BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- The last city to host the American Hockey League All-Star Classic had a population of more than five million. So when Binghamton was announced as the host city, organizers knew there were big shoes to fill.

"This was a Herculean effort to put this together. Selling the 47 [thousand] plus tickets to get a full house last night and tonight. So nothing is easy," said organizer Bob Moppert.

The year of planning came to an end with thousands of hockey fans filling the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena to see the AHL's best players.

"I make no bones about it. We wanted to have, and I want to have, the best event ever. But saying that, I want next year's event in Worcester to be even better," Moppert said.

While organizers can't say exactly how many of these fans are from out of state, we spoke with local businesses who are feeling the ripple effect of all of these people.

Downtown hotels like the Holiday Inn reported more than 90 percent of their rooms were full.

"It's unusually great to do this kind of business in January. This has been a particularly good shot in the arm for the Holiday Inn. Particularly that it falls on a Sunday and Monday," said William Stacy, Director of Sales at the Holiday Inn.

But they weren't the only businesses enjoying the fast pace. Downtown restaurants also saw a boost.

"There's a certain buzz around town. People want to come in and know what's going on. It's good for the city. It's a step in the revitalization of the area," said Gregg Alapeck, a bartender at J. Michaels.

And organizers say it's a major event mixed with Southern Tier hospitality that helps put Binghamton on the map.