Sooners in the SEC brings economic boost to the metro.

NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — The University of Oklahoma officially joined the SEC with its first game against the Tennessee Vols.

While the Sooners lost, city leaders say businesses were big winners, already feeling an economic boost.

Hotels in Norman and across Oklahoma City were sold out, filled with fans wearing Tennessee orange.

"We know that the 3,000 or so hotel rooms we have in Norman is never going to meet the full demand of the 83,000-86,000 tickets that are sold for the football games, so these these games impact the entire metro area from Edmond to Oklahoma City, Midwest City," said Dan Schemm, president of Visit Norman and Norman Sports.

Schemm says in Norman average daily rates were up about 40 percent compared to a Big 12 game.

"Being that Norman is obviously right next to the stadium and where the football energy is, we get higher rates for that and SEC fans are just used to paying more," said Schemm.

Length of stay is also up by about a day, meaning visitors are staying longer and spending more money.

"It brings those new dollars into the community, it helps support all the things that make our cities better for us as residents to live in. It sort of improves our quality of life," said Schemm.

With more SEC match ups to come, leaders say this is more than short-term business.

"Oklahoma has the chance to convert first-time visitors into loyal guests who return for future visits, vacations, or even business opportunities. The SEC provides an ongoing platform to highlight what makes Oklahoma special, beyond the football field," said James Leewright, president and CEO, Oklahoma Restaurant Association, Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association, Oklahoma Travel Industry Association and Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation.

Norman and Oklahoma City are ready to welcome South Carolina and Alabama fans and anticipate an even larger impact from those fans.