Valero Alamo Bowl brings business boom to San Antonio, Texas

SAN ANTONIO – Tens of thousands of college football fans are flocking to San Antonio ahead of the 32nd annual Valero Alamo Bowl, marking another big win for local businesses.

The Colorado Buffaloes face the BYU Cougars on Saturday at the Alamodome.

From the River Walk to the historic Market Square, the Buffs and Cougs make their presence known not only by wearing their team’s colors, but also by their spending habits.

According to the bowl game’s website, the Alamo Bowl typically attracts more than 60,000 people to San Antonio each year and has an economic impact of at least $40 million.

Danielle Zimmer is in town supporting her son, who is on the Colorado coaching staff. She was able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Alamo City while cheering on the Buffs along the River Walk.

“Go CU,” Zimmer said. “Hospitality was great, we love San Antonio. I’ve only been here for two days and I like it.”

Mad Dogs British Pub is among dozens of businesses benefiting from the brief boom in tourism.

“Obviously we have a good lineup going for us this Saturday and the timing is the best it’s ever been for us,” said Terry Corless, owner of Mad Dogs Restaurant Group.

Corless has noticed that business around bowl game time improves every year, for which he is grateful.

“The quality and caliber of the Alamo Bowl and its growth and maturity has really helped all of us downtown,” Corless said.

Signs and artwork welcoming Alamo Bowl fans can be seen throughout downtown. The decades-old restaurant Mi Tierra is located in the market square. Inside, college football fanatics are in town.

“When people come in and see all the Christmas lights and decorations, they feel like they are part of San Antonio,” said William Cortez of La Familia Cortez Restaurants. “We saw a lot of travelers coming from Colorado to support their team. They’re here, eating at our restaurants and visiting Market Square, and it’s been amazing.”

The bowl game begins Saturday at 6:30 p.m. To find out more, click here.