Big 12 title game: Ames businesses see boost thanks to Iowa State's success
Longtime Iowa State football fan Sheila Lundt says the Cyclones playing in the Big 12 Conference Championship game is big business in Ames.
Lundt has been going to games for decades. She tells us she has been to every ISU football game at Jack Trice Stadium.
Lundt says there is an intangible effect from a championship game appearance you can't quantify with dollars and cents.
The community pride the city feels as the team fights for national respect.
"We are still not getting the attention we think we should get. They are ranked number 16th now. And you think, what do we have to do? We have to win," Lundt said.
Before kickoff on Saturday, some in the Ames business community are already feeling victorious.
Knowing on game day, they will score big with a rush of customers.
"The best thing we expect people is just people are coming in, ready to watch a game. Ready to bring the energy," said Delaney Walstrom, Asst. Manager Sweet Carolines.
Dan Culhane is the president and CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance.
He says the economic impact from the Big 12 Championship appearance is a continuation of what has been happening in Ames all football season.
"When the football team is more consistently winning. More people show up. That's reflected in ticket sales and things like that," Culhane said.
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