CARBONDALE (WSIL)---The MVC tournament isn't just bringing in baseball fans, it's also bringing potential customers. And the City of Carbondale is excited to see what the influx of visitors will do for the local economy.
"This is gonna be such a welcome injection into the local economy," said the City of Carbondale's Economic Development Director, Steven Mitchell. "What we expect to see is visitors coming in from out of town to attend these competitions. And I believe that what we're gonna see is a great bump in our hospitality industry."
Restaurants, bars, and hotels are expected see a rise in business over the next couple of days, and after the year brought on by COVID-19, the potential rise is a welcome change.
"Between the easing of the mask mandate, the great job the Salukis are doing, the opening up of capacity restrictions at Itchy Jones Stadium, that really brings a sense of opportunity and a sense of optimism to the local economy," said Mitchell.
And businesses are ready to handle all the customers.
Mary Lou's Grill in Carbondale is full of Saluki fans, but they are excited to serve new customers now that mask mandates are lifted and capacities are growing.
"We're doing pretty well now since things got opened back up, but I hope to see some people from all the other teams, we don't mind, we hope to see them all," said owner Marilynn Martin.
Mitchell estimates each overnight stay will generate between $100 and $250 per person, which should grow exponentially if visitors stay consecutive days.
But Carbondale isn't the only community that will benefit from tournament.
"When Salukis do great, it benefits the entire region. They don't just stay in Carbondale, they can stay in Murphysboro, they can stay in Marion or any off the other surrounding communities. And when Saluki sports does well, the university does well, and the region does well," said Mitchell.
The MVC Tournament continues until Saturday, and a full schedule can be found
