Figure skating championships bring big business to downtown Halifax

Only one full day of competition remains at the 2016 Canadian Tire National Figure Skating Championships in Halifax, and restaurant owners are grateful for the business.

After a 20-month break, three time world champion Patrick Chan took part in his first competition. He electrified the crowd with an amazing performance. Chan sits in first place after the senior men's short program.

Defending women's champion Kaetlyn Osmond is in first place after the women's short program. 

'The seats are full and we're happy'

While fans have been flocking to Scotiabank Centre to see skaters such as Chan and Osmond, they've also been flooding downtown restaurants.

Prior to Friday night's skate program, the Midtown Tavern and Lounge was packed with skating fans.

"They might not be as big of a beer drinking crowd as we get for some other things, but there's lots of wine and lots of desserts," Midtown co-owner Eric Grant said.

"Overall the seats are full and we're happy. My guys are busy working and everybody who's sitting down has a smile on their face, so it's all good."

Skating fans liven up a slow month

The business brought by the skating fans comes at a time of year when business is generally very slow.

It's "way better than it would've have been without these guys here," Grant said.

"January is a slow month — been a slow month forever and ever."

• Canadian figure skating championships: Kaetlyn Osmond, 20, continues comeback
• Chan rules men's short program at figure skating nationals
• Nova Scotia's Stephie Walmlsey to compete at figure skating championships

Fans visit from across Canada

The skating championship has brought fans from all across the country to Halifax. With the event now swinging into high gear with the senior division taking center stage, the intensity of fans is rising, too.

"I'm really looking forward to seniors because I'm going to the worlds in Boston," Sylvia Reesor from Pickering, Ont., said.

"I'm anxious to see who's going to win and go represent Canada."

'I am addicted'

Karen Tobin came to the skating nationals from Cape Breton.

"My first nationals was back in '85 and my first Skate Canada was in '83," Tobin said. "I am addicted."

All winners will be determined Saturday.   

A gala skate, featuring top performers from all divisions, is set for Sunday afternoon.