HOUSTON – As the Houston Texans take their third shot at the playoffs in franchise history, the city is hoping this weekend will help with the economy and the city's image nationwide.
According to The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, an estimated 40 million people will watch the Texans host the Kansas City Chiefs across the country.
In Houston, David Hicks nearly broke the bank making sure his family is decked out in Texans gear at the team store at NRG Stadium. He also takes the term "fan" to a whole new level.
"I've never missed a Texans game. I schedule my wedding and brain surgery around the Texans schedule," Hicks said.
Chief among the fans were the ones from Kansas City touching down at Hobby Airport, not afraid of enemy territory.
"(I'm) pretty comfortable so far. Everyone has been real nice in Houston. Let's hope it stays that way," said Jason Magers, a Chiefs fan traveling with his father for the game.
KPRC 2 met everyone from the diehards to a couple of longtime friends with a bunch of extra miles to burn.
"Every year I go to all Chiefs games. In town, out of town and especially the playoffs," said Gary Helms flying in from Kansas City.
"Sterling and I are high school buddies so the minute they won the advancement he called me and said, 'Do you want to go?' And I'm like, 'Yeah I want to go,'" Karina Snider, a Chiefs fan, said referring to her friend standing next to her.
While the Magers paid for their rental car, they won't be going to Hotel Derek in the Galleria because there's simply no room this weekend.
"Well I think this is a great boost for the economy for a weekend that's traditionally very slow, quite soft after the holidays where people have really spent their money," said General Manager Mark Noyes. "For some reason they'll find their way to find the money to come to a playoff game for the Texans and it's going to be an exciting weekend."
Looking ahead to Super Bowl 51 in 2017 at NRG Stadium? it shouldn't be a problem for the 5-year-old hotel.
"Our hotel is sold out for the Super Bowl already," Noyes said.