Purple Fever Helps Local Restaurants

By: | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: August 30, 2008

If purple and gold fans weren't in Charlotte to watch the first big win they were in Greenville watching the pirates on TV. So for many sports bars and restaurants the kick off of pirate fever also means the start of a big business season. Our Laura Vesco found dozens upon dozens of fans giving Greenville's economy a boost while watching the pirates steal their first win.

From the smallest pirate fan to the most energetic, people cheering for the purple and gold packed into restaurants like Tie Breakers and Buffalo Wild Wings. Ivy Argo with BW3”s says, "Since it was the first game we were packed at 11am when the doors opened."

While BW3's saw more fans than expected it wasn't much different at Tie Breakers where Brayom Anderson says the timing of the game made all the difference. "As far as on TV, this is the perfect time to have a game that's away, right at lunch time, people are hungry so they come in to eat lunch," says Anderson.

The twenty-seven high definition TV’s at Tie Breakers entice people to stay to finish the game. Anderson says, "Most people don't have eleven foot screens at their house to watch the game on so it's a big deal." Argo says, "Even if it's home or away we usually are still packed because people who don't have tickets will come here and watch it on TV."

When pirate football is on TV most Greenville restaurants want to find ways to keep your business.
"For every away football game, if you come and watch the game with us you will bring your receipt back that night and get a free entry into whatever band is playing," says Anderson.

So as ECU's football starts out with a bang, businesses all over the land of purple and gold hope your pirate fever will bring them lots of green for the months to come.