THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 26, 1995 TAG: 9502240204
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 30 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER C. O'DONNELL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
WRESTLING FANS aren't the only ones looking forward to the Virginia AAA State Wrestling Tournament next weekend. Local businesses are gearing up for what they hope will be a profitable weekend as state wrestling teams, coaches, parents and fans from other parts of the state roll into town.
This year is the first year Chesapeake has hosted the tournament. Organizers for the tournament and officials at the Chamber of Commerce are hoping the event will give local businesses a big boost.
``Sporting events like this help the area's economic growth,'' said Phil Storey, manager of the Holiday Inn at Greenbrier and chairman of the Chamber's Tourism Taskforce.
``If all goes well, we'd like to see the tournament back again next year and we'd like to see other sporting events come here as well.''
Jim Delutis, general manager of Martin Screen Prints knows how a major sporting event can help business. For the past three years, Martin Screen Prints has attended numerous sporting activities across the state to sell T-shirts and other printed apparel to Virginia high school athletes and fans.
``These state championships are like the Olympics to these kids. There's always a big turnout,'' said Delutis. ``The state events we've been to have had a very positive impact on our business.''
Delutis expects to sell between 500 and 800 souvenir T-shirts over the weekend, which he says is a very respectable amount. ``We're going to keep the presses rolling all weekend,'' said Delutis. ``We want to be sure we have enough to meet demand.''
Local hotel and restaurant managers think their businesses will also benefit from the tournament, which is expected to bring in around 1,500 or more tourists.
``Events like this greatly increase hotel occupancy levels,'' said Storey. ``We're expecting as much as a 40 percent occupancy increase at the Holiday Inn.''
Other area hotels are also planning on a robust weekend. ``It's difficult to say how busy we'll be,'' said Shannan Harrigan, manager of the Wellesley Inn at Greenbrier. ``We've already rented more rooms than usual, but people often wait until the last minute to make reservations.''
Area hotels anticipate a 20 to 40 percent increase in occupancy, which according to Storey is a plum to the entire community.
``Last year the city collected approximately $750,000 in lodging taxes. That's why events like this are so important to the area.''
Although area restaurants aren't sure how much business to expect, they are making sure they'll be adequately staffed for the weekend.
``We're always fully staffed on weekend nights, but I'm going to make sure I have enough on staff for the day shifts as well,'' said Bonnie O'Rear, manager of the Olive Garden restaurant in Greenbrier.
Angelo Dajon, manager of Hardee's on Great Bridge Boulevard said his restaurant's location couldn't be more ideal. ``We're just one mile from Oscar Smith High School so we think we'll get an influx of people on their way to and from the match.'' Dajon also anticipates additional coverage for the weekend.
Area businesses were told about the tournament several months ago. ``We wanted to be sure they were ready for the influx of visitors. We're confident our businesses will accommodate any out-of-towners and present the city in a very positive light,'' said Storey.
Norfolk State University hosted the AAA State Wrestling Tournament in 1986 but the event usually takes place in Richmond.
``We're hoping that will change,'' said Storey. ``With the new auditorium at Oscar Smith we think Chesapeake is a more logical choice.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos by PETER. D. SUNDBERG
Jim Delutis of Martin Screen Prints is looking forward to tournament
T-shirt sales.
T-shirts are still in the making at Martin's. The company expects to
sell 500-800 over the weekend.
by CNB