Sports bars prepare for extra foot traffic from Lions fans

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Mid-Michigan fans of the Detroit Lions who could not score tickets to the team’s historic game on Sunday are heading to their local sports bars to watch them face off against the Minnesota Vikings.

Art and Jake’s Sports Bar and Grill in Lansing Township are anticipating a big crowd over the weekend.

When the Lions played Buffalo last month, Operations Manager Tony S. said about 1,000 people came through the door over the course of the day, and he’s hoping for more of the same as the regular season continues to inspire excitement in fans across the state.

He said the sports bar is equipped with a large staff, 90 televisions and three video walls, making the location a great spot to watch the match unfold. Between a successful 2023 season and more fan hype to come, Tony said it’s become clear that when the Lions do well, so do local businesses.

“Yeah, the Lions are a big draw,” he told News 10. “The Lions have done wonders for business over the last two or three years. Not just for us but for everybody that’s got a sports bar, or beer and wine and TVs in their building.”

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