during her 43 years in operation. She recalls the excitement when College GameDay came to town in 2008, but notes that the current atmosphere feels more charged. n n”The energy is different now,” West said. “Texas Tech has expanded significantly since 2008, and the level of enthusiasm among fans has grown along with it. It’s thrilling for us as small business operators to witness this loyalty, especially when people choose to support local spots.” n nWhile long-standing venues like Spanky’s are accustomed to the rhythm of big games, newer businesses view the weekend as a crucial opportunity to gain visibility and revenue. n n”The financial inflow during these events is substantial,” West added. “For newer ventures that haven’t been around long, weekends like this can determine whether they survive or struggle. It’s incredibly encouraging.” n nWith the city awash in team colors and foot traffic rising, entrepreneurs hope the positive experience will leave a lasting impression, encouraging repeat visits even after the final whistle. n nThe broader economic ripple effect of such game days goes beyond immediate transactions, offering local companies a platform to introduce Lubbock’s offerings to potential future customers. n— news from KCBD n
— News Original —
Lubbock businesses expecting major economic boost from weekend football crowds
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Lubbock is preparing for an influx of visitors as football fans descend on the city for what’s expected to be one of the busiest weekends of the year. n nLocal businesses, from restaurants to hotels, are looking forward to the economic boost that comes with major game weekends. n nJohn Osborne, president of the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, says these events benefit the entire community. n n“For many of them they have never been here before or haven’t been here in a long time,” Osborne said. “You have both future students who want to be here or alumni that want to come back to see what’s happened at the university.” n nLisa West owns Spanky’s restaurant, located directly across from campus. After 43 years in business, Spanky’s has weathered many big game weekends, including when College GameDay visited in 2008. n nWest says the atmosphere around this weekend feels different from previous years. n n“It’s a lot more tension, Tech in general has grown so much from ’08 as you can imagine so long ago,” West said. “It’s just really exciting. It’s really fun for us as business owners to see that growth because people are so dedicated and loyal to all those local businesses and it means a lot to us.” n nWhile established businesses like Spanky’s know what to expect, newer establishments are particularly excited about the potential revenue boost. n n“The influx of income during this time is huge,” West said. “It makes or breaks a lot of the newer businesses that haven’t been here as long. It really is exciting to me.” n nAs visitors fill the city and red and black colors appear throughout Lubbock, business owners hope the weekend creates lasting impressions that bring people back long after the game ends. n nThe economic impact of major football weekends extends well beyond the immediate spending, creating opportunities for businesses to showcase what Lubbock has to offer to potential future visitors.
