Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana expected to bring big business to Jefferson Parish
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Businesses in Jefferson Parish are gearing up for the event, the first American-based open-wheel racing event at the Nola Motorsports Park.
Organizers expect the event to attract a crowd of 80,000.
It is estimated that the event will generate $100 million over three years.
Janine Dazet of the Holiday Inn expects 100 percent occupancy.
She said they want to show Indy Car racing fans that Jefferson Parish has a lot to offer.
"We hosted a large group last year that was over 100 room nights that was affiliated with NOLA Motorsports, so we're very prepared and ready to show them southern hospitality," Dazet said.
"We're used to hosting football games, basketball games, fishing tournaments," Councilman Chris Roberts said. "Racing is something new that's on the spectrum, so it's an evolving sport. Racing has become very popular in the last decade. We're excited to be at the forefront of that," said councilman Chris Roberts
Roberts said Jefferson Parish is sometimes overshadowed by Orleans Parish, so they want to seize the opportunity.
"We hope the business in the area benefit from that," Roberts said. "We have a lot of new restaurants, new hotels, so I'm sure they're anxious to see the crowds come."
Parish leaders also say that the race will help create and sustain jobs at Nola Motorsports Park. wdsu.com