TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) – The NHRA is used to bringing large crowds to Topeka, and city leaders hope this year will be no exception. His three-day event attracts thousands of out-of-town guests who help boost Topeka’s economic growth.
“It’s still day one. Of course, we expect a little more to come out tomorrow, and the finals will be packed. Expenditures are about the same. Of course, we had a few years of sluggishness with the pandemic, but we’re back on track.” It’s up and running, and we’re up and running fast,” said Mike Bell, Vice President of Sports at Visit Topeka.
Bell says the people who fill the stands also fill the city’s hotels. With the Wanamaker people reporting a full house.
Bell says it doesn’t stop there.
“Well, we’re expecting about 10,000 people this weekend. Every day, those 10,000 people spend money in our community on everything from packs of gum to tanks of gas to even hotels.” So we expect an economic impact of $8 million to $10 million, which is direct spending,” Bell said.
Out-of-town guests say they must be enjoying the city while they’re here.
“We’re staying at VRBO and we’re going out to dinner tonight. There’s a girl involved, so we’ll probably shop somewhere else,” says Travis Shumake’s mom, Susie Shumake. We go out and shop, we love supporting communities that come from small communities, but we are so excited to be in Topeka.”
The NHRA Nationals run through August 14th. Discounts are available for military and first responders.
Click here to purchase tickets.
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