Note:  If you run a business in or near a college town but it’s not in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area, just substitute the names and facts as needed.

During my first twenty years in Chapel Hill, I assumed everyone who lived or worked here was a Carolina fan.  During the next ten years, I saw hints that I was wrong.

Now I know…. not all who live and work here are Carolina fans.

But all of us are –  admittedly or not – grateful for Carolina’s presence.     After all – it’s the largest employer – providing 16,600 jobs.   The second largest is UNC Hospitals, providing another 6,800 jobs.   And then, there is the student population of  28,567.

The financial impact is huge.  And with it, comes a wealth of  cultural events, academic opportunities and sporting events.

Today, I’d like to single out the opportunities brought to us by football.   When Kenan Stadium is sold out, that means 60,000 tickets are sold.  The estimated economic impact is $7.5 million which generates $525,000 in sales tax – an extremely important source of revenue for our state and local governments – now more so than ever.

If $7.5 million sounds too big to be true…all it takes is for each of the 60,000 fans coming to Kenan Stadium to spend $125.   It would be easy to do – ticket, game program, concessions, parking , bus ride, dinner on Franklin Street,  shopping in your store, etc.     Some spend more.  Some spend less.  But it’s a huge influx of people and cash into our community.

It’s hard not to be a supporter of that.  But it can be hard to figure out how to support it – especially for those who aren’t Carolina fans.

So I’m including a list of 10 ways to “do as the Romans” do.  Even if you don’t sell game day “items”,  you can join in the game day buzz.  Here are some ways to do it.  Most require zero cash investment but deliver boosts in energy, productivity, morale – all of which have a way of boosting business.

1. Put Go Heels signs in your windows and doors. You can get a ready-to-print signs right here.

2. Hang a Carolina flag outside your business or in your window.

3. Make a window display of Carolina items that you sell in your store.

4. Display Carolina items at the entrance to your store.

5. No Carolina items in inventory? Just add a few pompoms to whatever you do have.

6. Use Carolina Football screensavers on your computers. Download these for free at from Tarheelblue.com. Here’s the link.

7. Offer game day or game week specials. It doesn’t have to be a special price. Just a cool name like: Tar Heel Tire Special, Tar Heel Toddy, Pigskin Print Package, Touchdown Two-fer. Add a couple named for the opposing team. When we play the Virginia Cavaliers, also known as the Wahoos, you could offer Cavalier Caviar, a 6-pack of Cavalier Coca-Cola or a Wahoo Weekend Special.  When we play Duke, you could offer a Devil’s Delight or a Blue Devil Special.

8. Invite staff members to wear Carolina Blue all week – or at least on Friday and Saturday (if open). If your budget allows, make this easy by purchasing tee shirts or jerseys for all to wear.

9. And be sure to show signs of class. Welcome visiting fans of the opposing team with signs in the window. Take it a step further and ask staff members to greet visitors by saying “Welcome to Chapel Hill”, “Welcome to Carrboro” or “Welcome to ________”(wherever you are). We make it easy by providing signs you can download for free. Click here for info and easy downloads.

10. Looking for ways to direct your advertising to the fans that come to town for the games? If they aren’t sold out already, your business can get a piece of the action by purchasing ads in the game program or the Daily Tar Heel. Or by purchasing spots on the radio broadcast.

I hope you will join in the buzz!

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