College Football Playoff game a big win for Indiana

Playoff game big win for Indiana economy

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Fighting Irish weren’t the only winners in Friday night’s College Football Playoff game. 

It was a big win for Indiana businesses. 

Notre Dame’s home victory over the Indiana Hoosiers drew national attention, thousands of visitors, and a $36 million economic impact according to a preliminary estimate from Visit South Bend Mishawaka

Tourism officials won’t have final hotel data until Tuesday. But ahead of the game VSBM said short-term rental stays, like Airbnb and VRBO, doubled in the area compared to last December. 

That accounts for more than 4,200 rooms a night. 

Businesses in Bloomington also benefited from IU’s historic season under new Head Coach Curt Cignetti after Indiana sold out its last four home games of the season. 

The Irish beat the Hoosiers 27-17 in the first matchup under the new 12-team College Football Playoff.

Now, Notre Dame fans will travel to New Orleans to see their team play in the second round of the playoff, when the Irish face Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.