Hartford is at the center of the gymnastics world this week as the US National Championships begin Thursday at the XL Center.
This is the second time the Capital City has hosted the P&G Championships. An estimated 40,000 visitors over four days are expected to generate $7 million for restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in the area, even beyond city limits.
City leaders have partnered with the XL Center to score big. Six restaurants are making special items for a three-day “Taste of the Championship” menu that Mayor Pedro Segarra and legendary coach Bela Karolyi will judge and ten other restaurants will have big discounts.
USA President Steve Penny says there’s a reason the event has returned to the city saying, “more than anything you feel welcome here.”
Penny says USA Gymnastics has several partners with them in Hartford this week who will be watching to see what the city does right. Already he says they’ll be able to see, “everyone [here] is ready for us.”