Walleye fans bring energy, business to downtown Toledo

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The Walleye are heading into the playoffs with a hot streak.

Fans are excited and so are local businesses, as they prepare for crowds coming into downtown to celebrate.

“Well like tonight, I have a few customers, and on game night I probably have 200 I would say coming in and out,” said Ashley, a bartender at Downtown Johnny’s.

Downtown Johnny’s sits right across the street from the Huntington Center, which is the Walleye homebase.

The Toledo Walleye reel in packed audiences on game nights. Ashley said every night there’s a Walleye game, both levels of the two-story bar get packed.

Fans not only bring the energy, but an economic boost for the local businesses.

“It’s better for the economy of Toledo,” Ashley said. “Most things that are down here are local, locally owned. So it’s just a positive impact and such a fun vibe and we can be proud.”

Another bar, Eerie Street Rocks, says that the hockey fans ignite the downtown area.

“It’s bigger and it’s better,” said Eerie Street Rocks General Manager Paul Swanson about Walleye game nights. “You got a lot more people that come down. Everyone loves the Walleye. The revenue that they bring into downtown Toledo is phenomenal.”

Swanson said that during game-day weekends, they have served thousands of orders to fans.

“Our last ticket number when we had the Walleye play was around I think 2,200 tickets coming out,” he said.

The Walleye are riding high at the end of the season and are hoping to make a run at the Kelly Cup.

To prepare for the hectic weekend, Swanson says that there will be longer nights and prep for the next day. But overall, he’s excited for the playoffs.

“Go Walleye! You got my support 100%,” Swanson said.

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