Indy businesses big winners in Colts-Pats showdown

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Sunday's Colts-Patriots game could mean big bucks for Circle City businesses.

Business is already booming at restaurants and hotels thanks to the Bands of America National Competition going on through Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

But businesses say they'll make the most revenue with football fans on Sunday. That's why trying to find a hotel room in downtown Indy this weekend is probably close to impossible at this point.

"It is definitely the one football game of the whole season that we know is going to be a big. Big crowd and lots of fun," said Phil Ray with the Omni Severin Hotel.

Hotels say they've been sold out for weeks. And since hotel room sales have been down 10 percent this year, the packed house is a welcome change.

"Any time you have these big convention, big sporting events, the fans come in. They eat, drink, go to bars. They just spend a lot of money and have a great experience," said Ray.

Ticket brokers also say sales are good. They're actually better than the Colts-Pats game last year. They recommend buying tickets by Saturday afternoon or else you may not get one.

For those who aren't lucky enough to see Peyton play in person, downtown restaurants and bars are prepared to help you spend some money.

"We're expecting to be packed," said Scott Lewandowski of Scotty's Brewhouse. "A lot of bar sales, a lot of food sales."

And since it's a night game, bars are expecting fans to stay a little longer than usual.

"Anything extra we're always happy about," said Lewandowski.

A lot of downtown restaurants are also offering meal deals for both lunch and dinner to help attract more customers.