If you have to travel around town, you may be dreading this weekend. Local businesses are not. They are shouting for joy. With at least four different major events happening over the Labor Day weekend, area businesses will be bringing in the cash.
Clifford Tukes, of the original Gyro King, says he's getting ready for the expected crowds.
"It's going to be non-stop, like 14, 15 hours straight," said Tukes.
Tukes is prepping for the thousands of people that will converge on downtown Atlanta over the Labor Day weekend. With plenty of events occurring over the holiday weekend, the city stands to bring in a lot of cash.
For the first time, Chick-fil-A is hosting two kickoff games.
"You've got four teams coming in from out of town and they have the majority of the tickets, unlike the Chick-fil-A Bowl where we sell a lot of tickets locally. These are people coming from out of town," said Gary Stokan, CEO and President of the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
The expected 135,000 college football fans are bringing about $50 million with them. The Chick-fil-A Bowl and kickoff games are two of the top five money-making conventions in the state. And rounding out that ranking is another guest this weekend – DragonCon.
"We're in downtown Atlanta. We take up five hotels. We've got almost 55,000 people expected this year. It's going to be an amazing event," said Dan Carroll of DragonCon
The attendees may dress up as their favorite science fiction or fantasy character, but their money is still good.
DragonCon usually adds about $40 million in revenue to the state. And when you add other events around town like NASCAR in Hampton, which organizers say is 49 percent out of town spectators, it only adds to the expected income for the area.
"Atlanta is kind of like the New York of the south, so for them to be able to come to some of these great restaurants we have, some of the great shopping we have in Atlanta and stay in beautiful hotels, it's a win, win, win for everybody," said Stokan.
Metro Atlanta boasts an $11 billion hospitality industry that sustains 230,000 jobs.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 5:41 AM EDT2013-05-15 09:41:00 GMT
The recession hasn't spared any age group, but it's been especially hard on seniors. More and more Americans 62 and older are turning to reverse mortgages to supplement their cash. But is it right for you?
The recession hasn't spared any age group, but it's been especially hard on seniors. More and more Americans 62 and older are turning to reverse mortgages to supplement their cash. But is it right for you?
Wednesday, May 15 2013 5:04 AM EDT2013-05-15 09:04:58 GMT
The amount of money many of us pay in taxes in a given year is often times larger than any purchase we'd make. Where does that really money go? Well, there is a way to find out.
The amount of money many of us pay in taxes in a given year is often times larger than any purchase we'd make. Where does that really money go? Well, there is a way to find out.
Monday, May 13 2013 6:56 AM EDT2013-05-13 10:56:00 GMT
It's pretty normal these days when you're apartment hunting to be asked to pay an application fee. Those fees can be pretty steep, and can be at least $50 for every application.
It's pretty normal these days when you're apartment hunting to be asked to pay an application fee. Those fees can be pretty steep, and can be at least $50 for every application.
Wednesday, May 8 2013 10:01 AM EDT2013-05-08 14:01:02 GMT
Do you recall that New Year budget resolution you made? Do you even remember what it was? Did you even make one? Fox Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello says fear not, there is still time to reset your resolution.
Do you recall that New Year budget resolution you made? Do you even remember what it was? Did you even make one? Fox Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello says fear not, there is still time to reset your resolution or even set up a budget.
FOX 13 / WTVT-TV 3213 West Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, Florida 33609 Main: (813) 876-1313 Newsroom: (813) 870-9630 Fax: (813) 871-3135
