Strongman Economic Impact
Save Email Print
Posted: 8:53 AM Sep 8, 2008
Strongman Economic Impact
Local hotels and motels in Charleston say their occupancy is normal for this time of year, despite the World's Strongest Man Competition.
Reporter: Carrie Jones
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
Font Size:

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (WSAZ) -- You would think that a competition drawing athletes and fans from around the world would have a major economic impact on Charleston, but that's not the case.

We checked with several local hotels and motels and they're telling us the occupancy is about normal.

However, organizers are expecting larger crowds during the finals next weekend.

Charleston Mayor Danny Jones says the city didn't expect to make a bunch of money during the World Strongman competition.

Instead, he hopes it will give the city world wide recognition when the event airs on ESPN later this year.

Latest Comments

Posted by: anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:04 PM

Of course the other hotels aren't seeing any of the business that the competition has brought to town. that's because the good mayor handed all the business to the Marriott. the tax payers are footing the bill one way or another for something that may or will never happen from the ESPN coverage. I'm sure someone watching the competition will turn and look at their family and say we should go to Charleston, WV. I highly doubt that will happen. What the area hotels should be asking is why didn't the mayor share the competition attendees with all of the full service hotels instead of just the Marriott
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Beth on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:55 PM

With every type of business there is always a beginning. You have to get your name out there by word of mouth and then once that's established you will see the profit just start flowing. Let's just use this as a stepping stone in our quest for bringing more economic growth to our state. I can't wait till the finals....it's so exciting!
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:36 PM

Why don't $2 Danny charge them a user fee. If they are inside the city limits they are using the city streets and they have EMT, fire and police services. Oh what am I thinking, Jones only takes advantage of working men and women not visitors of his private little kingdom he calls Charleston.
[ Report Abuse ]
More Stories
Search for WV, OH, KY Local Businesses:
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
WSAZ.com Most Popular / Most Comments
National Headlines - CNN.com
First Warning Hour-By-Hour Forecasts
+ Ashland, KY
+ Athens, OH
+ Beckley, WV
+ Charleston, WV
+ Clarksburg, WV
+ Clay, WV
+ Gallipolis, OH
+ Huntington, WV
+ Ironton, OH
+ Logan, WV
+ Morgantown, WV 		+ Paintsville, KY
+ Parkersburg, WV
+ Pikeville, KY
+ Pomeroy, OH
+ Portsmouth,OH
+ Ripley, WV
+ Spencer, WV
+ Sutton, WV
+ Wayne, WV
+ Wheeling, WV
+ Williamson, WV


WSAZ.com Sponsor Sections & Links
WSAZ Olympic Zone web channel
Full 2010 Olympic coverage from the WSAZ Olympic Zone. Coverage begins Friday, Feb. 12, at 7:30p with the Opening Ceremony on WSAZ
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
A glittering holiday show full of fun and surprises for the whole family! Children thrill as Santa takes them on a magical ride to his workshop.
Healthy Connections Healthy Connections
Find a local health professional
Moms4Moms presented by McDonald's
A collection of resources here to help Moms weather the daily storms that come along with parenting.
SOMC
Very good things are happening here
WV Lottery
Nightly drawings and numbers
Big Sandy
For all your furniture and appliance needs
Healthy Tri-State
Tips to live a healthier lifestyle