X-Games bring in millions for city, and businesses are preparing

The X-Games have officially begun and businesses are preparing for big crowds expected to descend on Austin. Athletes are also preparing just as much as businesses.

Tarah Geiger has traveled the country participating in endurocross competitions but nothing could've prepared her for the love she would get right here in the capital city--last year.

"Coming from la the crowds weren't huge but we get a lot of viewers on TV, but here everybody came out and there's a lot of people cheering us on," said Geiger.

She's just one of the hundreds of athletes from across the globe engaging in the X-Games.

"Enduro-X is dirt bikes, we ride them off road on a course and the course involves riding over rocks, logs, in water pits in sand pits," said Geiger.

Chong Rowland manages Quizno's on Congress Avenue, right where the Moto-X-Step up competition is set up. She says she's ready for the extra business.

"Very excited, very excited. I just couldn't believe how they put them in the dirt in the middle of the street," said Rowland.

The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau says the event brings in tons of money to area businesses like Quizno's.

"They are setting up for the workers. They come over here eating, so our business is a little bit better than normal," said Rowland.

This is the second time the X-Games are in Austin. The city has a charm athletes can't seem resist.

"Austin is unbelievable the culture here and everybody's so friendly and just welcoming, there's so much going on," said Michael Clark-Hucker, BMX Dirt Athlete.

"Austin's all about the music festivals and they're all about going out and experiencing what Austin brings in for them so it's cool to seem x-games come to town and everybody come out and support it," said Geiger.

There is a weekend full of music and more competition at the Circuit of the Americas.