allaboutwomen

By Thomas Grillo
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 - Updated 35 minutes ago
+ Recent Articles

Hub sports bars and sporting-goods stores are gearing up for an economic touchdown with a strong postseason run by the New England Patriots [team stats].

“The Pats breezed through the end of the season, but now there’s a new challenge and a new level of excitement and we’re looking forward to it,’’ said Peter Colton, owner of The Fours, a pub on Canal Street near the TD Garden. “The playoffs and a possible Super Bowl appearance would definitely boost business.’’

As the Pats prepare for another run at an NFL championship with possibly two home playoff games, merchants are stocking up to meet the rising demand from fans.

Charlie Greene, manager of Waxy O’Connor Irish Pub on Main Street in Foxboro, is readying for the playoffs by ordering more food and alcohol.

The pub does an all-you-can-eat buffet before games and shuttles ticket-holders to Gillette Stadium and back to the bar after the game for $25.

“People are all fired up,’’ he said. “We’re expecting larger crowds for the playoffs and it should be busier than ever.’’

At the Patriots Pro Shop, store manager Michael Periello said the hot products right now are the AFC East champion caps selling for $25 and T-shirts at $20.

By the time of the first playoff game, Periello expects the best selling items will be jerseys, Pats party platters, glasses, party ware and grilling utensils.

“If fans are not fortunate to attend the game, many will host what we call ‘home tailgate parties’ . . . and they’ll want to have everyone who

comes to have something as if they were going to the game,’’ Periello said.

Robert Christensen, general manager at the CBS Scene Restaurant & Bar at Patriot Place, expects a surge of fans well ahead of the 4:30 p.m. kickoff for the AFC divisional-round game on Jan. 16. Before last Sunday’s season finale, the restaurant was packed minutes after its 10 a.m. opening for the 1 p.m. kickoff.

“We anticipate huge lines on playoff days for people who want to eat and drink but not have to tailgate in the elements,’’ he said. “Our busiest night so far was the Monday Night Football game (on Dec. 6) against the Jets, but I expect the playoffs will break those records.’’

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS: Paige Parson, a sales associate at the New England Patriots Pro Shop at Patriots Place in Foxboro, ?stocks up on division championship T-shirts.