Local businesses scoring big with Rams-49ers playoff matchup set for this weekend
PISMO BEACH, Calif. -- This weekend's NFC Championship Game is a drawing a lot of interest with football fans across the Central Coast.
With the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers set to face off this Sunday in Sofi Stadium, fans are showing their allegiance to their favorite teams.
"It's phenomenal," said Marie Kastenek. "People are happy to see their team going all the way. Both believe in their team, so they're out supporting them definitely."
Kastenek has owned The Sports Forum store in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo for more than 30 years at each location.
She said sales of Rams and 49ers merchandise has been strong all week long.
"We have a lot of clients that are going to the game, so they in here getting their gear, getting ready for the game," said Kastenek. "They don't know what to expect when they get there, so they're going to try and shop local and pick up some gear on their way."
At Sportscard Fantasy's in the Santa Maria Town Center mall, business has also been very strong over the past several days.
"It's been great," said Sportscard Fantasty's owner Curt Miller. "Our problem is just getting merchandise in, having enough stuff to satisfy everybody, but sales have been great."
Miller said sales will continue to build right through kickoff on Sunday afternoon.
"It will get busy tonight (Friday), said Miller. "It will get really busy tomorrow right until the end, and then, first thing Sunday morning we'll be busy for quite a while and we'll be busy right up to game time."
Both Kastenek and Miller agreed that a huge bonus is that no matter who wins, California is guaranteed to have a team play in Super Bowl LVI, which will be held in the Rams home, Sofi Stadium in Inglewood. She said her business will benefit who ever wins on Sunday.
"Either one of the two, we already have the product ordered," said Kastenek. "We're ready to go, so we have a bunch of good championship gear, so we're ready."
"It will work out fine for me," said Miller. "We do have all the conference championship coming in for either Rams or Niners, so we've got two California teams and one of them is going to be in the Super Bowl."
The NFC Championship game is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 30 at 3:30 p.m. You can watch the game locally on NewsChannel 11.
The winner will take on the AFC champion, either the Kansas City Chiefs or Cincinnati Bengals, in Super Bowl LVI, which is set for Sunday, Feb. 13 in Sofi Stadium.
