WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Chuck Lorenzetti, manager of the Greene Turtle restaurant at the Verizon Center, says business doubles when the home team Washington Wizards play and triples when they play the great teams like L.A., Miami and Chicago.
He predicts employees of the Verizon Center will lose a shift if the NBA Commissioner goes through with a promise to cancel the first two weeks of the season if talks between owners and players don't produce a deal on Monday.
Wizards owner Ted Leonsis wasn't commenting on the talks. He also owns the Washington Capitals who opened season play at the Verizon Center over the weekend.
One restaurant owner said the Caps generate about $45,000 in added revenue on game night. It's the same for the Georgetown Hoyas.
She said Wizards fans don't spend as much, perhaps because the team is rebuilding and doesn't win as much, or draw the sellout crowds.