Gahl: All-Star Weekend creates ‘unique opportunity’ for Indy
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowNBA All-Star Weekend, a global intersection of sports, arts and culture, is just about to tip off in downtown Indianapolis with more than 125,000 visitors—including some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment—expected to shell out big bucks at local hotels, restaurants and All-Star-related events.
Indianapolis was originally set to host the event in 2021, but the city’s hosting duties were pushed to this year due to the pandemic.
The big weekend is the culmination of a seven-year journey dating back to 2017 when Larry Bird drove an IndyCar to deliver Indy’s proposal to host the game, which is now expected to generate some $320 million for the local economy,
Visit Indy Senior Vice President Chris Gahl said on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick said Indy has a unique opportunity to showcase itself.
“You have the 1,800 credentialed media who will be bantering about our city,” Gahl said. “Fifty corporations are setting up in Indianapolis; we’re talking Google, Nike, Under Armour, Gatorade, AT&T, Amex. These corporations are entertaining C-suite executives, many of which we know haven’t been here a while, if ever. They get to see our city as a visitor bounce back and bring their business, bounce back and bring their family or their convention. And so it’s the caliber of visitors that we’re really looking forward to.”
In addition to the potential of business attraction from the event, the fan and visitor experience is also key for city officials. One big aspect is the NBA’s testing of a full-video, LED glass court at Lucas Oil Stadium that will be used for the skills competition, the 3-point contest, the slam dunk competition, and more.
“We get the benefit of seeing it with sponsor activity and the word ‘Indianapolis’ on this floor inside Lucas Oil Stadium,” said Gahl. “Of course that is a big win for us because…that allows us as a city and state to welcome more fans to see this technology.”
The NBA All-Star Weekend festivities begin on Friday. You view the full schedule of events here.