The Nittany Lions' 2-5 record has not only affected their overall standing, but has also let down area businesses that partly rely on a good home-game turnout.

Some vendors have noticed a decrease in their sales and number of customers because of the Lions' losing streak. Employees at various stores that specialize in Penn State goods said they have seen patterns this season compared to others.

Karen Gossman, assistant manager at Lions Pride, 112 E. College Ave., said that on Saturdays she has seen a decrease in expensive items, like jackets and jewelry.

"I have noticed people coming downtown earlier and not staying for the whole game," Gossman said. "But the hardcore alumni still come out."

Bryan Demko, general manager for The Family Clothesline, 352 E. College Ave., said although he has seen fewer people this season than in the past, it has not severely affected his business.

"We're doing the same advertising and not changing anything," he said.

Some businesses, however, are doing more to attract customers, especially for major games.

Norm Brown, general manager at The Student Bookstore (SBS), 330 E. College Ave., is organizing a competition where the winner will receive either $1,000 or $25,000.

For the Penn State football game versus Ohio State University on Nov. 1, SBS will display a cardboard mascot of Brutus Buckeye, the Ohio State mascot. The mascot will lie in a coffin covered in buckeyes, and the contestant who comes closest to the actual number of buckeyes will win $1,000. If Penn State returns the first kickoff for a touchdown, the winnings will increase to $25,000, Brown said.

"We wanted to do something for the biggest game of the season," Brown said. "Hopefully it will generate traffic into the store."

The display should be set up the entire week before the game, beginning Oct. 27.

Area hotels, including the Ramada Inn, 1450 S. Atherton St., have not experienced major drops in room bookings. Management from Rodeway Inn, 1040 N. Atherton St., said popular games are usually booked.

"There was a lack of interest for the Temple and Kent State games," general manager Bob Patel said. "But we did receive a positive response for Ohio State."

Bud Meredith, director of ticket operations, said despite the team's record, ticket sales have not suffered. He did say, however, there is no way to track ticket holders that do not show up in the general admission sections.

"We can track the students fairly easily," Meredith said. "There is a ticket exchange, and we know how many students initially bought tickets."

Herb Schmidt, associate athletic director, said he estimates 25,000 vehicles have been at each home game, which is average.

"Sales have not suffered, but the number of fans that we're seeing in the stadium has been slightly less than in past years," Schmidt said. "The stands never fill up, or have the appearance of being filled."

Mike Desmond, co-owner of Hotel State College, said area businesses have noticed an economic slump since 2000, but Penn State winning games can boost sales.

"Penn State fans are loyal," Desmond said. "Those fans that are true to Penn State football always come out."