It’s a huge impact when a team is playing regular games,” she said.
Marnie Uhl, president of Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the impact could be great. The Findlay Toyota Center has seen recent professional teams play in its arena – the NAZ Suns and the Arizona Sundogs. “It’s a huge impact when a team is playing regular games,” she said.
Uhl, who has been the chamber’s president for 15 years, said businesses from hotels to restaurants should see an uptick in business.
Through the years, she has seen the entertainment district take shape so that the newest team will be “an asset” to the community. “[The planners] did an amazing job of creating a vibrant feel in a rural area,” Uhl said.
Eddie Padillo, regional manager of Tailgaters Sports Grill & IL Primo Pizza And Wings, said he is looking forward to more events in the area. The restaurant features anything from a bowl of chili to several kinds of specialty pizza.
He said he is hopeful regular football would be a draw for patrons before and after gridiron games. “Anytime they are bringing back events, it is a positive thing,” Padillo said.
So far, it is unknown whether fans would be allowed to fill the entire arena – about 5,000 seats. That decision is a collaborative one from the town, health department and arena officials. Indoor Football League officials help advise what determination should be made come game day.
Ticket sales are “good,” according to Northern Arizona Wranglers Owner Trey Medlock. “Until we reach late April or the first of May, nobody can say accurately how many people will be allowed in the arena.”
Medlock is the owner of the state’s third team in the Indoor Football League (IFL), which includes the Arizona Rattlers and the Tucson Sugar Skulls.
Buffalo Wild Wings General Manager Jessica Wallace remembers spikes in business when the NAZ Suns were in town. She said she noticed “a lot more” sales before and after basketball home games and expects much of the same with the Wranglers. “We’re excited for what it’s going to bring.”
Prescott resident Chad Garner said he plans to go to the first game against the Rattlers. He has followed the team since officials announced its name on the IFL website. “I love watching indoor football,” he said. “It’s fun.”
Padillo said he is thankful that events such as football games are planned to take place in the summertime.
“At the end of the day, we are happy to be open.” FBN
By Brent Ruffner, FBN