Local businesses excited for Super Bowl

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Downtown Indianapolis is expected to be very busy come Super Bowl time.  Dozens of bars and restaurants are anticipating huge crowds this Sunday.

Anticipation is in the air at the Elbow Room Pub, signs are on the wall, and the phone is ringing off the hook. "We've had people call from Chicago who wanted to know how many televisions we had. They wanted a place to watch the Super Bowl and [were interested in] what specials we have." Julie Stevens, the bar's manager, said.  Their specials range from an 18-dollar Peyton Manning plate to blue beer.

Meanwhile, across town, the folks at Basey's Downtown Grill are planning for the Super Bowl as well.  "We have a 20-dollar buffet, we're gonna have door prizes, we'll have contest for a super Colts fan, who will win the special big prize of the evening." A bartender said.

It's not only bars and restaurants making plans, hotels are too. The Omni Hotel is offering a package called Go Indy, Go Big Easy.  "Essentially it's a wager between us and our hotel in New Orleans.  If you book a room for 144 dollars, if the Colts win, the Omni in New Orleans is going to pay for your room here." Chris Ratay, the Director of Sales and Marketing said.

But, 24 Hour News 8 also ran into some fans who said there's nothing like watching the game at home, even if the house is divided. "We have a split household - my husband is from Louisiana and he's a big Saints fan, and I grew up here and I'm a huge Colts fan." Beth Rodriguez added.

To see a complete list of events put on by local restaurants, bars and hotels, just click on Weblink8.