INDIANAPOLIS \u2014 People from around the world will fill downtown Indianapolis streets this weekend for a wide array of events.<\/p>\n
Taylor Schaffer, president and CEO of Downtown Indy Inc.<\/a>, said, \u201cFrom the Indianapolis Zoo opening Zoo Boo this weekend to the international violin competition happening at Hilbert Circle Theatre, from a Colts game on Sunday and an Indy Eleven game on Saturday from WWE to Swing at Victory Field, there really is something for everybody happening in downtown Indianapolis this weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n Downtown Indy Inc. expects tens of thousands of people to visit the city this weekend.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really more meaningful when it\u2019s that mix of local regional and national audiences coming to Indianapolis and being able to get a sense of downtown, get a sense of downtown entrepreneurs and businesses at the same time they\u2019re heading to the event that they came into Indianapolis for,\u201d Schaffer said.<\/p>\n Well-established partnerships like the Circle City Classic, now in its 42nd year, and new collaborations with WWE allow the city to showcase its hospitality. Schaffer said these partnerships serve as economic drivers that attract other organizations to bring events to the city.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know how to host a lot of people all at once. We know how to get people in and out in a reasonable manner. We know how to have a walkable experience that really accommodates all those visitors, perhaps from all different walks of life, from all different areas of the community and the country,\u201d Schaffer said.<\/p>\n Visitors traveling to town for these events continue to spend money on lodging, shopping and food.<\/p>\n \u201cLocation is everything. It makes a lot of difference when there\u2019s things in town,\u201d said Brent Drescher, general manager of District Tap.<\/p>\n The bar, restaurant, and sports pub sits at the corner of Meridian and Georgia streets, within walking distance of both Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Drescher said business increases significantly when events happen in town.<\/p>\n \u201cEasily a nice uptick, by several thousand, easily,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Drescher said every event provides an opportunity to boost sales and demonstrate Hoosier hospitality.<\/p>\n \u201cVery festive atmosphere. A lot of people out here have a great time, and this is just a part of their experience,\u201d Drescher said. \u201cWe take that very seriously. And we love watching them have a good time as well.\u201d<\/p>\n