Senior Bowl boosts businesses

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The members of the Neptune's Daugthers Mardi Gras Society have a lot to cheer about this weekend.

Their parade is still a few weeks away, but they're already letting the good times roll, and the upcoming Senior Bowl is on their radar this weekend.

"I think it's going to be very positive for the community with the increased revenue, and just to showcase our beautiful city of Mobile," one woman said.

"This is kind of like a pre-Mardi Gras for us," bar manager Gina Previto said.

Previto said this weekend is the kickoff for one her bar’s busiest periods of the year.

"This is one of top things for our business. For downtown. Of course, Mardi Gras being the top, Bayfest number 2 and I'll say that Senior bowl is third in running for the biggest event and the biggest crowds," she said.

Previto said the bar, which is celebrating it's 15-year anniversary, is a favorite hangout for the NFL coaches and scouts who'll be in town all week.

"Everybody who wants to see the coaches or get a glimpse of somebody famous usually, this is the place, but we treat them all like regulars, and they have a good time, and they come back ever year," she said.

In addition to the restaurants and bars, local hotels also get a big boost from the Senior Bowl.

The Senior Bowl kicks off next Saturday.  It's the same weekend the city of Mobile kicks off its Mardi Gras festivities.