Cancer Research Classic Boosting Wheeling Businesses
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WHEELING -- As the Cancer Research Classic attracts visitors from across the country to Wheeling this weekend, local businesses are anticipating a boost in customers.
The 12th annual basketball tournament, in its first year downtown at WesBanco Arena, is having an impact on restaurants and other businesses. It previously was held at Wheeling Jesuit University, located east of the downtown on Washington Avenue.
"We're excited about the opportunity to serve all the local and out-of-town guests to see all this great talent," said Jason Miller co-owner of River City Restaurant, 1400 Main St.
The restaurant experienced an uptick in calls for reservations for Friday and today, when the tournament takes place, Miller said Friday afternoon.
"I'm personally a basketball fan and enjoy having all the competition across the street there," he said. "It's just another opportunity for people to visit the downtown area and see all that Wheeling has to offer."
Another business near the arena, DiCarlo's Pizza at 1311 Main St., expects to see more customers this weekend.
"We do well when there's any event at WesBanco, and with one of this magnitude we should do very well," owner Toni DiCarlo said. "
Any event that brings people into town is a plus."
Oglebay's Resort and Conference Center also sees an influx of patrons during the tournament. Many of the teams lodge there during the Classic, said Herb Faulkenberry, vice president of sales and marketing for Oglebay.
"We love having them here," Faulkenberry said. "For us it's a delightful and very active weekend to say the least."
Oglebay also houses sports commentators from MetroNews and ESPN, he said.
In addition, Mike Duplaga, owner of Generations Restaurant and Pub, 338 National Road, said his business is helped by the event. People who are taking a break from the tournament tend to stop by, he said.
"It's always great to see new faces any time there's more people in town," Duplaga said.
Beyond the influx of customers, Miller added that he enjoys the event itself.
"It's a wonderful competition. It's basically 12 games in 24 hours," he said. "To have that in one arena is great."