http://www.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/local/article/arnold_to_bring_big_muscles_big_crowds/13534/
By Donna Willis
Web Content Coordinator
Published: March 5, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Terminator was set to take over Central Ohio this weekend.
It’s only hours away from the big start to the Arnold Sports Festival at the Columbus Convention Center.
NBC 4’s Patrick Preston DUG DEEPER Thursday to find out what impact the economy is having on this year’s festivities.
The festival was scheduled to open Friday, March 6, and run through Sunday, March 8.
Big muscles and big crowds are a natural combo at the annual Arnold Sports Festival, but with 2009 comes a big recession.
Why are organizers hoping to grow, then?
“This year, we’re expecting an even greater year than we’ve had any year before,“ event founder Jim Lorimer said.
Instead of bracing for a freefall, Lorimer said he thinks this year’s crowd count can beat last year’s tally with 165,000 people
With admission still $10, and free to kids younger than 10 attending with a parent, Lorimer hoped the price point, the Arnold brand and the uniqueness of the festival can carry it through choppy financial waters.
“What’s happening here is rather counter-cyclical as far as the economy goes,“ Lorimer said about the festival.
A couple of good signs: The festival grew to 700 paying exhibitors this year – that’s 50 over last year, and there’s a waiting list.
Lorimer said nearly 100 hotels are filled, and the economic impact could rival last year’s estimate of $41 million in outside dollars brought into Central Ohio.
But one sign of the economic times: The number of participants in some events involving parents are down.
“This year there is a slight drop off in gymnastics participation, but there’s still 3,000 gymnasts coming in,“ Lorimer said.
Add that to more than 4,000 cheerleaders, 1,000 wrestlers and, of course, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and you have a recipe for Central Ohio success.
http://arnoldsportsfestival.com/“>Click here for more festival information including a full schedule of events.
