Oct 19, 2007 5:12 pm US/Eastern
Businesses To Cash In On Big Weekend In Boston
by Peg Rusconi
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Tourists from all over the country will attend this weekend's Head of the Charles.
WBZ
As Boston business owners brace for one the busiest weekends in the city, tourists scramble to get last minute reservations.
According to the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, this weekend has the potential to be a record setting weekend in terms of dollars pumped into the economy as a perfect storm of visitors prepare to flood Boston.
With 36,000 fans packing Fenway Park for each Red Sox game, hundreds of boats filling the waters for the Charles Regatta and a quarter of a million spectators, Boston will be busting at the seams with activity and tourists.
Baseball metaphors come easily at the Hotel Commonwealth, which is just a home run ball away from Fenway Park.
"If you think Josh Beckett has ice water in his veins, you should see these kids when they've got 40 people in line to check in," said Terry Guiney of the Hotel Commonwealth.
"I just wonder if the baseball fans know there's a rowing event?" said one tourist.
On top of that, it's Boston University's parents weekend.
"I did pay attention to the Red Sox, and I knew it would be crazy, but I had no idea about Head of the Charles," said BU parent Dexter Braff.
Snagging last minute hotel rooms will be no easy task for visitors.
"Our favored clients, our VIPs if you would, and these are the people now calling and saying do you have a room for me, and the answer is, not really. Maybe," said Guiney.
Those planning to dine out with large parties should probably have a reservation.
"We have a little flexibility but between that and the Head of the Charles and BU parents weekend, we're going to be stretched," said Garrett Harker of Eastern Standard.
In addition to the Red Sox game, or games, the Head of the Charles, and BU parents weekend, there are two big conventions, making tickets, taxis and reservations hard to get this weekend.
The city of Boston has issued a traffic advisory for the weekend Red Sox games. There will be road closures and parking restrictions.
Click here for a full list of road closures.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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