All proceeds from tickets were said to support businesses impacted by the BRT construction.

“It brings in a lot more people, it’s also been beneficial because it helps people who have never heard of us before,” said Miranda Spencer of The 99ers Sports Bar.

The BRT construction project has created significant challenges for Colfax businesses, with many reporting difficulties attracting customers through construction zones.

“We had fences up, we had barrels up, we had semi-trucks and big tractors and things that kind of blocked out business,” said Justin Jenkins of Crazy Mountain Brewing Company.

Spencer and her co-owner, Annie Weaver, said customers frequently struggle to find their entrance amid the construction.

“A lot of it is, ‘Hey, how do you get there? Hey, how do you get to the entrance?'” Spencer said. “Most of the time, we have to walk out and direct people where to go.”

The 99ers Sports Bar staff described the construction period as particularly difficult.

“Right now it really sucks ’cause it’s really hard to get to our bar,” an employee said. “We are kind of hidden in here, and we are kind of a unique concept.”

The pub crawl provided a welcome influx of foot traffic, Spencer and Weaver said.

The BRT construction project has been moving in segments from west to east along Colfax Avenue. Jenkins said the phased approach has provided some benefits.

“It’s really helped that they have been going in sections,” he said. “It gave us a chance for three or four weeks to stock up on our inventory. Of course, we would rather serve than gain more product.”

Business owners report seeing early signs of recovery as construction progresses.

“We can kind of see that the foot traffic has been picking up,” Jenkins said.

However, challenges remain for businesses in areas where construction is just beginning. Jenkins noted seeing some boarded windows and closed doors in sections to the east, where work is starting.