GLENDALE, Ariz. — The big game is fast approaching and downtown Glendale is getting ready.
An estimated 200,000 people are expected to visit the Valley to see the Big Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium. That's only about five miles west of downtown.
This will be the first Super Bowl for many shops along Glendale Avenue since their business has been open. One such business is Knokies Fashion.
“I would love for it to get busy in Downtown Glendale,” Clint Newsom, co-owner of the men's clothing store, said.
Kelli List, the owner of Saguaro Grill, is also anticipating big crowds.
"We are really excited we are looking forward to welcoming all those fans,” she said.
This will also be the restaurant's first time being open during the Super Bowl. While its doors are usually closed on Sunday, they're planning to capitalize on the new visitors.
“This is an opportunity for us to revitalize and reenergize downtown Glendale,” List said.
Shops that have been around for years, however, aren't boarding the game's hype train. Tyler Mada with the decades-long Glendale staple Pizza Old Roma has an idea of what to expect after being open during the city's last Super Bowl in 2015.
“It was surprisingly uneventful during the early part of the Super Bowl," Mada said. "So we really aren't sure how busy it’s going to be.”
The previous experience led to owners deciding to close Pizza Old Roma this Super Bowl Sunday.
Several events that draw in visitors leading up to the game will be held in downtown Phoenix, which is a concern for some businesses.
“Businesses down here didn’t generate business on Super Bowl Sunday," the owner of Cuff Downtown Bistro, Leeanne Trujillo, said recalling what happened eight years ago.
Trujillo's restaurant will also be closed during the Super Bowl. However, she and her staff are still preparing for the week ahead in case crowds do show up.
“Hopefully they will come to visit the little mom-and-pop shops,” Trujillo said.
Super Bowl LVII
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