Local businesses say after two big Penn State wins, they have a front row seat, not for the games, bur for the fans.
On Saturday, after a 2:1 double overtime victory, the Penn State Hockey team earned the title ‘Big Ten Champs.’
Emily Smith, a sophomore at PSU, works at the Student Book Store and said she bought a jersey to show her team spirit.
“But also because we won last night and I think that’s phenomenal and I’ve been wanting to buy one for a while but I was finally like this is the time. I need to get one,” Smith said.
Off the ice and to the mats, the Penn State’s Wrestling team can now be considered a dynasty for clinching its 6th National Title within 7 years.
Smith said with two major wins, fans are already flocking to the racks.
And Home D Pizzeria, a local pizza joint, said game time is the best time to thrive.
Matt Flynn, the restaurant manager, said “You get that almost game day crowd where like watching it at home, people are clapping cheering, you know they’re really into it.”
Flynn said they dished out a pizza deal for Nittany Lion Fans and watched the W’s unfold on the big screens.
A good game with plenty of customers is the ideal shift for Josh Carroll, a bartender at Home D Pizzeria, and a loyal Penn State fan.
“Any time I work on gameday I’m really excited. I’m very excited I get to deal with all the Penn State fans and I also get to watch the game and get paid for it in a sense,” Carroll said.
He said the fan base for hockey seems to be soaring.
“As somebody who has worked here a couple years now, you definitely been able to see the type of influence that they’ve had. More people come in wearing hockey jerseys more than ever before,” Carroll said.
Flynn said winning works up an appetite and “Pizza and beer, you can’t go wrong with that when it comes to sports right?”
Smith said the Student Book Store will soon have champion shirts for both hockey and wrestling soon.