Durham businesses cash in on Duke, Alabama game

While the outcome wasn't what Duke fans had hoped, the economic impact of the game was a win for some Durham businesses.

The game was the third time Duke football has ever hosted the No. 1 team in the nation. With so much interest in the game, the university added an extra 4,000 stadium seats.

“It is important. It is a big deal to be here, for Alabama, the number one team, to be here. We are excited,” football fan Laura Patton said.

Before and after the game, Alabama fans flew Crimson Tide flags and spent money at Durham area bars and restaurants.

“We are not letting blue into this scene right now, we will run into some blue a little later, but this is purely a Crimson Tide outfit,” Alabama fan Duane Diggs said.

Corie Dixon, bar manager of Devine's Restaurant and Sports Bar, said the game had increased business by 30 percent compared with a regular football Saturday.

“It has just been crazy. I have never seen so many people migrate so well, especially you know, for the Duke game. It has been phenomenal for business,” Dixon said.

Several campus area hotels also reported being close to capacity through the weekend.

“This is probably the biggest game I have ever been to. So, it is awesome to be here,” Duke fan Matt Willis said.