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Businesses see uptick as Redskins training camp begins

Posted at 4:21 PM, Jul 28, 2013
and last updated 2013-07-28 17:38:50-04

RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) - The first three days of Redskins training camp in Richmond brought record-setting attendance, but some business owners are wondering if fans brought their wallets.

Several businesses around the Leigh Street facility said they saw a definite uptick in the amount of customers, but not quite the numbers they were expecting.

City leaders projected prior to training camp that hosting the team would have a more than eight million dollar economic impact on Richmond.

Thousands of fans heading to see the Redskins streamed past City Diner on West Broad Street.

Kimberly Fiol, who has worked there for more than a decade, said crowds at City Diner tend to ebb and flow depending on when the Redskins are practicing.

"I think we'll do a lot of repeat business with Redskins fans who have never been in here before," said Fiol.

Flags, signs and posters are easy to see anywhere downtown these days.  While three days does not provide a full look at how the Redskins will impact local business, some business owners are already tracking trends.

One restaurant owner told CBS 6 reporter Jake Burns he expects crowds to begin venturing away from the training facility in between practices because of limited food options inside.

The Redskins training camp is scheduled until August 16.