The starting kick off for University of Arizona wasn't the only thing happening Saturday night. It was also the kick-off for Arizona Stadium to sell beer and wine for the first time. Restaurants and bars along Main Gate Square were eager to know what the ultimate impact will be on their businesses.
"We'll definitely find out today and in the next couple of months on how this will effect business," said Richard Fifer, the manager at Gentle Ben's.
Fifer says this can have an effect on how much alcohol nearby bars and restaurants sell, so he, along with other restaurant managers, are watching for shifts in customer behavior.
"One thing we're going to be a little more diligent on making sure people who are coming in after the game, that they're not overly intoxicated. But other than that, I'm kind of in the middle. It could be a good thing, it could be a bad thing, it could have no affect at all," Fifer said.
Other restaurants told KGUN9 that they do not think there will be a big difference before games, because they already see a number of customers coming in for a drink. But, what does have an impact every year, is the increase in revenue once football comes back; and this is for all types of businesses along Main Gate Square.
"I think it's cool to have people in the area, because summers are tough months so its good to see people shopping. Students always make a big difference. That's the only reason I have a business here is because of students," said Nathan McKelvey, the Campus Candy & Yogurt manager.
