Garth Brooks concert makes a big economic impact around South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Garth Brooks at Notre Dame had the city buzzing.

Big crowds meant big bucks for many who own businesses in South Bend.

Notre Dame was on a bye week and many of those businesses might not have seen the crowds they did on Saturday if it weren’t for the concert draw.

Hotels, restaurants, bars and homeowners near the Notre Dame campus said  the concert rush might have been bigger than a game day.

“We were actually almost sold out before the Garth Brooks concert was announced and when it finally was announced we were sold out within minutes,” said Alex Lawmaster, Guest Service Supervisor at Ivy Court and Suites.

The nearly 5,000 hotel rooms in St. Joseph County were full and Airbnb saw an almost 800 percent increase in searches for a place to stay in South Bend for the weekend.

Property owners around the campus saw a lot of action as well.

“Different rhythm, same amount, same volume but very different rhythm. This looks like an hour before game day and it’s four hours before Garth,” said Laszlo Nemeth,  who owns property in South Bend. 

Despite the cold weather, rain and a few snowflakes fans were still happy to see Garth Brooks at Notre Dame.

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