Businesses in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District are gearing up for a surge of fans and energy ahead of the NFC Championship.

SEATTLE — All eyes will be on Lumen Field this Sunday as the Seahawks host the NFC Championship Game but the energy is already radiating far beyond the stadium. Just a couple-minute walk away, businesses in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (CID) are preparing for a massive wave of fans and visitors.

At Oasis Tea Zone, Seattle’s first boba shop, owner I-miun Liu says game days bring a noticeable buzz and a big boost in business.

“Every time we’ve gone to the NFC Championship or the Super Bowl, the city just comes alive,” Liu said.

Liu expects this Sunday to be packed, electric, and loud.

“You’ll hear the crowd noise, the fireworks, the touchdowns. There’s so much energy. Everyone’s in their Hawks gear, and restaurants get busier,” he said.

Liu estimates a 50% jump in sales on Seahawks game days before and after the games, thanks to fans passing through the neighborhood. But the impact goes beyond a single weekend.

“People discover Chinatown-International District for the first time and come back later with family, to eat, to explore,” Liu said. “It has a long-term effect. That’s what’s really exciting.”

The game-day crowds are already making a difference. CID Business Improvement Area Director Tuyen Than says last weekend’s playoff game brought about 48,000 people through the neighborhood, a 20% increase from last year.

“Last week was a really huge win for us,” Than said. “And this week, I’m really positive.”

To capture that excitement, the CID has been decked out in blue and green lights for Blue Friday. Than says several local bars plan to open early Sunday to welcome fans before kickoff.

“We’re coordinating with business owners to highlight their game-day specials and make sure people know the neighborhood is open and welcoming,” she said.

As the Seahawks look to punch their ticket to another Super Bowl, local business owners are optimistic.

“We’re gonna win,” Liu said confidently. “The Seahawks are going to show the world we’re a special team.”

You can stream pre and postgame coverage of the Seahawks game on Sunday on the KING 5 streaming app or mobile app. Pregame coverage begins at 3 p.m. The postgame livestream will start following the conclusion of the game and the NFC Championship trophy presentation.