Big Weekend for Troy--On the Courts--the Gridiron--and the City's Bottom Line

Troy is playing host to thousands this weekend as the University's basketball and football teams each face large opponents.

The city is hoping to score big numbers to its bottom line as well as for the team.

Mississippi State will play the Troy University men's basketball team Friday night at seven, and the football team will face Navy on the gridiron Saturday.

Troy Mayor Jason Reeves said nearly 40,000 people are expected to come through the city over the weekend.

"It has a tremendous economic impact because you have to eat, stay in a hotel, and travel. That brings a great deal of economic impact and visibility to the southeast," said Reeves.

One person who is hoping to capitalize on the city's big weekend is George Bateman, the owner of The Pines restaurant in downtown Troy.

"We expect to have a decent crowd before the game, but after the game it should be huge," said Bateman. "The city has started the downtown tailgate which features Troy University shuttles running back and forth to the game and it sparks business to us."

Bateman said he is looking forward to the busy weekend and the boost it will bring to businesses like The Pines.

Mayor Reeves agreed.

"One dollar turns at least seven times, so that is a tremendous impact on our schools, our city, our county, everything that we do."