The Reno 1868 FC’s soccer season has kicked off and the Aces’ baseball season is right around the corner. Fans are not the only ones reaping the rewards of these two teams playing at Greater Nevada Field. It is also benefiting some businesses.
“For every game we have we at least double the staff so we can handle the business that comes in,” said Red’s Broken Bat BBQ shift manager Kenneth Paul. The restaurant gets a rush in business for 1868 home soccer games. That is in addition to the rush they see during the Reno Aces baseball season which is right around the corner.“You got to figure a lot of people come in from different areas. So it’s a big flow of business coming in,” said Paul. He says the restaurant is seeing an increase in a particular demographic during the 1868 home games.
“I notice especially on those days a lot of the hispanic community has come in. I was waiting tables on that first game. The whole section was Los Unikos, their families, and friends. It's pretty neat,” said Paul. The 1868 supporter group Los Unikos, frequents Red's BBQ. The group even plays music that helps attract more business.”We have a couple drinks to get warm in this weather. And then we practice some chants and play the drums a little bit,” said Los Unikos member Pedro Barajas. “The Los Unikos bring a lot of energy and just liven up the environment,” said Paul. In order to make the most of the 1868 fan base, Red's BBQ has added raffles, as well as giveaways of 1868 merchandise. The kitchen has also changed the menu to appeal to fans. “We are serving authentic street tacos. We have specials on Mexican import beers. We also have an 1868 salad, new sandwiches, and burgers,” said Paul.
The restaurant is also showing the team's away games. So when the team is competing elsewhere, people are still coming in to have drinks or a bite to eat at Red’s BBQ.
