EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 As fans from across the country arrive in El Paso for the Korean pop group BTS concert weekend at the Sun Bowl, restaurants and other local businesses are already seeing an early surge \u2014 and bracing for even bigger crowds.<\/p>\n
Visitors have been filling hotels and packing local hotspots ahead of the major concert weekend, as businesses prepare for what El Paso city officials estimate could bring a $75 million economic impact.<\/p>\n
Some out-of-town visitors said they\u2019ve been using online resources to find places to eat and avoid the busiest areas.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: <\/a>Guide: UTEP issues Sun Bowl BTS fan guide outlines parking, ticketing, general information<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe only reason we found this place is because someone created a website to visit a bunch of food places and entertainment,\u201d one visitor said.<\/p>\n With crowds expected in El Paso, one visitor said their group is relying on a friend who lives in the city to help them avoid the busiest spots.<\/p>\n \u201cI think since she knows where to go, she’s taking us to places that aren’t super crowded. So we don’t get caught up in the crowd too,\u201d the person said, referring to their friend who lives in El Paso.<\/p>\n Restaurants near UTEP, including Crave Kitchen and Bar and Rib Hut along Cincinnati, said the rush has already started and could surpass other major event weekends.<\/p>\n \u201cIt started yesterday actually,\u201d said Nicholas, a Rib Hut server. \u201cWe started getting a lot of BTS revenue.\u201d<\/p>\n Crave Kitchen and Bar server Mary-Elizabeth Sanchez said staff have been preparing for the weekend\u2019s crowds.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Downtown El Paso businesses brace for crowds as major events pack weekend<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe always do our best to prepare, but sometimes it does get a little bit crazy, but we are so excited about it,\u201d Sanchez said. \u201cWe’ve been waiting for this, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n Rib Hut manager Adriana said she\u2019s glad visitors are stopping by the longtime El Paso restaurant.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m very happy that they’re coming to experience rib hut that’s been in our city for 35 years,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n With the expected surge, wait times are also climbing. <\/p>\n Restaurant staff said past concert weekends have led to waits of more than an hour, and they\u2019re urging customers to plan ahead before heading out.<\/p>\n \u201cI’ve seen our longest wait times, I think for a concert it was about an hour and a half,\u201d Sanchez said.<\/p>\n Nicholas said Rib Hut has seen similar waits during busy weekends. <\/p>\n \u201cWe were looking at anywhere from like 45 minutes to maybe like an hour and a half,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n