Detroit Auto Show expected to bring big economic boost as crowds descend on city
Big economic impact expected from Detroit Auto Show
The Detroit Auto Show is underway, and like previous years, it is expected to bring a big boost to the city's economy.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - As the Detroit Auto Show gets underway, the city is expecting to see a big boost from the event that draws crowds from around the world.
The show begins Wednesday with media and industry days before opening to the public on Saturday and running through the 25th. During that time, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit Detroit.
By the numbers:
Last year's show drew about 275,000 people to the area whose visits boosted the local economy by about $370 million.
In the past two decades, it is estimated that the auto show has brought $5 billion to the area.
Local perspective:
Restaurant workers in Detroit said auto show time always brings a spike in customers, including during times when they may otherwise not be busy, like lunchtime.
In addition to eating, these visitors are staying in Detroit hotels and shopping at Detroit stores, bringing a boost to both hospitality and retail as well.
Detroit Auto Show tickets:
The Detroit Auto Show will be open to the public from Jan. 17-25.