Western Wisconsin cashing in on Super Bowl

HUDSON, Wis. (AP) - Hospitality venues, retailers and other locales in western Wisconsin are capitalizing on the economic benefits generated by the Super Bowl being held in neighboring Minnesota.

Businesses in Hudson and other surrounding cities in Wisconsin are within an easy commute to the NFL's biggest game. U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis is about a 45-minute drive away.

So the area is cashing in on football fan traffic. Hotel rooms in Hudson, a city of about 12,700, are going for as much as $500 a night.

"It'll be fun to have some new guests that have probably never been to our area," said Mary Weller, Hudson's tourism director.

Homeowners are listing their properties on Airbnb and other vacation rental websites for top dollar, the Wisconsin State Journal reported . The owner of a four-bedroom house in Hudson is asking for $1,250 a night, with a five-night minimum.

One of the more expensive and eye-popping properties available for rent is a pink Victorian mansion, which is listed at $7,250 a night. Brooke Fleetwood's 4,400-square-foot, four-bedroom home sits in Hudson's historic district. It was built in 1883. The house includes a workout room, oversized ornate furniture and a stripper pole.

"I got the idea from a client and figured, 'Why not? Let's see if it rents,'" said Fleetwood, who runs a beauty business.

In nearby New Richmond, the regional airport will land more than two dozen private jets.

"Getting out of this area is the big challenge," said airport director Mike Demulling. "We're really getting about five to six weeks of business in one weekend. To me, it's a chance to utilize the airport to its fullest potential."

A team of 20 volunteers will help with airport operations, Demulling said.

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Information from: Wisconsin State Journal, http://www.madison.com/wsj