INDIANAPOLIS -
Work is underway inside the Convention Center where the NFL Experience is taking shape, and all around Lucas Oil Stadium signs of the Super Bowl are in full bloom.
"We've got people everywhere," said Dianna Boyce of the Super Bowl host committee. "You see tents go up, you've got some of the finishing levels being put on the zip line, decorations going up," said Boyce.
As the countdown clock ticks on, it is officially crunch time downtown.
"This city will be heating up," Boyce told Eyewitness News.
Nearly every building, every walkway now dons a banner. The sidewalks are being cleared of snow and slush, and windows washed to a sparkling finish.
"We just want to exceed any expectation as far as guest service," said Cindy Israel with the host committee.
As the city is sprucing up on the outside, local businesses are stocking up in anticipation of big crowds. Now they're just waiting for the sweet payoff.
According to Melisa Johnston at South Bend Chocolate Company, the Super Bowl will be like Christmas in February.
The store has been scrubbed, display cases stocked and their "guesstimated" best seller perfected.
"Hot chocolate is definitely going to be the biggest thing. I think it's going to be cold, freezing outside maybe yeah hopefully not but that's what we expect," said Johnston.
Just as the city works hard to roll out the red carpet for her guests, businesses are doing the same. To South Bend Chocolate Company, this is much more than a football game - it's an opportunity that money just can't buy.
"Bring some attention to our name and I think this will bring change to our business as well as others that are local to Indiana," said Johnston.
From Monument Circle down to Lucas Oil Stadium, great care is going into each and every finishing touch to show the world what Hoosier hospitality is all about.
