Sports have made their mark on Music City, and the SEC tournament has brought big bucks to Nashville's economy.
Jack Coates and his wife are Kentucky fans. "When you add in your room, driving down here the gas, about time you eat, and get your tickets putting everything together it's a couple thousand," said Coates.
The Coates were just two of the thousands expected to take over Downtown, and businesses in the area like Bailey's Sports Grille couldn't be more excited.
Department manager Brandon Brimm said he had to call in extra staff to cover it. "I would expect the last part of this week as well as the first part of next week to be weekend volume everyday," he said.
The city has pulled out all the stops welcoming folks to Music City and gear up for some entertainment in the streets.
According to the Nashville Sports Council, last year's big dance brought in more than $18.6 million.
It has appeared to be a win-win for sports fans, businesses and the locals, alike. Nashville resident Edgar Evins said the big game introduces more people to Music City and keeps them coming back year after year.
"There's a synergy here that's just wonderful, and it helps our taxes to go down," said Evins. "So it's great to be alive and living in Nashville."
The Nashville Sports Council doesn't usually project numbers for this year's event, but in the four years its tracked the numbers, it's averaged about $16.6 million.
