With all of the activities planned and the Homecoming football game against Central Michigan this Saturday, local business owners are anticipating an increase in business this weekend.

Jeff Dobie, owner of Fatty’s Pub and Grille, 1312 W. Lincoln Highway, said he usually doubles or triples his staff for Homecoming weekend.

“NIU is no longer a suitcase school,” Dobie said. “Every football game is basically like Homecoming now, which is great.”

Pete Matarangas, owner of Lukulos Restaurant, 1101 W. Lincoln Highway, also said his establishment receives an increase in business over Homecoming weekend and prepares accordingly.

Matarangas also expressed some concern for safety during the weekend.

“The only thing that scares us is the concert event planned,” Matarangas said. “Last year during the Ludacris concert, we had to close early because it became too dangerous.”

Dobie also said things got somewhat out of hand last year, but said this year he feels the town is ready and can handle it.

“There is absolutely no question in my mind that the city can handle Homecoming weekend,” Dobie said.

Renee Klus, a manager at Pizza Hut, 701 W. Lincoln Highway, said the restaurant has an extra six to seven people on staff during Homecoming. Its business is nearly double what it would do on a typical weekend, she said.

Despite the popularity of football games now, Homecoming weekend is still the weekend that brings in the most business, Klus said.

The Convocation Center has a concert planned at 8 p.m. on Saturday with music artists Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Lil’ Scrappy and Shawnna.

“Homecoming is an exciting weekend for everyone,” said Kevin Selover, marketing manager for the Convo Center. “Our staff will be ready for a larger crowd that weekend, but we will prepare for it like we do for every football game.”

Selover said he feels there will be enough time for people attending the football game to exit the lot and the people attending the concert to enter.

“We went through this same scenario last year with the Ludacris concert and the transition went smoothly,” Selover said.