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AFC Championship Game Will Be A Boon For Denver's Economy

By Melissa Garcia

DENVER (CBS4) - Sunday's AFC Championship Game is predicted to generate more than $10 million for Denver's economy.

On Wednesday, Broncos Fever was already boosting bottom lines across the city.

At Sports Authority, management said that Broncos apparel and merchandise was flying off the racks. Half of what one store had just days earlier was already sold.

Customer Jane Lozins shopped to stock up on Broncos gear for Sunday's game.

"Aren't these the cutest things ever?" said Lozins, of the tiny Broncos hat and mittens she bought for her 2-year-old granddaughter.

Broncos Gear
(credit: CBS)

Another fan, Dave Gillette, was eager to open his wallet to show his Broncos spirit.

"I love my team," said Gillette. "Go Broncos!"

All the sales mean big business for retailers.

"Our sales are tremendous this time of year," said Jonathan Willhide, Receiving Manager at Sports Authority. "We are completely up on the week, up on the month, and up on the period … so it's really good for sales."

Broncos Gear1
(credit: CBS)

Sales were expected to increase not only for retailers, but also for Denver's hotels and restaurants.

"(Fans) come in and watch the game, but they spend a lot of money in this city," said Matthew Payne, Executive Director of Denver Sports, a partner of Visit Denver.

Don't miss it on Friday at 6:30 p.m. as CBS4 presents a look at Broncos fever and the team's Drive to the Championship, featuring live reports from Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Payne said out-of-towners coming in for the game bring big bucks to the local economy.

"We're expecting this game alone (to bring) probably $10 million in economic impact," said Payne. "And that really doesn't even scratch the surface when you talk about nationwide exposure for the game as well."

Management of businesses along Larimer Street also said they expected a big boost in sales this weekend as the Broncos announced the team would hold its fan rally on Larimer Square Friday from noon to 1:30pm.

Additional Information From The Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos will hold a Broncos Country Playoffs Rally on Larimer Street in Downtown Denver on Friday from 12-1:30 p.m. MST. Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, Miles the Mascot, Thunder and The Stampede drumline will be in attendance. Fans will have the opportunity to take photos with the team's Lombardi trophies.

Former Broncos running back Tatum Bell and defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban will be available for autographs.

Broncos playoff partners Sports Authority, UCHealth, Verizon, Bud Light, CenturyLink, CarMax, Empower & Xome will be present with fun activities for rally participants. Fans can also enter ticket drawings and a Broncos Team Store merchandise trailer will be parked at the rally.

Melissa Garcia has been reporting for CBS4 News since March 2014. Find her bio here, follow her on Twitter @MelissaGarciaTV, or send your story idea to mkgarcia@cbs.com.

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