DES MOINES, Iowa — We're in the middle of the IHSAA boys state wrestling tournament, and more businesses are expected to see an influx of people Friday night after matches finish.
The tournament began Wednesday and ends on Saturday. Some local shops and restaurants say it's "the busiest four days of the year".
"People comin' in going, 'It's nice to sit down here, because it's absolute madness up there', which is great," said Bob Trader, general manager of Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Compan. "We want people going nuts at those events. And then, when it's time to wind down, and you know, grab a burger and some beer, We want to be the place to be."
Restaurant staff have been all hands on deck for the event, which is just a couple blocks away from the state tournament.
"It's hard to kind of stop and have a long conversation with anyone," Trader added. But when he has had the chance to talk with people amidst the busy hours, he's gotten the chance to see some old friends from his alma matter.
Even closer to Wells Fargo Arena at Buzzard Billy's, it's also been non-stop business for the past few days.
Buzzard Billy's manager Falken Jaramillo said he and other managers have been running around, bouncing between the bar, the kitchen and the host stand as customers have come through the entrance on what seems like no end.
The restaurant said this wrestling tournament provides Buzzard Billy's with the four busiest days of the year, which they admit is really good for business, stress aside.
"We all look forward to it throughout the year," Jaramillo said.
Even though there's still one day left of the tournament, restaurants around Des Moines want to continue to welcome wrestling fans, even as the boys high school wrestling season comes to an end.