(Memphis) The Liberty Bowl is still days away, but Mississippi State and Rice football players are already in town warming up, and fans are beginning to flock downtown.

At Miss Pollys Soul City Cafe on Beale, they count down the days to the Liberty Bowl.

Employees say after three very slow weeks, business is picking up.

It is really amazing right now. I dont know if I have seen this many people on the street in a month,, said Lisa Smith with Miss Pollys.

At the Holiday Inn Select on Union the rooms are filling up fast.

The sale staff says with the cancellation of the St. Jude Marathon and a disappointing December, theyre grateful for the guests.

We are really excited. Any time downtown fills up we are really excited, said Cindi Lewis.

Along with the Liberty Bowl team welcome party at Autozone Park Friday night, there is also a sold out concert at the FedEx Forum.

This weekend there is also a Grizzlies game, a Tigers game, and then a Liberty Bowl Parade on Beale Street on Monday.

People who work on Beale say from now until the middle of next week, the street should be hopping.

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Liberty Bowl, Grizzlies, Concert Luring Crowds Downtown