BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – Troy and Duke fans enjoy the celebrations leading up to the Birmingham Bowl.
Activities are currently taking place in Uptown ahead of tomorrow's game at Protective Stadium. This year's game is bringing big money to Birmingham.
Birmingham City Councilman Hunter Williams said $9 million is coming to Birmingham for this year's Birmingham Bowl, and he's contributing that money to keep Troy and Duke fans within driving distance.
Duke fans Harold, Angelia and Kaylin Pickett traveled from Georgia to this year's Birmingham Bowl to support Joshua Pickett, a junior who plays cornerback for the Blue Devils. The family said they enjoy traveling to different bowl games.
“It’s a lot of fun to see different cities,” Angelia Pickett said. “Last year we were in Maryland, and it was right there in DC, so we had a chance to see some of the sights there. It was much fun. We were able to drive here, which made it nicer. We had to fly there last year.”
Eli Gold calls the Birmingham Bowl
While fans enjoy the game and celebrations, businesses are benefiting from this year's game.
“We're seeing the overall impact increase a little bit,” Williams said. “Therefore, we expect a 33% increase in the overall economic impact compared to last year’s Birmingham Bowl.”
Kristal Bryant, a downtown small business owner at K & J's Elegant Pastries, said the Birmingham Bowl is the top they need to finish the year on a high note.
“Since we are always closed from Christmas to New Year’s, this will give us the last big push on Saturday and we look forward to serving a lot of people on Saturday,” Bryant said. “So we’re excited.”
Before Saturday's game, fans can enjoy the Bud Light Fan Fest Tailgate here from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m
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