Super bucks from the Super Bowl

For the first time, the Super Bowl will be hosted in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Arlington is sure to get the spotlight this weekend, but the public's been in debate as to whether all the attention will be positive for the metroplex.

While some may not particularly care for the game itself, it's definitely a big opportunity for businesses to boom. At The Chronicle, we believe that the Super Bowl will be a chance for businesses to receive profitable margins of income that they otherwise wouldn't be able to see and will give the North Texas economy a positive outcome.

Those who will be profiting from the situation range from hotels and bartenders to police forces and security guards.

Hotels in McKinney (about an hour drive to the stadium) have been booked since December and those in Arlington for over six months. Some hotels have been acknowledged for doubling their rates. Although this might be looked at as taking advantage of the public, in retrospect, it's in the best interest of the company and it's almost guaranteed that fans will be willing to pay a higher price the closer they are to the stadium.

Restaurants and stores in the surrounding area have been hiring more help in preparation of the big game. This is definitely a positive outcome for those who have been out of work and an opportunity for temporary workers to make some extra cash.  Eateries and bars are bound to see a constant flow of traffic beginning as early as today. From now through the big game, staff will have an opportunity to bank by having a steady cycle of customers.

Like the grocery store, liquor stores will be receiving a large spike in their sales between now and Sunday. This will be a large help to the currently struggling independent stores. Yet, another reason to stay off the roads.

Among those to be profiting from the event are police officers and security. More than likely they will be receiving overtime pay that will be provided by the NFL and other affiliated organizations. The crime rate is bound to rise with the overwhelming number of visitors. Because of this, police forces will need all hands on deck and will most likely be willing to dish out the price for having extra staff.

The only real negative outcome we can see is that traffic in the metroplex will be a pain this weekend. Because of the increase in traffic, we'll likely see a spike in the gas prices around the area. That said, it'd be wise to go ahead and fill up as soon as possible.

Along with gas, any necessary football-watching snacks should be purchased in advance. That way, you don't have to fight the guy in the cheese-wedge hat for the last bag of tortilla chips.

Having the Super Bowl in our hometown will affect everyone, avid football fan or not. Although we might have to put up with some potentially annoying out-of-state guests, it'll be worth it for the economic benefits the metroplex will receive. If anything, we suggest staying off the major highways this weekend and staying local.