CORTLAND -- The NFL Lockout is now 93 days old, and with each day that passes, one Central New York community gets a little more nervous.
Cortland State has hosted the New York Jets for their preseason training camp each of the last two years. Thousands of Jets fans and casual football fans come from across the state to watch Rex Ryan, Mark Sanchez and the team get ready for the NFL season.
This year training camp is in jeopardy because players and owners have been entangled in one of the worst labor negotiations in years. Courtroom battles are delaying the process and that could mean millions are out the window for Cortland businesses.
Cortland State is the host school. Spokesperson Fred Pierce says the school could be ready for the franchise in a minute's notice, and only needs a few days to get ready. This as construction crews groomed the field in anticipation of a camp. The college says it's operating as if the Jets will be coming for training camp.
Bars and restaurants are also anxiously following the news. Local owners say their businesses don't depend on Jets Fans, but they are a huge boost during the summer months. The Dark Horse Tavern on Main Street sees about a 40% increase in sales when the Jets come to town, according to the owner.
Last year the HBO show Hard Knocks filmed the Jets training camp, giving the City of Cortland national exposure.
