COLUMBUS, Ohio -- If you're going Downtown this weekend, expect a crowd.
The Arnold Sports Festival, one of the largest events of its kind, began Friday at the Columbus Convention Center.
In a time when many business owners still are feeling the effects of a shaky economy, they're now hoping to cash in on some of the $41.2 million officials expect all those visitors to spend.
Some 170,000 visitors and 18,000 athletes from across the nation and around the world are expected to converge on Columbus this weekend.
Dave Engeman, who is visiting from Euclid, says there’s no place he’d rather be.
“It's motivating to see everyone that's in shape or has the same interests as you,” he says.
While the typical person may see attendees as fitness enthusiasts, business owners also are seeing dollar signs because of people such as Engeman.
“I save up the whole year. It's one of those things where I know it's coming. So I save up money,” he says.
Scott Bosak is the general manager of the Drury Inn & Suites near the Columbus Convention Center.
“It's one of our busiest weekends of the entire year,” says Bosak.
He says the event is a welcome sight, especially during these tough economic times.
“Our hotel -- the demand is unreal. I could sell probably three times my hotel easy without even blinking," he said.
Bosack isn't alone, either.
In fact, Hubert Vilamowski, owner of Hania's Olde World Cuisine in the North Market says he expects, and hopes, for a boost in business as well.
“I think like 30 to 40 percent more than regular,” he says. "Last month was very slow."
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