Michael Deemer, President & CEO from The Downtown Cleveland Alliance spoke to Bill about how did the NBA All Star Game impact Downtown Cleveland - when events of this kind take place in Downtown, how does that impact the business economy?
Coming off a big weekend for Downtown Cleveland, how did the NBA All Star Game impact Downtown Cleveland?
- Continues to build on track record for hosting large-scale events- 2021 NFL Draft, 2019 MLB All Star, 2016 RNC
- NBA estimated $100 economic impact for Cleveland economy
- Boost for retail and hotel market- Downtown was packed
- Great national televised coverage- NBA tip off from Rock Hall. Live shots of Downtown Cleveland/ national stage
When events of this kind take place in Downtown, how does that impact the business economy?
- Talked about the economic boost
- Several businesses opened prior to the NBA ASG- Filter (Warehouse), House of Creole, The Fruit Stand (Playhouse square), Indie E. 4th
- Pop up retail in vacant storefronts- Akron based Kicks Lounge in former Geiger’s location- Hank Willis Thomas activation in the Caxton Building
- Tower City was packed- The Real Black Friday brought 200 Black businesses to Downtown Cleveland
- February is usually when we see lower foot traffic impacting businesses
- NBA ASG and weekend provided significant boost for local retailers
- DCA ambassadors worked hard throughout the weekend working hand in hand with law enforcement, prior to the event clearing sidewalks- shout out to the Ambassadors for their work to improve the pedestrian experience for our tourists this past weekend
- Hydration Spark- Grand opening, Feb, 24th- The Athlon at the CAC- New business opening.
- Great energy coming off ASW
For more information or if you’re interested in relocating or expanding into Downtown, visit Downtowncleveland.com