SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The Patriots’ playoff run has been a financial touchdown so far for businesses in our area. Some spots are even shutting down delivery to handle the rush. The hype is real, and Patriots fans are excited. In a matter of hours, they will be tuning in to the networks of Western Mass News to see the AFC Divisional Playoff Game between the Patriots and the Texans.

Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant is showing the game on every monitor, “You can feel the energy right when you walk into the bar. It’s just through the roof. People are excited, especially living through the Belichick-Tom Brady era. It’s the same momentum and energy going forward right now with Mike Vrabel and Maye in the playoffs right now,” said John Sullivan, the owner of Nathan Bill’s.

The bar staffed up last Sunday for the Patriots’ wild card win. Food and beer sales stayed steady, and Nathan Bill’s has a mocktail menu for non-drinkers. But for this upcoming game, they are expecting a bigger crowd.

“We’re expecting full staff. We did shut down online ordering and Door Dash due to the main in-house that we’re expecting. Just come here and get here early to get a spot and get a table,” said Sullivan. The connecting banquet hall will also be open for overflow crowds. Even better, the restaurant’s owner has more than just the game to look forward to.

Nathan bill’s is also doing something a little extra special. On Sunday, they will be doing dine and donate. A percentage of every customer’s bill will be donated to the kids of Katie Howell, who died from cancer last month.

“Katie was such a Patriots fan, and so to know that there’s going to be a lot of activity here, that the bar will be full (we know that we’re going to bring a lot of family and friends with us), we’re just really excited and thankful for the opportunity,” Howell’s Brother-in-law, Mark Hudgik, had to say about Katie.

Outside of Nathan Bill’s, there are plenty of other spots in the city that are expected to have a huge impact, such as some of the restaurants and the BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield.

“We are so glad the Patriots are back. They are back, and it is good for business,” MGM Springfield’s Director of Public Affairs, Beth Ward’s energy tells you everything you need to know.

Last weekend, the Sportsbook was filled with dozens of people wall to wall. This time, they expect more of the same.

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