Video: Businesses Prep For MSU Game Day

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Football season is here.

And Mississippi State fans will soon head to Starkville for the first home game this season.

It’s a fun weekend for fans but what does it take for local businesses to keep up with the high demand that comes along with a big crowd?
“It’s football season, let’s get them in here and take care of them. We love serving people. That’s what we do for a living and it’s just a fun time for everybody,” said Jay Yates, Chef and Owner of The Veranda.

Although Yates says game days are fun, a lot of hard work goes into making the weekend a success.

” We start preparing all week long because you’re busy during the week, so your using stuff then. We’re really building up for Thursday afternoon, Friday morning. You wont see an empty shelf in any dry storage, walk-in cooler, freezer. It’s full of product from the top to the bottom. Then you’ll go through that weekend, friday, saturday, sunday and Monday morning, the shelves will be completely empty. It’s pretty awesome to behold,” said Yates.

For those fans looking for that perfect tailgate equipment or new MSU gear, many will shop at The Lodge.

Owner John Hendricks says the first home game of the year is always their busiest weekend.

“With the game time at 8:15 for kickoff, we have all day. So we’re expecting a very busy day,” said Hendricks.

The store will bring in at least 4 extra employees to work on Saturday.

And to cater to a sold out crowd, Hendricks says the MSU merchandise is ordered months ahead of time.

” Actually we started preparing for this last January when we place orders for the merchandise. You have to book everything 6 to 9 months early,” said Hendricks.

Being in business for more than thirty years has taught Hendricks an important lesson: preparation is key.

” You have one shot at it, so you better be prepared,” said Hendricks.