NEW ORLEANS — The city is planning for a big influx of visitors next week. As many as 150,000 people are expected to converge downtown and in the French Quarter beginning Thursday for a long weekend. So, the city is preparing.
Company's coming to town, a lot of it.
“From what we've seen, even just the merchandising, is larger than some festivals on its own,” said Collin Arnold, New Orleans' director of homeland security and emergency preparedness.
That's Swiftie merch for the three upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in the dome. And she has a "big reputation" for drawing crowds. Now add in Halloween revelers and the opening game for the Pelicans, and next week, “we may never, ever, ever” see crowds of this enormity, well at least until the Super Bowl.
So, city officials want to make the "whole place shimmer."
“We will also activate multiple social media platforms to award Taylor Swift with not only a key to the city", said LaToya Cantrell, Mayor of New Orleans. "But just showing the real love that only the city of New Orleans can produce and provide," she said.
They want it to shimmer, while at the same time be safe.
“We know of no specific threat to any of these concerts at this time," said Arnold. "We were briefed by our federal partners with Homeland Security investigations. We will have FBI and HSI on board with us. They will be looking for things like human trafficking, which is always important in these events."
Hotel occupancy next weekend is 100 percent. That’s higher than Mardi Gras.
NOPD officers will be at 100 percent too, working 12-hour shifts, with extra light towers deployed. All ride-sharing pickups and drop-offs are assigned to Duncan Plaza, across the street from City Hall's front door, where a free, three-day festival will showcase local music.
“Food trucks, cultural artists, and artisans, who will be showcasing their talents, and showcasing to all the world what we do here in New Orleans,” said Frederick “Wood” Delahoussaye, Deputy Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy.
Champions Square outside of the Dome is for those with tickets. Once inside, you can't leave to put your merch in your car. The Smoothie King Arena is for those without tickets who want to buy merch. Some instances of hotels changing prices on people previously booked have been reversed.
“We always ask our hotels to honor the original rates, and put their best foot forward, because it says what we do best, and that's to be hospitable, and not take advantage of people in that regard,” said Mary Beth Romig, Associate Vice President of Communications and Public Relations, New Orleans & Company.
The economic impact has everyone singing.
“Shake it off. “Shake it off,” Mayor Cantrell laughed as she sang her favorite Taylor Swift song.
The rules and times of Champions Square are very specific.
For the details, click here.
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