CORTLAND -- Cortland businesses are gearing up for the Jets' training camp, beginning with the team’s arrival on Thursday.
Local restaurants are preparing for bigger crowds. “This is our third year with the Jets coming, so we kind of know what to expect,” said Mike Spollen, co-owner of Cortland’s Central City Bar & Grill. “So you know, we’ll have the fryers on, the beers will be cold, the doors open and welcome to the fans.”
According to the Cortland Chamber of Commerce, the team brought $5.8 million to the area in 2010.
Other local businesses and restaurants are also excited to have the Jets in town. “Other than what they add financially to the town, my business and other businesses on Main Street, they’re a lot of fun,” said George Seibel, owner of The Dark Horse Tavern. “They’re good guys.”
The arrival of Tim Tebow is also bringing added business to Cortland. Tebow t-shirts made at Bernard’s Custom Logo & Trophy Source are being ordered by fans as far away as Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida.
Businesses are also happy to have the Jets back in Cortland after not housing the team’s practices last year. “We hauled some merchandise out that we had stored away for last year when they didn’t show up, so we’re happy to get it out on the shelves for this year,” said Jodie Wainwright, owner of The Bling Store.
The Jets are arriving in Cortland on Thursday and will have their first practice at SUNY Cortland on Saturday, July 28th.
