ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — University of Georgia and Alabama fans braved the cold temperatures and flocked to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the SEC championship game on Saturday.

Atlanta has hosted the game every year since 1994 and will continue to host at least until 2031. Crimson Tide and Bulldog fans were crawling all around the stadium and that means nearby restaurants, bars and hotels saw money come in.

The Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau said that this time of year is normally when there’s a drop in tourism and sales, but these big sporting events bring the money to the city.

Hotel Phoenix opened their doors Dec. 1.

“We really wanted to be open for this particular game yes. It gives us an opportunity to find out where we are and where we need to go,” said Mark Wormul

See Full Page